The Chronicle LEVIN. THURSDAY,MAY 17, 1917. BCROUGH COUNCIL PROBLEMS.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 17 May 1917, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. THURSDAY,MAY 17, 1917. BCROUGH COUNCIL PROBLEMS.

A few problems will arise for consideration by Levin Borough Council at next week's meeting. One is the matter; of council roadmen's wages; There are a great many aspects from which th 3 subject should be looked at in normal timee—and within restricted limits it would be well to keep them in mind to-day; but it should be remembered, aiso, that in times of national disturbance nn extra amount of individual disturbance is apt to manifest itself cn ocearion, with the result that discipline necessary to proper administration becomes lax. In writing thus we make no condonation of the insubordination alleged, but would ask councillors to consider the matter from a standpoint other than that of the "unbending custodian tof public property"; in short to let the offenders off with a caution and Incidentally to raise their wages as requested. To do this would, be" no act of weakness; the true position was well stated by the councillor who complained' of the men's failure in duty and 'at the same time admitted that the council's present scale of laborers' wages was insufficient to allow of men living properly in such times of abnormal prices as at present ruled. Another problem that the new council will have to face will be the appointment of representatives on the

Horowhenua Lake Domain Boa/rd. When fcho present European members of the hoard were appointed there was a tacit undertaking amongst them (as borough councillors) that councillors alone should hold office on the board. By the whirligig of municipal politics these members to a. man have ceased to hold office as councillors, but unless they choose to resign they will he eligible to retain board membesrhip in terms of the Lake Act under which they were 'appointed. As most of them were against the appointment of non-conncillors to the board, and the late council . decided accordingly, it will be of interest to note how they—and the new council > —will approach the present position.