CONTROL OF RESERVES

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 15, 17 July 1918, Page 6

CONTROL OF RESERVES

It was pointed out recently in these columns that, with changes being made in the personnel of the City Reserves staff, the time was opportune for the appointment of a superintendent who would co-ordinate the various works. This would enable afforestation, "beautification, and the provision and maintenance of parks, gardens, and playing areas to proceed apace, yst under a scheme which would bo productive of economy in labour, and would guard against the mistakes in planning which are difficult to avoid where there is no unity of control. Subsequently the City Gtouncil resolved to invite applications for the position erf Superintendent of Reserves. Now, according to a statement published on Saturday, it is feared that the selection of a suitable person to fill the position will be difficult, as other cities have raised the salaries of their principal men to the Wellington standard. Instead of discouraging the council, this should cause it to persevere in its search for a man of good calibre. Other cities, by taking steps to retain their reserves superintendents, have shown that they realise the wisdom of keeping good men to direct their city beautification. Wellington cannot go wrong in following their example. Even though it may be necessary to pay a higher salary, this cannot be regarded as extravagance, provided the right man is selected. Such a man would certainly save his salary to the corporation by the economies in administration which he would be in a position to effect, and by obtaining a better return for the expenditure how devoted to the' City Reserves. It must be borne in mind, however, that it is not sufficient to take a second-rate man at a low salary, and clothe him with the powers of superintendent. To make the position ipr the man is not enough; the man for the position must be found.