AFTER TWO YEARS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 151, 23 March 1925, Page 10

AFTER TWO YEARS

REFORM IN CITY COUNCIL METHODS u

COUNCILLOR J. ASTON’S VIEWS

"After tiro years* association with th* I City Council," writes Councillor J. Aston., “it may not be out of place for me to present my views on some matters of civic government which affects tho welfare and development of our city. Prior to the last election, I, in common with tli.Na.unds of others, viewed the operations of the civic machine —from the outside —and was not slow' in my coin men t and criticism of the alleged failings and shortcomings of the city lathers, the officers, and the staff in general. ■ There was a strong and fixed conviction that relorms—drastic ana thoiough—should follow close on the heels of needed investigation. A very brief acquaintance with the set routine of business—from the inside—the organisation that controls affairs, and the system that has obtained with little varia.’ tion since the publication of the first year boox, 0..1y sfrved to show me how ponderous the civic machine really is. I am. convinced that no man—or group of men—can bring about changes and reforms as quickly as they would desire, because with a structure already in existence, you have to break down befor* you can build up, and keep the machinery going at one and the same time. In dealing, with the work of councillors theinselves, it is obvious to any man that much time is wasted over trifles and details of organisation and administraction that could w-ell be left to the aa> ininKirative officer. Thin refers more I especially to meetings of committees ] where the spade work is really done, the meeting of the *vl council is largely to pass and confirm .he recommendations of I the committee. Should a full attendance iat a committee be recorded, there are I seven councillors, committee clerk, and I usually two or more highly-paid offiI oers in attendance, who frequently ! spend several hours in discussing a I lengthy order paper comprising items i that could—and she uld—be dealt with by the officer ir charge of that department. The officer certainly would nave more personal responsibility, but this would give added freedom to carry out his duties. Committees are called upon to give much time 1 o matters that ars not in themselves of much concern, while the larger and important questions of policy, organisation, development and constructional work, town planning and transport problems seldom get a look in, unless special meetings are called for such purooss. "I am also of opinion that the best .interests of the city are not served when the council as a whole allow themselves to be swayed by public or sectional feeling and sentiment. The record of the past few years provide instances when council decisions have been considerably altered or reversed following the representations of deputations. I recognise that any citizen should have a right to state their case, and their opinions are entitled to every consideration and respect, at the same time unless it can be shown that a very grave mistake would be made, the council should have a mind of its own and once having decided on a certain course cf action should stick to it. Remarkable as it may seem, one of the greatest—if not the greatest—hindrances to progress of this Empire City is the. Government itself. Whether f < is due to the Cabinet or the departmental officers, or both, I am not prepared to say. The long delay in erection of new railway station, with which is interwoven the whole inward and outward transport, and embracing what would be one of the most important points of tramway activity, the delay in the demolition of old worm-eaten buildings such as the museum, the taking and closing of streets to suit their purpose, but of greatest importance their persistent refusal to allow ilia council to cary out urgent and necessary works that are vital to the progress and expansion of the city, and the comfort, well-being and health of its citizens, I refer particularly to such incidents as the Bowen and Sydney Street train connection, as one of the matters that are held up. Can anyone imagine a more humiliating spectacle than that of lost year, when the Mayor and council of the Empire City had to go cap in han 1 as a deputation to the Prime Minister and Minister of Publio Works asking for permission to lay a tramline on one of our own streets. When the Public Works Act was first placed on tho Statute Book no doubt it was to serve a u-eful purpose, and prevent any undertaking likely to prove a source of danger to the community. It was certainly never contemplated or intended to be made an instrument for the abrogation of the rights of municipal self-government. The lack of assistance also in the effort to establish and 'provide a pure and adequite milk supply . for the people, and numerous restrictions p’aced in other quarters all go to show just what the council are up against. Further, the lack of publio . spirit on the part of the citizens themselves is to be deplored. While other munncipalities benefit very largely from .the gifts of its wealthy class, this city .is so far as playing areas, parks, Town Belt improvement, gardens, and reserves is practically starved, for want of funds. It sees scarcely credible that the total number of gifts to this city since the year 1875 total only eighteen. In conclusion I think wo are. all guilty more or less of making too little.of our city. Pride in our own home city Wellington' requires to be stimulated, and to that end there -nurt be closer co-opera-tion and confidence as between the council and citizens. Reforms that will place the council on a sounder business I'asis of organisation, would, I hold, materially assist in the direction required.' ■