ENGINEER RESIGNS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4673, 12 March 1924, Page 2

ENGINEER RESIGNS

PLAINS COUNTY BOMBSHELL. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION. Something in the nature of a bombshell was dropped in - the Hauraki Plains County Council meeting yesterday by the county engineer, Mr J Higgins, who, after reading his monthly report, announced his intention of resigning for the reasons given in the following letter, which ne handed to the chairman

“I beg to tender my resignation as engineer to your county, to take effect on June 30 next. My reasons for tip• ing so may be taken chief!}' as the outcome of your arrangements in connection with metal supplies from Pitriri foi bitumen roads, resulting in my taking the responsibility for unsatisfactory work over which I have no control. “I felt some time, back that it was much against my interests to remain in the position, so I fixed a date that will tide you over the busy season, when I hope to have the principal works completed and everything cleared up for when my successor takes charge.”

Tn reply to Cr. Harris Mr Higgins said that he considered it in the interest.-, of the Council that he should resign There had been so many pinpricks and so much mud-slinging, and if he had. been informed rightly a councillor —whom later he stated was Cr. Madgwick—had beep i >aking re marks to council employees detriment to his character and ability.

Cr. Madgwick denied the statement that he had made the remarks. However, lie would move that the resignation be accepted, as he was of the opinion that the whole administration of the county could be improved, and that the engineer did not have the confidence of the council or the ratepayers.

The motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

Cr. Maym said he felt sure that the engineer had the confidence of the ratepayers. He moved that the engineer be asked to reconsider his de cision, and that the council affirm its confidence in him.

Cr. Harris, in .seconding the motion, .said he felt sure that the engineer had the full confidence of the council. He would be very sorry to sec him leave.

Cr. Parfitt said that he would support the motion. The council thoroughly trusted Mr Higgins. He had not had a fair run, having come into the district when there was not a chance of getting a. yard of metal. No engineer could make a better success than Mr Higgins had done, nor was it possible to please til the ratepayers.

Cr. Hare said tiiat any change would set the work of the county back considerably. He was sure that Netherton wa,s of the opinion that Mr Higgins was the right man m the rignt place.

Cr. McLoughlin said that he would also ask the engineer to reconsider bis decision. He pointed out that Mr Iliggim had been recommended by the Public Works Department and the Hon. Minister for Public Works. Theie was n- doubt that a small section of ratepayers in Turua were up again-t him, but he was sure that there was not a man on the western side of th? river who was not satisfied with the engineer’s integrity and ability.

Cr. Niil olson supported these re mark . Ci Haywetd said that no engineer could give universal satisfaction, and endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. The chairman remarked that the engineer had accused him of being unfair, and thought that the engineer should explain. He pointed out that there were only two more meetings before the new chairman was elected, and that he had heard of an organised movement to have him put out of the chair. He had pointed out at every meeting that he was prepared to vacate the chair. He was certainly not looking for the job next year, so the council .should look about for a new chairman.

The engineer explained that he had not accused the chairman af being unfair, but had. said that he had let him down. This had been during a conversation in reference to the remarks of a member of a deputation to the council He had expressed the opinion th;.t complaints should be in writing, so that they could be investigated. He had never thought that the chaii - mni had treated him unfairly, and wished to assure him of this and to apologise for any remark that could have led the chairman to so think.

On the motion being put all the councillors with the exception of the chairman.and Cr. Madgwick voted fo, it. and it was declared carried. Cr. Madgwick said that he would support the opinion of the majority, but he felt .sure that councillors had not the confidence of the latepayers. The machinery loan was an indication of this.

The engineer sa.id he had heard >f that, and it was one of the reasons that had tempted him to put in his resignation at that meeting. Cr. Madgwick said he was sure the next machinery loan would be turned down. Turua would cast a block vote

against it. Cr. Mayn asked what would Cr. Madgwick do if the loan was carried. Cr. Madgwick said that he would admit that he was wrong.