MOUNT ALBERT AFFAIRS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 146, 10 September 1927, Page 8

MOUNT ALBERT AFFAIRS

Sir, — On reading the several letters which have been published on this Gilbertian state of borough administration, .it seems very evident that the general public is not aware of what goes on in the Mount Albert borough. On taking up his duties, Mr. Cook, the engineer, had to prepare estimates for the £750,000 loan. This he had to do in his own time, owing to the unsuitable office provided for the whole of the engineering staff, rendering it absolutely impossible for such important work to be carried out in the ordinary working hours. The loan was easily carried, largely due to the conlidence that the ratepayers had in Mr. Cook, and those who saw the loan schedules will agree that they were a lesson in detail. However, when Mr. Cook applied to the council for extra staff to carry out the work, he was informed of the council’s decision to discharge members of his staff. Then again, the council has, by its persistent interference, robbed Mr. Cook of his control over the workmen. Is this fair treatment for a man of Mr. Cook’s known professional standing? Who knows what other actions have undermined the efficient working of the engineer’s department? It is time the public was enlightened as to the reasons the council has for its latest drastic action. It certainly can not be anything connected with Mr. Cook’s work. I think the state of affairs in Mount Albert has been proved to be so unsatisfactory, not from the engineering point of view, but on the administrative side, that the Mayor should resign and contest the majmralty with the present trouble as the keystone of his platform. This is the least he can do in fairness to the general bodv of ratepayers. N ON SECTARIAN.