"BREEZE" AT MEETING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22262, 9 November 1935, Page 14

"BREEZE" AT MEETING

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS SURFACEMAN'S POSITION [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WHANGAKEI, Friday There was a "breeze" at a meeting of the Whangarei County Council today, when Mr. G. Martin, member for the Otonga Riding, questioned the desirability of retaining the services of two surfacemen employed in his riding. The council without dissent gave one of tho men one month's notice of dismissal. «With regard to the other Mr. Martin said lie was not satisfactory and too old for the work. Mr. F. Elljptt (Hikurangi), in whoso riding the surfaceman is also employed, said, "I wish to state quite plainly that/ ever since Mr. Martin has been on the council he has had his knife into this surfticeman. 1 contend that all surfacemen should be under the direct supervision of the engineer, and I would like him to express an opinion as to this man's qualifications." Mr. Martin: I resent this attack on me.

The chairman, Mr., J, 'A. S. MacKay: 1 think Mr. Elliott might withdraw the remark. V ' Mr. Martih: The surfaceman is prejudiced against me. The man is hurt that 1 occupy the position 1 do in this council. This man is not doing onequarter of the work ho should and ratepayers have repeatedly complained to me. . /

The Chairman: 1 think the engineer, Mr. J. Norps, is the only man to express an opinion.

Mr. Norm: This surfaceman is not as good as previously, but J am not prepared to recommend his dismissal. I think personal trouble exists between the riding member and the surfaceman. It was finally dqcided to instruct tho engineer to report on the work of tho surfaceman at the end v of three months when the position would be reviewed.