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Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3569, 4 June 1880, Page 3

To the Editor of t';e Evening Stir,

Dear Sib,—l see that at the County Council meeting, held on Wednesday, a proposition was made to increase the Chairman's salary from £200 to £300 per annum, but before deciding oa anything definite, the Council will wait for a full meeting—whea every member will be present. The present sheet of the Council shows that the amount derived from rates and subsidies on same is £2000 per annum (exclusive of special rates) and out of this sura nearly £1000 is spent in salaries. The office expenditure amounts to something like £500 a year, so that out of the rates available only about £500 is spent on public works—the remainder being used to keep men fo spend special rates on favoured districts. Three quarters of the ratable value of the County ■pent in office expenses ! It is clenr that someone 'must be making a nice little feathering for his nest, perhaps luxuriating, at the expense of the public ! No doubt the Chairman has done a great deal to obtain extra grants for the district, but whether his efforts have deserved the proposed recognition on the part of the Council or not, is a question. The Council had better raise the salaries of all their officials, and make their office, expenses equal to the amount accruing to them from rates. ISTo doubt all the County people are satisfied with the manner in which the affairs of the County are managed, and, if appealed to would not object to "fork out" a special rate expressly for the purpose of increasing the salaries. At this rate the positions open in the Council must be nice little billets, and when supported so liberally out of the public purse, are much coveted. If the County can afford to pay the extra amount to the chairman, by all means let him have it, but if the action means increased liabilities and fresh burdens on the ratepayers, the Council had better consider, as there is an end to everything, and there is a limit beyond which the ratepayers will not go—as they cannot always be expected to put their hands in their pockets even for individuals holding high and important position in the County Council.—l am, yours Ac,

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