THE BOROUGH ENGINEER.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1068, 3 August 1883, Page 2

THE BOROUGH ENGINEER.

Councillor McCarthy has given notice to move at the Borough Council meeting on Monday, that the Engineer receive two months’ pay in lieu of notice. With that motion we cordially agree, because wo think Mr Beere has some claim upon the Council for consideration. He has been induced to come here, we will not say upon false pretences, but certainly in the belief that his engagement tyould last some time longer than it has. He understood that there would be a £IO,OOO loan to spend, instead of which the Borough has only raised £SOOO. Acting upon this understanding, the Engineer has incurred loss in selling off his home in Wellington and bringing up his family here, naturally thinking that his employment with the Borough would extend to a sufficient length to recoup himself. With one-half the intended amount to spend, however, the Council have found it necessary to dispense with bis services—a very proper proceeding under the circumstances. But having made up their minds to got rid of the Engineer, it seems to us that the Council might, just as well do so in a way which, while not inflicting loss upon the Borough, would enable Mr Beere to have a sum towards the cost of removal, as well as being a sort of salvo to his disappointed hopes. There appears to be nothing for him to do here ; no works arc going on, and he might just as well be at Tirnbuctoo for all the good the Borough will get out of him. For this reason, therefore, and also because Mr Beere has somewhat of a grievance on the score of the brevity of his engagement, vve venture to think that the Council would do well to agree to Cr McCarthy’s motion. By doing so the Borough certainly will not suffer, and the Engineer and his grievance will be effectually disposed of.