STRENUOUS YEAR

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20993, 21 December 1939, Page 6

STRENUOUS YEAR

OUTBREAK OF WAR EFFECT ON COUNCIL STAFF COMPLIMENTS BY THE MAYOR “The year which is near to closing has been a very strenuous one, and the outbreak of war in September has made the work of the councillors doubly hard,” said the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, at a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council last night when thanking the councillors and the borough staff for their work during the year. The speaker stated that the councillors had co-operated admirably with him in carrying out the borough duties. “This war looks as though it might go on for a considerable time, although I hope it will not, and, instead of our work diminishing, I think it will increase,” said Mr Caro. “I think, with regard to the suggestion that our meetings should be held fortnightly, that it would be asking too much of the councillors’ time if we have our meetings more often than once in three weeks. Many councillors already have extra duties to perform as a result of the war. 1 am of the opinion that we can get through the work satisfactorily by holding our meetings each three weeks.” Tribute to Town Clerk Hamilton was one of the first towns in the Dominion to form its committee in connection with war work, continued Mr Caro. The committee was formed during the first week of the war. It would also be realised that the borough staff had extra work placed on it, but the personnel was not increased. In some other towns in New Zealand special staffs were appointed for patriotic work, but in Hamilton the same staff carried out the work and did the job well.

“In this connection I would like to mention that recently the Hamilton town clerk, Mr W. L. Waddel, was complimented by the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council for the manner in which the returns were sent in,” continued Mr Caro. “I wish, on behalf of the council, to congratulate the staff, and particularly the town clerk, who in the last few months has done the work of three men. Hamilton is indeed fortunate to have for a town clerk a man of such calibre and ability.” The Mayor then extended seasonal greetings, Mr F. Findlay replying on behalf of the councillors and Mr Waddel on behalf of the staff. The councillors, the borough officers and the Press were entertained to supper by the_ Mayor.