COUNTY ADMINISTRATION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 265, 2 July 1932, Page 6

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION

HUGH

RUSSELL.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — It is remarkable how those we elect to administer our affairs all ride the willing horse, and "sit on those who through lack of time and energy are unable to enter into argument. It is regretable to visualise the state of affairs existing in the adminisration of local county council. The time has surely arrived when the ratepayers should bestir themseives, grasp with a firm hand the helm, and control those elected in such a manner that the affairs of our council will be administered for the benefit of the community as a whole and not for the benefit of a few, as is taking place at the present time, i.e., "the administrative staff." Councillor J. E. Martin's motion tabled at a recent council meeting is' to be commended: All that an employee should expect in present. times is a reasonably fair living wage, and I claim that the higher salaried officers are getting more than they are justly entitled to, viewing the position of those whose duty it is to pay their salaries. In connection with the ehairman's position, I consider it should be honorary in these abnormal times. The whole council is antiquated in the matter of fair and equal representation, and ratepayers should see that the existing state of affairs is altered. At present we have two ridings, each with three councillors, and with any one of the three disclaiming all responsibility for any particular section of roadway. What°is required is at least seven ' ridings and "those off the main high- | way." There should be one mem- , ber for each riding, the same as ex- ; ists in any other progressive county. Ratepayers would then have, at all times, the riding councillor to bring their grievances before. | Clayton Road is, at the present time, a disgrace to any administrai tive body, where the salaried officers draw annually something like ten thousand pounds, e.quivalent to ini terest and sinking fund. | Our Rotorua County Council has degenerated into an unemployed bureau at the above cost with no really progressive works in hand, and with the rates struck for the current year showing only a slig'ht reduction. Surely it is time the ratepayers bestirred themseives and took the matter up. I am, etc.

June 29.