Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 1923. MUNICIPAL PLUMBER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2624, 25 August 1923, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 1923. MUNICIPAL PLUMBER.

o IN re-affirming a resolution at last meeting, to appoint and employ a municipal plumber to carry out water and drainage connections, we believe the Council’s sole object was to -expedite household connections. It had been stated again and again that the reason for delay in this connection was due to a dearth of local plumbers, and one Councillor remarked at last meeting that there was necessity for speeding lip. As to whether the Council can successfully compete with local enterprise has yet to be proved. The Council lias material on hand and lying idle, and is committed to finance householders who require assistance, and who otherwise could neither enjoy Iho privileges of the system or comply with the by-laws. The Council’s action, therefore, would remove spell disabilities and promote healthy surroundings. We do not believe that the Council desires to enter into unfair competition with local tradesmen, as their entry into the work does not prevent freedom of action on the part of householders —it is merely to expedite the connections, and to leave no excuse for unnecessary delay. Apart from this, there is no foundation for believing that the Council can undercut the private tradesman. In fact, the hitters’ charges, as far as our personal knowledge goes, is most re-

asonable. On top of this is the fact that one local expert tradesman is prepared to forego his private connection and work for the Council at a wage of £6 per week. The Council is acting in good faith, and in the public interest, to complete the system.