RESIGNATION OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ENGINEER.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 628, 29 April 1921, Page 5

RESIGNATION OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ENGINEER.

(To the Editor). Sir, —I notice from a report in the Times that the Franklin County is about to lose the services of its head engineer, Mr McArthur, who is reported to be taking up a position m at a considerably increasearemuneration. It has occurred to me as it must have to many ot the ratepayers, if Mr McArthur’s services arc- worth so much to the Suva Administration w r hy not to a large and wealthy county of Franklin. As one who, when a member of the Council, had several years’ experience of Mr McArthur’s services, and who then, and since, has noticed the satisfactorv manner in which his various duties as engineer have been performed, I am led to ask if the Council has made any effort to retain his services? The present engineer has had all the spade work to do in connection with organising the work of a new body. He is conversant with the present works and requirements all over 'the eountv, and must for this reason be of more value than a new man ot equal standing could be for a considerable time to come. lam quite aware that the trend of things all over the country suggests wise administration and economy, but the curtailment of expenditure does not in all cases prove wise or economical. I understand the money expended by this countv is somewhere about £30,000 per annum, and it would be a mistake to lose the services of a good and tried man for the sake of a saving so small in comparison with ,the amount, of money yearly expended. Of course the Council is no doubt aware and will probably endorse all f have stated, and may have tried to induce the engineer to remain In his present position. In any case the members, who are all sound practical •men who havo tliG host interests of the coexnty at heart, will, I am sure, in no way resent my suggestion.—l PAY., etc.. JOSEPH HENRY. Patumahoe, April 25, 1921.