BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 556, 5 April 1913, Page 5

BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

A RATEPAYERS' MEETING

ADDRESS BY GR LEVER.

J A public meeting convened by Cr Lever for the purpose of discussing borough matters was held in the Municipal Hall last night. There was a good attendance, including the Mayor and a number of councillors. Mr F. Langßtone occupied the chair, and in a short speech referred to the object of the meeting, and claimed for Mr Lever a fair hearing. Mr Lever, who was received with applause, made a special point of the appointment of the electrical engineer, and held that a man capable of filling the dual position of borough and electriacl engineer should have been appointed. The speaker outlined the method which had been adopted in making the appointment, claiming that his protests had not been properly heeded, and that a proper opportunity had not been afforded of considering his the speaker's suggestion. Continuing Mr Lever said that receiving no support from the councillors he wrote to a man who claimed to be able to fill the dual position. The reply received was satisfactory, and he held that where an opportunity occurred of saving £2OO a year to the borough steps should be taken to give the matter a trial. The salaries of the borough amounted to about £950 and he felt the matter should not be allowed to rest where it was at present. At the conclusion of the address the chairman announced that Mr Lever would answer any questions which those present might wish to ask. Major Lusk asked if Cr Lever had not been given every opportunity by the Mayor to bring forward any motion he desired at the council meetings.—Mr Lever admitted this was so, but protested against the action of the Electric Light Committee in pushing things too hurriedly. A controversy here took place as to whether it was possible for one man to fill the two positions satisfactorily. Mr J. R. Graham asked if it was not more necessary that a system of accounts should be established showing the exact cost of each work. Mr E. C. Falwasser said he had not been at any recent borough meetings and only retained his seat till the end of the term in order to save the expense of an election. He thought that as the council had the recommendation of an eminent expert to guide it the proper course had been adopted. It was hardly reasonable to suppose that Cr Lever was in the right and all the other councillors wrong.

Mr Mostyn Jones spoke in a similar strain, and pointed out that if an engineer was appointed in the dual capacity two engineers would still be required in the electrical department. Mr E. H. Hardy, Mayor, said that, however, desirable Mr Lever's sug gestion might be at present it was not expedient. The two men were necessary in the electrical department, and the borough engineer had ample work in hand for some time. In time it might be possible to do without the borough engineer and the chief electrical engineer as well, but the council was not justified in takinag rißk with an installation costing £7OOO. A man could not be in two Dlace<* at once. Mr Eriksson asked how it was that a council composed of surveyors, farmers, engineers and speculators could attend to their own affairs and carry on the council business as well Laughter. After further general discussion a vote of thanks to Mr Lever for his address was proposed by Mr D. J. Young and seconded by Mr Mostyn Jones the latter remarking that the council was like Parliament—"Just what the people made it " At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman announced that that the names of all those desirous of forming a Ratepayers' Association would be taken.

It was decided that an association be formed and that a meeting be called for next Friday night.