AN ENGINEER'S DUTIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18664, 21 March 1924, Page 10

AN ENGINEER'S DUTIES.

MAYOR PLAYS "LONE HAND."

FRICTION AT BLENHEIM.

BLENHEIM. Thursday.

Some weeks ago, following on certain criticisms levelled at him by the Mayor, Mr. E. S. Parker, the borough engineer, Mr. H. M. W. Richardson, tendered his resignation. This was not accepted, and at the last meeting of the council it was

decided to adopt a series of

tions from a sub-committee, which was appointed to consider the engineer's

duties. The effect of these

tions was to reinstate the engineer, and to give him four days a month in which to indulge in private practice. The only dissentient from the adoption of the report, when it come to the vote, was the Mayor.""

The Mayor stated to-day that it was true that he appeared to play " a lone hand in the matter, " but," he added, "we shall see. A question of principle is involved. The question really is, is a whole-time job what seems, or not?" Mr. Parker indicated that during the discussion in committee on the sub-commiv-tee's report, Mr.' McKenzie, a member of the council, said that he considered that if a vote of the ratepayers could be taken the committee's arrangement would be endorsed by a three to one majority. Tho Mayor said that he promptly offered to* resign the chair, and that he invited any councillor to contest the mayoralty with him on the question of whole- work for whole-time pay, but that he could not find a member to accept his challenge. As three chairs were unoccupied at the meeting of the council the Mayor now proposes to give notice of motion tor rescind the committee's recommendations.