HOW THE MONEY GOES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3640, 13 March 1883, Page 4

HOW THE MONEY GOES.

Wu take the following from the Herald's report of the last meeting of the New Plymouth Harbor Board :—Mr Davidson objected to an account rendered for supplying tho diver* with rum at the works, and he moved " That it, be not paid." Mr Bundle thought tho divers required spirits when they were called upon to work overtime. Mr Rhiud .said the reason tho divers were supplied with rum was that they were sometimes required to work several hours overtime, and it was customary that the divers should have rum under such circumstances. Ho would not allow the men to get the rum themselves, because he had made it a rule that no man was to bring liquor to the works. Mr Newman would rather give the men Gd per day extra, when they worked overtime, than allow them rum, The Chairman explained that Mr Rhind had been in the habit of giving the divers rum ut his own expense, and when he (the Chairman) was aware of this, he gave the authority to supply tho men with a small allowance of rum, as it was not right that Mr Eliiud .should pay for it out of his own pocket. Mr Shuttlcworlh considered the account ought to be passed, as the Chairman had authorised it. and lie thought Mr Davidson should Avithdrnw his objection. Mr Davidson: "I won't withdraw my motion —it is against my principles. A glass of ringer beer would do as well as rum." Mr Paul: "Oh, nonsense, that is a matter of opinion" (laughter). Mr Davidson's motion, "That the account be not paid," was put to the meeting, and lost, and the acoiint was accordingly passed. Mr Davidson moved " That no'spirits be granted in future to the divers on the works at the expense of the Board." He said he had hoard a great deal about illegal expenditure of the Board's funds, but lie thought nothing could be inure illegal than buying nun with the money. It was certainly not expending the money in the construction of tho breakwater. Mr Paul: "That is not a fair way to put it. If two gallons of rum given to the mou induce;! thorn to work when it was required, it would be of great value t<; the Board, The motion was put and lost on the following division : —Ayes (2): Messrs Davidson and Newman. Noes (.V: : Messrs Rundle, Bayly, Shuttleworth, Paid, and King.