A CONTRADICTION.

Manawatu Herald, 18 December 1900, Page 2

A CONTRADICTION.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE MANAWATO HERALD. Sir, — Allow me to contradict Mr W. R. Rhodes' extraordinary and incorrect statements made in last Thursday's issue of the Herald. I cannot ■ understand how it was Mr Rhodes came to make the assertions he did; Certainly be did not obtain his ideas from the authenticated source of the Council's minute book. It is surprising that a man who has so lately occupied the position of Mayor should attempt to write without knowing facts about what he was writing about. It is astonishing that Mr Rhodes is not conversant with the new Act which gives the Council no discretion as to whether they will have a Building Inspector or not ? Mr Rhodes has only just severed his connection with the Council, and therefore should know of clause 318 in the M. A. passed . by the recent sitting of Parliament. It is amazing that Cr Purcell should be credited with giving a casting vote in favour of increasing the town clerk's salary, as Ist, there was no casting vote given during the meeting; 2nd, the clerk's salary was not increased. Before the meeting last Monday the clerk drew attention to the councillors to the said clause 318, M.A., 1900, which comes into force January Ist, igoi. Crs Purcell, Walsh and myself considered that £10 was a modest moderate salary to give a person for inspecting over 260 houses and supplying certificates per annum in accordance with the Act, and that as an immediate appointment mast be made that the town clerk be made Building Inspector, believing that he would carry out his new duties as satisfactory to the ratepayers as he does his duties of town clerk. I maintain that Mr Rhodes' letter is not only a gross scandal against Crs Purcell, Walsh and myself, but against the ratepayers for their confidence In voting us to office. — I am, &c, S. H. Baker, Councillor. Foxton, December 17th, 1900.