“FISHY WORK.”

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 245, 12 July 1928, Page 4

“FISHY WORK.”

RATEPAYER’S COMPLAINT. That appearances are sometimes deceptive, and lead the unthinking to wrong conclusions, was proved at Monday’s meeting of the Putaruru Town Board, when a question was asked in regard to some shingle work which had been done opposite a ratepayer’s residence. Mr. Barr Brown stated that shingle had been put down opposite Mr. F. C. Barnett’s residence to give him access over the new earthwork, while another ratepayer had been refused when he applied for some. The speaker said he had seen Mr. Barnett spreading the shingle and had been told that the board was paying part and Mr. Barnett was paying part. It seemed funny that one ratepayer should be refused and next day another should get it. He had received strong complaints because it looked as if there was “ fishy ” work going on.

The Chairman : There is no “fishy” work of any description—not to the extent of a postage stamp. I don’t know what people told you, but the position is that Mr. Carr approached me with regard to an urgent request by Mr. Barnett for metal, stating that Mr. Barnett was willing to pay for it. I pointed out the by-law, and suggested that metal be put down over the pathway—Mr. Barnett paying for the metal and the board for the shingle, as provided by the loan. The same offer was made to another ratepayer and was turned down. Mr. Tomalin : I was approached too and I told them that there was no fishy work or favouritism about this board and whatever happened there would be some good explanation for it.

Mr. Neal : I was spoken to also and I gave them practically the same answer. Mr. Barr Brown : Well, I spoke to Mr. Barnett and he told me himself that the board was paying for part. The Chairman: Well, there has been a misunderstanding. If anyone has a grievance he should come to the board. There has been no favouritism of any description. My own view is that any work done by the contractor should go through the board and that is why I brought the mptter up previously. The matter then dropped.