CITY OFFICER.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20828, 11 April 1933, Page 17

CITY OFFICER.

REPLY TO COUNCILLOR'S CRITICISM. WORK OF SUPERINTENDENT OF RESERVES. Criticism of the salary and car allowance received by the superintendent of reserves (Mr M. J. Barnett), which has been expressed at public meetings by Cr. A. E. Armstrong, was answered at last night's meeting of the Christchurch City Council. The argument led to a conflict between Cr. Armstrong and Cr. M. E. Lyons, in which the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) had to intervene. The chairman of the Reserves Committee (Cr. E. Parlane) described the cost of the car used by Mr Barnett and the conditions under which he drove it. Mr Barrett's work, he emphasised, took him to all parts of the city and outside it. The allowance of £175 which he received would not nearly cover the cost. Cr. Parlane compared Mr Barnett's salary with those Offered for similar positions in other of New Zealand. It was less even than the salary offered at Palmerston North. "Most Unfair." "It is most unfair for a councillor to go out and mislead the public in the way they are being misled," said Cr. Parlane. "The department of reserves has been greatly improved, and I am sure that the superintendent has the confidence of the people of Christchurch and of aJI the councillors, with the exception of this particular one. The public should know the true position." Cr. A. E. Armstrong rose to speak. Cr. M. E. Lyons: You weren't the one, surely. Cr. Armstrong said that perhaps he was the Councillor referred to. He still maintained that an allowance of £3 10s a week for a light car was excessive. The Reserves Department had two light trucks which would be quite suitable for conveying the Superintendent of Reserves. A £SO bonus had been granted to him this year at the same time as relief workers were put off because the council could not afford to maintain them. As for the reduction in the cost of the Reserves Department it should be remembered that the No. 5 Scheme had been extensively used. He had always been prepared to give credit where credit was due. Cr. A. A. McLachlan: And impudence where it's not due. Fea. of Losing Officers. Cr. M. E. Lyons said the council had many capable men in its employ, but he thought it was doubtful whether they would remain if they were continually subjected to such stupid attacks as the council had just heard. Cr. Armstrong: You couldn't pedal a bike. « Cr. Lyons: I think I was pedaling a bike when Cr. Armstrong was still biting his toes. There was an altercation between the two councillors, and the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) found it necessary to intervene. Cr. Lyons went on to say that if the decencies were observed such discussions would be taken in committee. To traduce its officers in

public placed the council on a very low level. He urged that the council should protect its officers. Cr. Armstrong: The trouble is there is too much done in committee. Cr. Lyons: And if I am returned, I hope there will be more. Cr. E. Parlane said in reply that the savings in the cost of the department were not covered by the use of unemployed men.