TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 42, 10 June 1938, Page 1

TO THE EDITOR

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL Dear Sir, —-Please allow me space in your paper to comment on the Borough Council monthly meeting. I read with much interest the complaints regarding the state of the footpaths throughout the Borough, aiid wquld like to state that the paths could have been kept in good condition with the supervision of the borough foreman. 1 also consider that the late council, especially the works committee, had failed to do their duty, regarding this matter. The cost of maintaining the sealed footpaths in the borough should be very . small. 1 also read with--interest where Councillor Short .mentions that ‘the matter wa s a big thing, and was likely to bump up the rates, and he also- suggested a small loan. I should take it that the lo'anjis for the purpose of defraying the cost of labour to the said footpaths, and perhaps watertables and drains. I maintain that this work can be done by the • permanent staff and the labour which is available, T.e. relief workers, after they have finished their relief time, and done under proper supervision. This work should not place any more burden on the ratepayers. 1 would jafifso like to mention that the present council should look to the supervision of the permanent staff. 1 do not wish to cast any reflection on the staff or others working with them. I notice that at the monthly meeting there was no report submitted by the Borough foreman of the work done in the borough. Is it not the usual procedure for the foreman to ma&ei his report? I’m sure it would he very interesting to the ratepayers to 'know, why no report was made. BATTLE-AXE.

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL Sir, —It i.s reassuring to Borough 1 , ratepayers/ that at last .oiu; Borough, Councillors are largely;/_ composed 'ot businessmen.; For several years past the proportion of businessmen on the* Council was small, -consequently the Borough has/ suffered through Councillors inexperienced in finance experimenting at the public’s expense. For instance, had the previous Council been composed of several successful businessmen, as at present, it is hardly likely that the proposed white elephant municipal building scheme winch was estimated to cost anything between £Booo' and £9OOO would have been cpiisidered for a fiioment. However, ratepayers"-! have much to he thankful for that the old regime rq> ceived their running shoes and we may hope that the application of business principles may now predominate on the Council and keep fantastic and non-essential expenditure ift tile background. L v - . ANTI-WASTE.