BOROUGH AFFAIRS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21246, 17 October 1940, Page 11

BOROUGH AFFAIRS

STATE OF MATAMATA ROAD SALARIES DISCUSSION (Special to Times) MATAMATA, Wednesday A petition signed by 34 residents of Tirau Road was presented to the Matamata Borough Council at its October meeting, asking that some- ! thing be done to improve the area between the footpath and the bitumen—“ With each fall of rain this is literally a sea of mud, which is kept in this state by the use it receives from stock and vehicles,” stated the petition. The Mayor, Mr W. A. Gordon, said even the permanent levels for this area would still allow water to lie in wet weather. It was decided that the works committee inspect the road. Lower Salary Increases A resolution of the previous meeting that the statutory 5 per cent increase in wages be paid only on the minimum rate to the borough staff was rescinded at the instance of Mr G. H. Hawes. He said that if the motion were carried out it could mean that men who were receiving more than the award rate before the Arbitration Court order might receive less than they were receiving then. The Mayor said that had not been the intention of the council. This was no time to reduce wages. He moved that the 5 per cent increase be granted to the lowest paid members of the staff. Mr Hawes moved an amendment that the increase be given to all up to a salary limit of £3OO. There was no seconder to the amendment and the motion was carried. The works committee recommended additional street lights in Waharoa Road, Gladstone Road, Miro Street, Smith Street and Meura Street, and that the Railways Department’s application for a light near the railway houses in Burwood Road be granted subject to the Department finding half the annual cost. The recommendations were adopted.