CLERK AND ENGINEER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 37, 26 January 1912, Page 7

CLERK AND ENGINEER.

WHANG AMOMONA CONSIDERS AN AMALGAMATION. THE OLD ORDER UNCHANGED. At tho mooting of the Whangamomona County Council on Wednesday Or Bacon, in accordance with notice, moved that it would he advantageous to the Council if they took into consideration the advisability of combining the offices of clerk and engineer. He considered by so doing that the two offices could be carried on more efficiently. He further stated that the Council had two good men in their respective positions, but if the present arrangements was not changed, ratepayers could not come to the office at any time but on meeting days. He admitted that it would be better to have the positions separated, but as the fates woidd only allow them to pay a salary, to one good man, under the circumstances ho would move that applications should be called for a man to hold the combined positions of clerk and engineer. The Chairman seconded pro forma. He would like to hear the opinions of other councillors. Cr Coyne did not consider any information had been given to show the need of a change. He thought arrangements might bo made to have the office open once a fortnight. Cr Bacon 'considered that they should have a man on the spot. He coidd then be in the office certain days and outside the remainder, of tho time, and if this was done it would save the foreman going round tho roads days every month in order to repprt. Cr Roberton remarked that the Council could not be served better than under tho present arrangement, and considered that it would be a pity if the two offices were combined. Cr Digginst bought that some'other arrangement was needed. Cr McCutchan stated that the success of a business and also of a local body depended l to a very great extent in selecting men. The Council was extremely fortunate in the selection of their staff, and stated that the Council wore very fortunate in having an engineer like Mr Robinson who possessed quite exceptional qualifications. He considered him one of the smartest men in the provincial district. Ho also stated that Mr Coleman (the clerk) had very great knowledge of accounts and local government. When things went wrong he said there was an old French proverb, “Olierchex la fomme” (“Look for the woman”). He considered that when things went right with the Council they should look to the staff, and under the circumstances he saw no reason fo a chanrge, as no competent man could be obtained to carry on the combined offices for £3OO. Cr Cleland stated that the ratepayers were well satisfied with the present officials. In reply,' Cr Bacon thought it would be better to have the time of one man, even if it was inferior, as at present they only had partial services from two men, as they were here to-day and away to-morrow. The motion was lost, Cr. Bacon alone voting for it.