EKETAHUNA COUNTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 May 1938, Page 8

EKETAHUNA COUNTY

COUNCIL’S FINAL MEETING GOOD RECORD FOR PAST TERM TRIBUTES BY COUNCILLORS (“Times-Age” Special). At the conclusion of the ordinary business of the Eketahuna County Council yesterday, the chairman, Mr J. B. Carruthers, said that as that was the last meeting of the council before the elections he would like to thank the council for the courtesy it had at all times extended to him. He congratulated the councillors on the harmonious spirit displayed, and on their capacity for putting the business through. He also wished to express thanks to the executive officers and the staff for their good work, and the Press. To the ratepayers he could honestly say that the council had done its best, and had nothing to be ashamed of in the last few years. In the last three years, in addition to the ordinary work over £40,000 worth of new work had been done. It was regretted that a number of councillors were not accepting nomination again. To those who were retiring he could ’say that they should be quite satisfied with their work. They were leaving finances in quite a satisfactory position, despite acts of God, which had occasioned considerable expenditure. Though some of the roads at the present moment, on account of abnormal weather might be looking a little draggled they were generally in very good condition. Their appearance at present was no fault of the staff for they had had three fine days in four weeks. He wished the councillors who were standing again all success at the polls. Councillor W. O. Twentyman said he was one of those who, some years ago, came on to the council to put things right, as he thought, but when he got into harness he found there was not much wrong after all. Things lookeddifferent from the outside to what they did on the inside. He paid a tribute to the work of the staff, particularly in connection with the work of No 15 highway, where the result had been remarkable in view of the nature of the work.

Councillor F. N. Goggin thanked the chairman and the council for their consideration. He might have entered the council with some particular notions, but most of these had now been knocked out of him.

Councillor G. Olivant said that in his work he had always tried to see the point of view of the other fellow, the ratepayer, and he did his best for them. He regretted that he could not see his way to stand again.

Councillor A. E. Brittain said it was quite apparent that all the staff did their best and he also regretted that he could not carry on.

Councillor L. Houlbrooke thanked the chairman for his kind farewell. He had enjoyed his term of office and appreciated the harmony and consideration extended. At times he thought a little more militancy would have been of value. He hoped to see the responsibilities of councils considerably increased in the future. The highways should be controlled by an elected body and contributors to their cpsts should have direct representation. Politicians contended the highways were a national matter. They were really a provincial matter. Their control should be removed from the political sphere to provincial administration. He would like to see a good majority of the old council re-elected for their experience was valuable. The chairman was indespensable. Councillor C. E. Goss said his service had been a great education and he had learned at lot. He thanked all for their consideration.

Councillor R. W. Kebbell said as one who might be returned, he thanked all for their courtesy at the council table. A feature of recent years had been the good understanding that had developed as between the ridings which formerly were very suspicious of each other. They now worked together.

Councillor C. T. Richardson stressed what was owing to the chairman in his conduct of the council’s affairs. The Clerk (Mr Richardson) expressed thanks for the help and consideration shown during his first term of office.

The engineer, Mr Macky, acknowledged the help and assistance of the chairman and each member of the council. Criticism, some of it perhaps justified and some not had to be taken but he made every effort towards satisfactory results.