Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1906. BOROUGH RETRENCHMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3700, 14 August 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1906. BOROUGH RETRENCHMENT.

Borough finance is in a weak state, and the Mayor has realised that fact for some time; hence it was not surprising to note that he seized the chance at last night’s Council meeting to retrench. It was certainly in a small way, but his remarks would lead us to believe that he will be found on the qui vive throughout the term of his office, and whenever possible a retrenchment policy will be adopted, should the support of the Councillors be forthcoming. In refusing to approve of the Overseer’s report on works needed during the present month, His Worship said that this was nqt the time of year when drains should be cleaned out, and he certainly thought the work was unnecessary. He had personally viewed most of the Borough roads, alLof which he found to be in perffict order, as we compared favourably with other Boroughs. If the work suggested by the Borough Overseer, viz., —cleaning of drains, was the only work needed, the Mayor thought Council had the chance before them to dispense with the services of one of the Borough workmen for a few months, and thus save themselves unnecessary expense, besides aiding Council to decrease their indebtedness. By acting in this manner, they would be studying the best interests of ratepayers. Crs Baker, Stiles, Frankland and Austin all supported the Mayor’s contention, and. the outcome was the dismissal of one of the Borough workmen for the time being. ,