DISRATED.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2693, 10 July 1923, Page 5

DISRATED.

BOROUGH MECILVNIC WATTS ON

COUNCIL. The reduction in his wages was the principal reason lor the appearance at the Borough Council last night of Mr R. Cochrane, a motor mechanic in the employ of the Council. He said he took it as a great reflection on his ability. He read the schedule of duties, and asked if the Council considered he had in any respect failed to conform to it. He said that at the time the appointment was made, there were 30 applications, these being reduced to four, the speaker being the final selection. He also mentioned other instances of his interest in the work of attending to the. buses. Further, when he secured the appointment, he went to great pains to get a house near the "barn," because there was a great deal of urgent work, Cr. Oram asked in what classification the petitioner expected to be included. Mr Cochrane said he thought ho thought he should be classed as foreman, because he had all-round knowledge. To Mr Hodgens: He considered that he was employed in accordance with the schedule, and he had never had any complaints about the work. Nearly all the mechanics received only £1 loss than the speaker, and they had no experience of turning, and §0 on. Cr. Hodgens said he had not been able to get to the bottom of the matter. The man had either given satisfaction or else he had not. If he had not given satisfaction it might be expected that the Council would have to dismiss him, yet it had chosen to disrate him. The man had proved that he had all the responsibility of the bus maintenance. "I don't think the man has had a fair deal," said Cr. He moved that the matter be referred back to the Finance Committee for favourable consideration. The Mayor explained that tho traffic manager hud reported on Mr Cochrane, and the wholo thing had been discussed a fortnight ago. The responsibility of Mr Cockrane's appointment was on tho manager, and if he had given a well-considered opinion, then it should be final as far as the Council was concerned. Subject to the seconder's consent, Cr. Hodgens withdrew his motion, and on the motion of Cr. Fitzherbcrt, it was decided to dispose of the matter before tho Council.

After some discussion, on the motion of Cr, West, it was decided to allow the matter to remain in accordance with the previous" resolution.