STAFF RE-ORGANISATION SCHEME.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8061, 16 March 1906, Page 2

STAFF RE-ORGANISATION SCHEME.

The Borough Council liius a most unpleasant duty to perform in putting into effect its decision to retrench in the matter of administrative expenses. That, however, must not deter members from doing what is their duty in the interests of the ratepayers. During the progress of the loan works the services of a itorough engineer were absolutely indispensable, but these works having been practically completed, there remains no longer any necessity for maintaining a costly engineering department. There are many towns in New Zealand of greater size than New Plymouth that do not possess a permanent salaried engineer, New I'lymutith could now bo well served by a good practical working foreman at a moderate salary. There are no large works in view requiring skilled professional supervision, and even if such should be required, one of the engineers practising in the, town could be retained on much the >ame conditions as those under which the Taranaki County Council has engaged its engineer. In the matter of legal expenses, similarly, a considerable saving may be effected. By this means an annual saving of from £2OO to i'2so per annum would be realised. In these two departments alone, therefore, from 11500 to £SSU .might be saved, equal to nearly 25 per cent, of the present total cost of engineering and office expenses. As we have previously stated, it is unfortunate that the necessity for retrenchment has arisen, but, however distasteful it may be, the Council's duty is obvious. The public look to the Mayor to give a lead to Councillors in this matter, and we hope to see him submit a comprehensive and workable scheme to the meeting tonight.