Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, MAY 22. 1925. A GOOD BEGINNING.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 May 1925, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, MAY 22. 1925. A GOOD BEGINNING.

There was a time, and not so very long ago, vdien comments on Borough Council proceedings had to be mainly of a censorious character, but happily the need for such uncongenial duty does not now exist. Few townsmen will find much to condemn in the happenings at the new Council’s first meeting, last evening. There was varied business to be done, ’but there was little waste of time, and this augurs well for the Borough’s welfare during the next two years. Cr. Kent made a. good start when he protested against the habit of Councillors conversing during the reading of , the minutes, as apart from .any question of politeness, such inattention prevented Councillors recalling what they had decided to do previously, with a consequence that much work approved got little further The increase in the Mayor’s honorarium could not be regarded as premature, and ratepayers must face the fact that the growth of municipal business and the many calls on a Mayor’s time and pocket will probably necessitate another “rise” later, unless the position is to be reserved for those who have time and money to spare. Only those who have actually served in such public positions can realise the extent of the demands made,

both 'public and private. The Council’s vote on the Sunday football question was mdre decisive than expected, and here,., again, general approval will be forthcoming.' Whatever may be said about Sunday sport in general, it cannot be denied that the noise and enthusiasm inseparable from football, League or any other code, make it inadvisable to encourage such contests on Sundays, especially in a residential district. The Recreation Ground seems to be the object of far tpo much controversy, and it is well that an attempt should be made to settle its use and control. It is to be hoped the conference will not overlook the fact that the juveniles of the borough have claims for consideration. Townsmen will note that Tainui Street and other footpaths are promised early attention, and should not hesitate to remind Councillors of such promise, if the overdue improvements are long delayed. Before leaving Council matters, we have a little grouch;, we desire to protest against any member.of the Council giving confidential information he gfiins as such, to our morning contemporary. We have no nded to fear legitimate, enterprise,—so far as news gathering is concerned,I—by 1 —by the “Argus,” as of course, we daily practically “feed” it., Yet it does not seem to be playing the game, when a Councillor 1 reporting a Borough Council meeting for our contemporary, should add to his account of the open proceedings, information he acquired whilst the Council was dealing with matters in committee. The latest example was that connected with the Health Officer’s criticism of a local baker. Our contemporary ’ this moaning publishes the Departmentaj/letter and the Council’s which was solely committee business. The ‘ ‘ Star ’ ’ reporter honoured the confidence reposed in him, and we suggest that any Councillor who wishes also to be a Press representative, should maintain a similar standard. We will leave conscientious trades-unionists to debate on the propriety of a Councillor undertaking such work—the. Journalists ’>Association might regard it as what the “Argus” calls “scabbing”—but in that aspect we are not concerned. His error may have been inadvertent, and, if so, he will be grateful to us for endeavouring to prevent a repetition.