APPOINTMENT OF BOROUGH FOREMAN.

Shannon News, 7 September 1923, Page 3

APPOINTMENT OF BOROUGH FOREMAN.

REDUCTION OF WAGES. ■When consideration of the applications for the position of Borough foreman was before the Council on Tuesday night; opposition was raised by Crs. Gardner, Butt and Beard to the reduction made in the wages; and the majority ol councillors were of opinion that as the man had to look alter the horses on Sundays and was responsible for the safety of Borough material, the position being, one of responsibility and to get a good man to carry out these duties satisfactorily tlffey had to pay good wages, but councillors at the same time recognised they had the financial aspect of the Borough to keep in view. Cr. Gardner said that, a meeting of five councillors at a previous meeting had taken upon, themselves to make this drastic change of reducing the wages. He thought an important question like this should be left to a, full meeting off the- Council. As it was, three members defeated six. Cr. Gunning said lie attended the meeting referred to and they were quite in order, as the by-laws provided that, a majority present could carry on.

The Mayor said that lie at. all times endeavoured to give all matters a fair hearing. He said he knew one councillor was absent, at the time owing to illness, but he did not know thie reasons for the others being away. Had he, held up the business lie would have been blamed for not going on and vice versa. “I hold no brief for any applicant,” he said. “W'e are now paying more wages thain other public bodies.” , He said be would be, the last man to cut down wages but- the ratepayers had to be studied and given value for their mdnjey. Finally, after councillors had aired their views, Cr. C urr; m moved and Cr. Gardner seconded'that “The wages be the same as paid to the iate roadman.”

‘An amendment was moved by Cr. Hyde seconded by Cr. Gunning, that a "man be, appointed at, the wages as advertised.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried by six to three. . Ten applications were received for the position the choice falling on Mr F. Haley, who has been filling the position temporarily.