A MUNICIPAL MUDDLE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2207, 3 June 1908, Page 2

A MUNICIPAL MUDDLE

Mr. Jickell, an engineer from Palmerston North, is duo to arrive in Gisborne this morning. He is coming to report on drainage matters in this town, and as soon as lie sets foot on the wharf it will he to receive the information that the Council have decided that bis services in that capacity are not .required. The facts connected with this municipal muddlo are as follows:—At the Council meeting -a fortnight ago a resolution was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor to the effect that a report should be obtained from Mr. Jickell. Cr. Sheridan .thereupon gave noticeto move at the next meeting that the motion should be rescinded. AA’ithout giving any opportunity for this new motion to be considered, the Mayor summarily engaged Mr. Jickall, and when dealing with the subject last week wo showed how utterly unfair was the attitude taken up by Hi 3 AAMrsbip on the matter. As the result of tho facts wo published becoming known, two of the councillors waited upon tho Mayor, ono of thorn urging that he should save the situation whilst there was yet time bv wiring Air. Jickell and delaying any action on. that gentleman’s part pending a proper understanding with tho whole Council. Air. Lysnar refused to do this, but it appears that lio made enquiries by telegraph from certain gentlemen in Palmerston North concerning Air. Jickell’s professional qualifications. The replies received appear to have satisfied His AA 7 orship, but they would certainly fail to convince anyone else of anything save the fact tlivit Mr. Jickell is evidently a gentleman enjoying a certain amount of popularity. He may liavo tho highest qualifications as a sanitary engineer, but the fact was not evidenced in any of the telegraphed replies which His Worship exhibited to tho councillors with siicli a lino show of enthusiasm. On tlio contrary, tho claim that Air. Jickell had designed tho Palmerston North drainage seliemo was denied, and the Mayor's chief plank in advooiting his engagement was thus destroyed. Having expressed the opinion from tlio outset that tho Alestayer scheme is too expensive for Gisborne under present conditions wo were quite in. accord with the Mayor in his endeavor to postpone the taking of a poll on that proposal until further information could be obtained from other sources, but the methods he has employed in seeking that end have been such las to alienate a great deal of support which lie might otherwise have secured. His reckless action in the present instance has led to a position that must ho extremely

unpleasant lor Mr. Jickelll and all concerned, and for tho moment it is difficult to see how it is to bo rectified.