WAIPA COUNTY MATTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2879, 25 December 1890, Page 2

WAIPA COUNTY MATTERS.

I TO THE BDITOH. i Sin,— In yo.u' issue of tin; Kith ult,, a writer under the nom de plume of "Inquisitive" I makes Home unpleasant remarks upon Waipa County matters, and as beseems unable to understand why the engineer and clerk's salaries have been raised by the sum of to each, I will holp him to do so., Both these officers have been employed by the ' Council for many years, at first with salaries groatly in excess of what they are now receiving. Kvery year until the past one, their salaries have been reduced, and they accepted tlio reduction (knowing the position of the Council) without complaint, but upon an understanding, which is recorded in the minutes, that when tho Council occupied a better position, some at least, of these reductions, Bhould be replaced. That position lias been reached, instead of an overdraft of about £1,500, the Council at preaeut practically has none at all, so that either the Council must break faith with its officials, who are reliable and capable men, or increase them a trifle, which they did. With regard to the limited reports of the proceedings of the Council. This is almost outside its province, and there is no doubt that a more extended report will be viewed with favour of the members. There are many points discussed at the Council table of great, interest to rato-payers, other than the salaries of the officials. Take one at the last meeting, upon the annual allocation of the funds. The member for Newcastle made a strong appeal for an alteration iu the present in the present system «f allocation, which is by tho amount of local rates collected, showing that in his district with a large mileage of expensive county road, the amount allocated was little more than in other ridings containing only a third of the mileage, thus placing the Newcastle Riding in a position of permanent indebtedness and bad roads. The chairman and somo other members defended tho present system of allocation, pointing out that it was done for tho purpose of keeping a better control over the county finances, and preventing extravagance on the part of individual members. That it had succeeded was proved by the present position ol the Council. It was nut u hard and fast rule, and this was shown by the Newcastle and Rangianhia Ridings being so heavily ovordrawn, for necessary works in their localities. In this respect the desire of " Inquisitive" for more information as to the doiiu's of their County representatives, is not unreasonable. Tlio remark that the Waipa County roads are worse than they were twelve years ago, is not borne out by facts. Every year useful and permanent works are carried out, and every ye.ir sees tho Waipa County roads bettor than they were before. So far as the Newcastle roads referred to by " Inquisitive" are conuerned, no doubt that district is unfortunately situated in requiring so muib, but all funds spent within its boundaries have been so, upon tho advice of the councillor, and under the supervision of an able engineer.—l am. etc., Osk of the Council. ' ', i