THE GAS WORKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1694, 3 April 1917, Page 2

THE GAS WORKS.

MANAGER RESIGNS. ASKED TO RECONSIDER DECISION. At last night’s Borough Council meeting the following letter was read from the gas works manager, Mr M. H. Hamilton: —“1 wish to notify yon that I have the offer of a more profitable appointment, and in keeping with the terms of my agreement with your Council 1 ask yon to kindly accept the necessary notice. In thanking you for past personal courtesy shown, I would point out that the works would be left in good order, and detail notes will be left in reference to street mains and services. The sections of the ironwork belonging to the second gas bolder will be readily placed together by a mechanic, and full instructions will be left. I would respectfully call attention to the fuel that 1 have not taken the usual annual holidays while in your employ, and have taken n<> time off except the public holidays. Also 1 have .never required the gas allowed for my private use, which would amount to over 50,000 ft. Any material consideration for these forfeited privileges would be appreciated, as the salary received has not advanced with the increase in business. It has been a pleasure to mo to note the rapid increase in sales of gas while 1 have been your manager, and for the twelve months just past; we have sold well over one and ahalf million feet more than was sold I lie year before 1 entered the Connell's employ. The consumption is now up to a profit earning standard." The Mayor moved: "Thai Mr Hamilton he asked to reconsider his resignation as managin’ of the gas works, and that he he offered an increase of salary to £5 per week." The mover'said that in Mr Hamilton the Council had a good gas manager, who thoroughly uiiderslood his work, and he would he very sorry to lose him, particularly at (he present juncture, when the additions at the works were under way, as he was not only a capable gas manager, but was also an experienced ironworker. He didn’t hlameMr Hamilton for trying to belter himself, hut had asked him to wait, until after the present meeting before finally accepting the other appointment. (T Stevenson, in seconding the motion, said he endorsed all the Mayor had said. Personally lie was surprised that Mr Hamilton had remained here so long at the presold: salary, considering the general rise in wages that had taken place. He believed that if they could induce Mr Hamilton to remain they would he doing a good thing for the works and justice to the man, as he had previously been working under a, sweated wage. Cr Henderson was quite in accord with the motion. Mr Hamilton was not only a good gas manager, hut was also a blacksmith by trade, and lie would he very sorry to see him leave, particularly at the present time. in reply to a question by Cr MeColl as to whether Mr Hamilton was prepared to stay on at £5 per week, the Mayor said he could not say. He had no authority from the Council to do so, hut had only asked him to hold over his final acceptance of the other posit ion until after the Council met. Cr. McColi: I understand he wants a manager's residence. The Mayor said that he had expressed surprise to Mr Hamilton that he had not applied foi’ an increase ia salary, hut .Mr Hamilton stated that he would not make such application as his previous experience was that his employers had increased his salary when his work merited it, and he thought the same thing would apply in Foxlon; The Mayor said he pointed out that it was not usual tor local bodies to make increases until they were asked for. and Mr Hamilton said that his experience was more with private companies. He (the Mayor) was firmly convinced that the manager was entitled to the increase. .Mr Hamilton had also mentioned to him dial manager's residences were provided in connection with practically all other gas works,, and he ( the Mayor) considered that the question of providing tlie manager with it residence should he one of the first dungs the new Council, should do. The suggested increase in wages was fifteen shillings per week, and if the Councillors thought; that this amount .should he added to he would he pleased to do so. Cr Stevenson was also of opinion that the Council should have a manager's residence near the works. Cr Thompson said he was pleased to support the motion. Increases in wages were general at present., and were quite justified under existing circumstances. Cr McColi said he didn't want his attitude to he misunderstood. lie wits in favour of the motion, as he believed, with Cr Stevenson, that the manager had been working under ;i sweated wage in the past.

The motion was carried unani mously.