UPPER HUTT COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 71, 24 March 1926, Page 6

UPPER HUTT COUNCIL

| ♦ _ j "A ONE-MAN SHOW"?

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.

' The third meeting of the Upper Hutt Borough Council was marked by a someI what heated controversy between the Mayor (Mr. A. J. M'Curdy) and Councillor Johnston (West Ward). The Mayor reported on the water proposals of the Upper Hutt Town Board, and stated that at the next meeting he would ask for the endorsement oi certain, resolutions which he thon read. Atpresent those supplied with water in the West Ward paid £5 for | 50,000 gallons, and . under the proposed > scheme they would receive 25,000 gallons for 25s per annum. During the election it wag understood,tha- this advantage would, be made available immediately on the formation of the borough, and for this reason he wag giving notice of his intention to have the matter carried into effect by Special Order, such order requiring seven days' notice beforehand, and twenty-eight days in which "to advertise after the adoption of; the resolutions. ; Councillor Johnston (West Ward): '■The propositions should have been brought down at this meeting. We want the water by the spring." He thought the Financial 'Arrangements Committee should have;--dealt withthe matter. The • Mayor submitted that that committee; was, tdi <j«»l with the whole matter of reticulation. • • Councillor Johriiton: "No, it was not, I and I have ft itrong objection to any individual formulating an opinion and bringing it down to the meeting. This will mean a delay of two weeks, and another month after that. I don't want this council to become aone-man show." The matter should ..have been dealt with a week ago, but orily.one committee meeting had been held since the council took office. He objected to what he termed "star chamber methods." V ' ; ■ j. The Mayor:. "You can cut out that j 'star chamber' talk; Ther« is" nothinp of that Kind-here." Councillors Johnston: "Well, it look" mighty like it." ";■'■. ; . The Mayor stated that the methods proposed were the reverse of 'star chamber," but Councillor Johnston had the last word—"l am not afraid to state it. A great deal of what your Worship says is not quite correct." Councillor Jameson said_he was a member of two committees, which had jiot met, since 26th February. He strongly, objected to the dilatory methods ruling, a,nd referred to the fact that the Standing Orders set out that the Clerk should convene every committee within ten days of ■ its first appointment. The Mayor stated j that some of the committees had not had anything to do, a* replies bearing on matters for their conijderation had not come or wer« only just to hand. He suggested • that the committees remain after the meeting to arrange suitable times for meeting. OTHEK BUSINESS. A'letter from the secretary of the Upper Hutt Volunteer Fire Brigade asked the council to appoint a fire inspector, and stated that the captain of the brigade had always acted in this capacity in the past. It w»s agreed to endorse the customary arrangement. An application from the Wellington Education Board asking for a supply of water for the school at Trentham was granted, such supply to be made gratis. Councillor Greig moved and Councillor Blewman seconded a motion, "That the council invite applications for the position of junior clerk, at a salary to be fixed by the council.'' The Mayor said there were no funds for the salary of such a person, and moved as an amendment that referred to a committee. , As ■Councillor Howell had given notice to move, "That the council should consider the appointment ofs,» permanent staii, determine the minimum salaries and sened- • ule the duties of each officer," the council agreed that the Financial Arrangements Committee should deal with the whole matter of staff reorganisation. The Brick-kiln road bridge, which is m a l>ad state of repair, is to be replaced with a-concrete structure, and the Hutt. County Council is to .be asked for part ■payment;.-.- :.-•,.*...' SEWERAGE SCHEMES. An application from Mr. E.. J. Barnes for the position of engineer in view of the proposed sewerage scheme, caused some discussion on sewerage matters, ihe Mayor stated that a revaluation of the district was in progress, and should «oon be finished. Until that was finished no proposal regarding sewerage could be put before the people, and therefore there was no question of appointing an Two schemes had Wn presented to the Town Board-one by Mr. Sladden and the other by Mr. H. E. Toogood-and on the motion of Councillor Lodge it was agreed to obtain a report by an independent engineer on both the schemes._CouncillM Johnston's motion that the health Department be ..ked.to suggest a .mtabk, man was also carried,, and a letter win be sent to Mr. Barnes informing him that no appointment is being made at present. mm^m^mm i—-^