THOSE DRAIN PIPES.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1009, 14 March 1883, Page 3

THOSE DRAIN PIPES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —In the issue of the Mail of the 9th a letter appears signed “ Gian Aber.” in which be raves at a drain pipe, transaction. From what appeared in a previous issue, of the proceedings of the Council, I should hardly, have thought a Councillor would have deemed it necessary to air his eloquence, or belch forth His vituperativeness through the public press. As a rule the public have a fair chance to notice that gentleman’s natural obstructiveness from reports of various public meetings he attends. However, since such a hue and cry has been started, let us know what it is about. First and foremost, it appears that the Engineer of the Borough was asked by Mr Dale if he would take a certain number of pipes. The Engineer refers the matter to the Mayor, who evidently sees no objection to taking them; especially as they are offered at a low rate and are pipes of a superior' quality (Auckland), and are likely to be wanted urgently by the Engineer for the proper execution of public works or the maintenance of some part already executed. The Engineer then procures the necessary order from the Clerk (with whom the fault lies if any, for issuing ah order, contrary to the 176 Section; part 11, Municipal Corporations Act), and the transaction is closed. There lies the offence. At the Council meeting the representatives of the ratepayers are kept for two hours wrangling and snarliuglike so many Kilkenny cats, over what appears to the public a perfectly legitimate transaction. Surely the Council and ratepayers have more confidence in their officers, especially the May or 5 than to think he would be mixed up in a shady transaction, from which he could reap no benefit. I think our present Mayor, whatever else may be his failings, has shown to the Patea public that his character as an honest man is above reproach. It is quite probable that the Engineer thought it necessary to have a small stock of drainpipes on hand, as they are a commodity in constant requisition especially where new works are; being’ undertaken and maintenance is necessary, and had the Patea Council been made up of men whose desires were to serve the • public aright they would have at once ratified the action of their Mayor and chief officer, If my memory

serves me aright, I. think the same process was gone through by the previous Mayor, the amount only differing some £3B. Bo soon as the Mayor found that there was likely to be a wrangle, he arranged to take only £l3 10s wo: th of pipes £llos in excess of that “shady linol. urn transaction,” and yet ‘ Gian Aber’ rushes into print. We hear from all sides the name of Patea abused and no doubt remains but that the actions of some of our Councillors in reference to some of these little matters do a great deal to destroy publie confidence and ruin the reputation of the place in the eyes of the outside world. Mr Barton’s action in trover did not work either, and in spite of his explanation of the ■law the Councillors could not say, neither did ■they appear at all anxious to find out, whether Mr Dale bought, stole, or found the pipes. If he really wanted to hounce the Council, why not have got an injunction from the Court. I think the' Borough Chamber is not the place for special pleadings. 7 Some few months ago we heard great talk, especially at a public meeting, about retrenchment. I have watched the proceedings of the Council since the election of the present Mayor, and can see but little done in the retrenchment line. I really think the Council might entertain the idea of reducing some of the salaries, especially that of the clerk, £l2O per year seems a large item to pay for a few hours’ work per week. In Hawera the Borough clerk gets £IUO, and in addition to the clerkship he has several minor duties to attend to . fi-ucli as Dog-tax collector, Nuisance. Inspector, &c. I have no fault to find with Mr Eyton in the discharge of his duties, but really think a reasonable reduction should be made, or applications invited and let applicants suggest their own terms..-.Under, .such an arrangement I haye no doubt the Council could secure the services of an efficient officer as clerk for £75 per annum, thus saving £45. or the interest at 6 per cent on £750. These are the matters we should like to see councillors moving in, not constantly pulling each other to pieces like so many wolves. lam See., Factotum.