COUNCIL AMENITIES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 92, 20 July 1916, Page 5

COUNCIL AMENITIES.

THE CARPINC COUPLE.

REFERENCES TO OTHER WORLDS. At the Stratford County Council's ordinary meeting yesterday the now customary tiresome Baskiu-Sraith interlude ran its course. Proceedings opened suggestively when Councillor Baskin moved that time-sheeta be attacked to accounts for labor, showing particulars of time worked. Carried. The Chairman moved that an increase of ]d be added to the general rate throughout the County. He eonfiidered that the time was opportune and that after the war the position might have to bo reconsidered. Since last meeting a machine had been purchased for which £SOO would be required and with the amount of work in view, the Council would have to exercise great caution with regard to finance. The additional rate would bring in roughly about £IOOO and the settlers at the present time would not feel the impost. Or. Smith: "You are digging your own grave!" The Chairman: "I don't mind,' ! we've all got to die sometime." Cr. Walter seconded the motion and strongly supported it. He considered the increase very necessary. He had'.suggested it at the last meeting of the Council, but did not get a bearing. Councillors Were, Chistoffel, Coleman and Anderson also spoke in support, while Councillors Worthington, Smith and Baskin opposed. Cr. Smith considered that rates were getting so high and expenditure so extravagant that very soon the County would be considered a fine place to be out of. Cr. Baskin also considered that the moneys were being spent far too lavishly, and instanced the . enormous amounts spent on the upkeep of the Engineer's motor car, to say nothing of the extra-gavance of purchasing a typewriter at a cost of £lO 10s. The Chairman, in replying, pointed out that the Council was continually receiving deputations asking for improved roads and facilities, and reminded Councillors that even the Israelites had protested in olden days that they "couldn't make bricks without straw." They had adopted a schedule of expenditure on roads, and the present overdraft was bound to increase unless adequate provision was made. On a division, the motion was carried, the voting being: Ayes:—Crs. Coleman, Anderson, Christoffel, Were, Walter, and the Chairman.

Noes:—Crs. Smith, Worthington, and Baskin.

Cr. Smith referred to the dangerous state of the Esk Boad bridge iai which connection lie attacked the Engineer for reprehensible neglect. In reply to some Councillors' interjections, Cr. Smith expressed the view that "the way things go on in this Council wQUsvj^ke j H,,a dog.'^; ; , A Councillor:" "It wouid sicken a dog to listen to you." Cr. Baskin agreed with Cr. Smith that it was a &&at"*hame that various works were,■'hot''"carried out in a manner to please the uatepayers. The Chairman: "Why. man—you oppose the slight increase of a farthing on the rates and at the same time expect every trifle to be attended to." Or. Baskin: "Certainly!"

Cr. Baskin gnve notice to move at next meeting of the Council "that Ihe salary of the Engineer he reduced by £SO per annum." Cr.. Christoffel strongly resented Cr. Baskin'B action, and considered the Councillor should be ashamed to display such bitterness and ill-feeling. He reminded Cr. Baskin that other ridings were entitled to consideration as well as the North Riding, and was of opinion that the Councillor's attack would be better directed against the Council than against an employee who did his best with the means at his command.

Cr. Baskin made a complaint against other members of the Council's staff for alleged . inattention, which drew upon his head the wrath of the chair.

"There are some people who would find fault with the Almighty, and those same people wouldn't please ?he Devil," said the Chairman angrily—"if certain Councillors are not more careful in making these reckless accusations they may find it will turn out an expensive matter for the Council."

Or. Smith: "I hope you don't refer to mo Mr Chairman because I don't consider you to be an angel yourself." ' V

The Chairman: Angel or not, 1 don't want to go to heaven if you're there \

The matter was then allowed to drop, and after the accounts amounting to £4425 5s 9d had been recited by the Engineer and passed for payment the meeting waa declared adjourned.