RE-ORGANISATION OF BOROUGH STAFF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2721, 15 April 1924, Page 2

RE-ORGANISATION OF BOROUGH STAFF.

MULTITUDINOUS DUTIES IMPOSED.

At last night’s Borough Council meeting the Finance Committee’s report was read as follows:

“It was decided by the committee (hat the estimates submitted by the Borough treasurer for the year ending 31st March, 1925, be recommended for adoption. Thai it is regretted that owing to the restricted finances of the Borough, the application from the roadman for an increase in wages cannot be acceded to. That in the opinion of the committee, the services of two employees can be dispensed with.” The report called for much comment by Councillors iimk it was decided to go into committee to deal with the matter. On resuming in open council the Mayor moved the adoption of the report. In doing so he said that the general rale this year woyld be a fraction more than Id more than last year, The gas rate, however would be reduced from Id to id, making a total reduction in the gas rate of £sl 10/-. Other increases would bring the rates up to IOJd, these being mostly interest payments which could not be reduced.

The report was adopted and it was decided Unit Mr Parker he given one month’s notice of termination of appointment of poundkeepor and nightsoil contractor; that Mr Neville he offered the poundkeeper’s cottage at a rental of 12/per week payable monthly; also the appointment of poundkeeper under present conditions; also that he be appointed traffic inspector, custodian of recreation grounds and reserves and by-laws inspector for ali matters under the by-laws such as buildings’, hawkers’, dangerous goods, noxious weeds, overhanging trees, etc., in addition to his present duties of waterworks foreman and inspector of by-laws of water and drainage-matters; and shall, when available, give eight hours of iiis time, per week, on outside work at the gasworks as required by the gasworks manager at his present wage of £5 per week. That Mr McKnight be appointed nightman for the pans still remaining and to retain the positions of sexton, dog tax collector, also to carry qut the duties of lamplighter as at present until the electric power becomes available, but shall relinquish his duties at the gasworks of 17 hours per week. In addition to these duties, he shall assist in traffic inspection work, as this requires two men, and when otherwise available shall be available to any other department as casual labour, for the total wages of £4 5/- per week. Burial fees in respect of the cemetery shall remain as at present. An allowance of 10/- per week shall also be made in respect of horse feed for the horse; that the forgoing re-or-ganisation of duties shall take effect upon the retirement of the poundkeeper. That the appointments provided herein for Mr MeKnight and Mi - Neville he reviewed iu six months. Crs Bryant, Parkin, Smith and Ross voted against the motion. For: The Mayor and Crs. Coley, Adams, Walker and Thompson.