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Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 114, 14 May 1918, Page 8

Whether or not the roadmen employed by the Hutt County Council are entitled to a " smoke-o" each morning and afternoon exercised the minds of the councillors at length this morning, and argument waxed warm and vigorous at tames. Councillor Galloway saw no reason why men who left their homes at half-past six or seven should not spell off for a few minutes, for, he held, though the council might lose a few minutes in actual time, the men would work the better for it. The Chairman (Councillor J. Whitman) objected strongly to the principle, and his view was backed up by Councillor Howell, whc held that the men's hours, 46 hours a week, were short, they were well paid, and they should make a fair return by working well. Finally it was decided that tjhe Inspector of Works (Mr. J. W. Cudby) should circularise all road foremen notifying them, that the men were required to work eight hours and ten minutes per day and five hours on Saturday. Consequently the smoke-o will become a happy memory, unless the men begin earlier or work later to make up time.

Practically all local bodies have discussed or intend to discuss the question of the increased hospital levy at their monthly meetings, and as a. rule feeling has run. high. The matter was opened at this morning's- meeting of \the Hutt County Council by a letter from' the Ons. low Borough Council asking that representatives be appointed to attend a conference of delegates from local bodies to discuss the question fully. Councillors Copper and Welch, were strongly of the opinion that the levy was altosfcther excessive and were in favour of ,% severance from tho board'and the erection of a cottage hospital at Upper Hutt. This proposal found no favour with Councillors HoweH and Galloway, who said that the Wellington Hospital was recognised as one of the rriost efficient in the Dominion, and the levy was. not excessive .considering. the great increase in the price of drugs and all necessaries. Councillors Cooper and Galloway wore given authority to attend the conference.

A general meeting of members of tho Second Division League is to bo held in. the Masonic Hall, Boulcott-stroet. at 8 o'clock to-night, when remits to the approaching Dominion conference will be decided uoon.

The Central Auction Rooms, under instructions from tho owner, will sell by auction on tho premises, 68, Boulcottstreet, Singer sewing machine and superior contents of 8 rooms.