A BREEZE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 268, 22 April 1915, Page 7

A BREEZE.

AT THE STRATFORD COUNTY COUNCIL. MEMBER'S ACTIONS QUESTIONED. At the Stratford County Council meeting yesterday, the _ chairman said it a] '."cared to him that the council had come to the " meeting of the waters." It had been said that the chairman and engineer should have been thrown over the Te Popo bridge before they had anything to do with it. He did ,not profess to be an expert on the question, and the engineer could not reply to'the criticisms levelled at him, and he (the chairman) wished to enter a protest on his behalf. No man was infallible, and they had taken what they considered the best action. Complaints had also been made regarding the foreman of the North Riding. The engineer objected to such proceedings. It was not a fair thing for any councillor to make complaints to servants under the engineer's control. The council table was the place to make any complaints. Councillor Christoffel said he understood that the engineer had control of all the council's men, and he agreed with the chairman that any complaints should be made in open ouncil. Councillor Raskin said he had made complaints regarding the Te Popo bridge, but he had never stated that the chairman and enginer should be thrown over the bridge. Councillor Smith argued that the council were representatives of ratepayers and the engineer was their servant. Councillors should have the power to give the engineer instructions not only at the meeting, but outside. Councillor Anderson said he could not agree with this view. They might make suggestions, but could not give instructions.

Councillor Walter said they might give advice, hut nothing more. They had no more power than a ratepayer. The. engineer must be in sole charge to do his work properly. If the remark referred to had been made he would move a vote of censure.

Councillors Were, Coleman and Worthington all endorsed the chairman's remarks. . , ■

The engineer said he felt very keenly indeed that he must bring the matter before the council. Councillor Baskin was the gentleman he referred to, and he had given instructions to foremen that they had refused to carry out. He was, however, very pleased to receive any advice councillors could give. Any man that said a new bridge could be built under the old one at Te Popo knew nothing of the matter. He could give them a great number of instances when remarks had been passed regarding his work to private people and foremen, which undermined his authority. This, of course, could not be allowed, as it would be impossible for him to carry out his duties in a proper manner. He felt very strongly in this matter, and wished a decision to be arrived at. He wished the council's work to be carried on harmoniously, but this was impossible as matters had been going. He had recently considered tendering his resignation, but had decided to bring the matter before the council.

Councillor Baskin said there must have been a big misunderstanding or untruths had been told. He did not think that he had exceeded his duty as_ a councillor. If he had, he apologised, but he had no recollection of giving any instructions. He thtmgnt too much money had been spent on the Te iPopo bridge, but he had n«ver made the statement regarding the chairman and engineer as had been stated. Counillor Walter asked if the passing of a strong vote of confidence in him would satisfy the engineer. He was sure that such a vote would be strongly supported. The East Riding had never been so well satisfied as under the present engineer. The engineer said he was only too pleased to let the mater drop. He wished the most perfect harmony to exist between both himself and ' the other employees, and also the council. The chairman moved a vote of confidence in the engineer, and expressed F-ai'Jisfaction with all the work lie had earned out. Councillor Christoffel seconded. Councill Smith said he would support the motion, but considered 4hat the engineer should carry out any wish of a councillor. Councillor Walter expressed much surprise at Councillor .Smith making such a statement. He hoped the engineer would do no such thing. ■ The vote was then carried unanimously-