COUNTIES CONFER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 219, 10 June 1921, Page 6

COUNTIES CONFER

CONSULTING OR PERMANENT ENGINEER ? (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mnsterton, June 8. At the invitation of the Masterton County Council a conference of county councils was held here to-day to consider a motion proposed by Councillor L. T. Daniell (Masterton):—“That this conference desires the Featherston, South Wairarapa, and Masterton Cq,unties to empower it to advertise in the four chief centres of the Dominion for a permanent engineer. Salary to start at £6OO per annum, with annual increments of £25 till £80(1 is reached. Work: Supervision of three county overseers. To report on, and estimate, expenditure in road maintenance; ttt lay down permanent roads and organise equipment for that purpose; to design new bridges in steel, concrete, or wood, and supervise their erection.” The following delegates were present; Masterton County—Councillors AV. Armstrong, L. T. Daniell; Featherston County—Q. Donald, D. Cameron. G. AV. Cobb (clerk); South Wairarapa County--F. Court, D. M'Gregor. Councillor Armstrong was appointed chairman. He said he was sorry that the three northern counties were, not represented. Even though they did not approve of the scheme a lot of good coud have been done by discussing the scheme.

Councillor Daniell explained that his suggestion was that they should appoint a permanent engineer who should 1;:-Ae control of the work throughout the three counties represented. Each county should bear an equal share of the cost. Councillor Daniell elaborated his schem at Considerable length. Councillor M'Gregor seconded the mo tion, although his county as a whole was opposed to it. He thought the scheme a good one in many ways. ■ The Masterton and Featherston Counties appeared to need a permanent engineer more than the South Wairarapa County. Councillor Donald said he was very much in favour of Councillor Daniell’s proposal. The chairman (Councillor Armstrong) said ho did not ?greo with the proposal. It would prove more costly and more unsatisfactory than the present arrangement. Before an engineer could be employed on a satisfactory basis, the coun’tiei .'would have to amalgamate. That was impracticable at present. Councillor Court: No engineer will work satisfactorily under three bosses. Mr. 'Cobb approved of Councillor Donald’s suggestion that a reputable engineering firm should be retained, at a fee to be arranged, to advise the three counties. Councillor Donald moved an amendment-.—" That steps he taken to ascertain what terms can be made with a reputable firm of engineers to undertake the engineering work within the three counties.” Councillor Cameron seconded the amendment. The amendment was carried. It was decided to refer the resolution to individual counties for consideration, and that a further conference be held later.