SATURDAY HIRE OF COUNTY TRUCKS DISCUSSED

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1948, Page 2

SATURDAY HIRE OF COUNTY TRUCKS DISCUSSED

The question of . employing lhe motor trucks belonging io tne Giey county Council on a Saturday was t.iK subject of discussion at a meeting oi me'council yestemay morning. Cr. w. Eisner said that it had been against the council's uiierest io employ the trucKS on weex-ends sin*, me introduction of the 40-hour week, us the vehicles would not be covered py insurance and the councillors yvoulct nave to take the whole responsibility of working outside hours. He emphasised the need for trucks in the country districts, as at the present time it was most ditiicult xor anyone to hire trucks to do jobs. Referring to a letter from the Hatter’s Terrace School Committee, inquiring if two Council trucks could be mred at week-ends to improve the school grounds and form a road, Cr. Fisher said that the school had the lunds to pay for the work and were not wanting something for nothing. The acting-Engineer (Mr. H. Higgins) said that the Council would be able to give one truck, but the question of working on Saturdays would nave to be considered. . Cr. Fisher said he had tried to get trucks in Blackball, but this had proved impossible. , z In order to alleviate the difficulty of Saturday work, Cr. Jamieson said that a separate insurance policy should be taken out to cover the job. Cr. J. Mulcare suggested that the Highways Board should be approached on the matter. Cr. Fisher replied that the school had called tenders but had received no reply, and that their only hope now was to get help from the Council. Cr. J. Clayton said that where a public body was making a road, it was up to the Council to help them. He moved that an insurance policy be taken out by the school committee on the lorry and driver. Cr. Mulcare said that while he did not always agree with the past policy of the Council regarding employment of trucks on week-ends, the facts in this case had to be considered carefully, as it might have repercussions on any future action. Cr. Jamieson suggested that all future applicants should be given a definite policy to go by. The chairman, Cr. J. Ryan, pointed out that no move had yet eventuated, and if the driver refused to drive, then the whole scheme would fall through. Cr. Mulcare suggested that rather than break the past policy of the Council, the whole matter should bo considered at a future meeting. He moved an amendment that the matter he deferred for one month, and that the office staff and the Engineer be requested to secure information in order that a decision could be reached. Cr Clayton then withdrew h>s motion and Cr. Mulcare’s amendment was agreed to. .