MUNICIPAL PLUMBER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2617, 9 August 1923, Page 2

MUNICIPAL PLUMBER.

At Tuesday nmht’s meeting of the Borough Council, the Water and Drainage Committee’s report wa» read, recommending that Mr Roy s appointment as local municipal plumber be cancelled. In discussing the report Cr. Smith said that the committee had brought down the only report they could in the circumstances. Mr Rroy had not only given the Council a great deal of worry, but cost them a good deal of expense. He would be pleased to mo\c the adoption of the report. The Mayor said that the Council had received a letter from Mr H, G. Potts, a local plumber, who had made application for the position rendered vacant if the Council decided to sever connection with Mr Roy. Personally he would like to see a local man get the position. The Mayor then moved that Mr Potts be appointed to the position. Cr. Adams said that the Council should not have gone out of town for a plumber in the first place. He objected to such a policy. Cr. Smith said that he had changed his mind in the matter of importing a plumber. He suggested calling applications for the position. Cr. Ross said the position was ridiculous. There were at present, not enough plumbers to do the work. If a local man was appointed to the position of municipal plumber that would mean one less to do the work.

The Mayor pointed out .that Air Neville would be able to work with Mr Potts if appointed to (he position.

Cr Ross said that if the work, could be done expeditiously by the present local plumbers he was quite satisfied. They had not made very good progress so far, however. Cr. Smith said that if a local plumber was appointed it would mean one plumber less for the would-be connectors to get a price from. If a municipal plumber warappointed he would be engaged mi Council work for some time. Cr. Walker said that if Mr Polls was appointed to the position perhaps a man would take over his plumbing business. Mi- Potts was then called in and answered several questions submitted to him. He said that he knew of no one to take over his business.

Cr. Ross said that if the work went on at the same rate as at present the Council would want two more plumbers, not one. Mr Potts pointed out certain obstacles that had delayed local plumbers and said that better progress would be made in the future. The local plumbers certainly had been given a. bad name. The Mayor to Mr Potts: Do you think the work could be done more expeditiously if we appoint you municipal plumber?

This question brought forth laughter from Councillors who considered it rather pointed. Cr. MeMurray pointed out that the good weather was now ahead of them and this would help to speed up connections. Cr. Smith then gave notice to move the following motion: “That, the previous motion re appointment of plumber be rescinded and that all Council work for water and drainage be contracted for by public tender.

Tlie Mayor held over his motion and the matter was dropped until the next meeting of the Council.