The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1933. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1933. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

The reported “breeze” at the municipal table last week seemed to be much ado about nothing. With all due respect to Mr McGavin, who stood alone in liis attitude, he did not give any cogent reason why the Town Clerk should he turned out of office. That however, appeared to be the new councillor’s determination. Mr McGavin won a respectable position at the late poll, even though it was known he had a “set” against the Council’s executive officer. Because of Mr McGavin’s position on the poll, his attitude might be entitled to some respect, but if the position is considered in all its hearings, it is difficult to understand .his action, and that seems to be recognised by the Council as a .whole, because there was no support given to Mr McGavin’s proposal. The public generally will be aware that in the present Town Clerk, the town has > a very capable and well tried officer. Mr Coles served a long term ,in the public service, and retired with every credit from the department. It is one of the ostensible objections raised by' Mr. McGavin that Mr Coles receives superannuation. That' of course can bo admitted, ns also the fact that .afLAougand faithful service was well earned. Mr Coles was appointed to the position of Town Clerk from public .competition. Applications were - in vited, '.and- - f rom the number the choice was made. Experience has slibwu that the' choice was an excellent one, and Borough affairs have: , been conducted with every credit, and we should say with satisfaction to the ratepayers who must feel that the trust is in reliable hands. Mr Coles is well known as an earnest worker, and has not spared himself in the discharge of his duties, and the town has reaped* the benefit of the faithful service. Mr McGavin has taken the- stand that the officer should not draw two salaries! But the superannuation pay was earned in advance, and is Mr Coles’ as a right, and what ever ether duty, he might take up, he would be entitled to his superannuation as..lpyg as the country is able to pay it H’mch: is a proviso worth bearing in mind these difficult times). So far as the Borough pay is concerned it will be admitted by all familiar with the position that the present Town Clerk returns good value. He is a most conscientious officer, and ratepayers, and those doing business with the Council, must have found him very considerate and courteous in his dealings. In many respects it might be said Mr Coles is an exemplary officer, and it- seems most unfair that Mr McGavin should pursue this vendetta of his against an officer who in the public service of the country and in local government enjoys the highest reputation. It can be well understood that at the Council taljle last week, Mr McGavin’s voice was heard alone on the subject which seems to he growing as an obsession upon him. Probably he will be disposed to return to the attack, but if lie does, no doubt the Council will display studied indifference to an attack which seems to be |>cra of a desire for personal spite arising out of an incident quite outside municipal affairs, and apart altogether from ' civic interests. This irci'dent as ,it developed in the lark of support, given Mr McGavin, showed clearly Mr Coles had the confidence of the Council, and there the matter might well rest.