Municipal Methods.

Southland Times, Issue 19035, 1 May 1903, Page 2

Municipal Methods.

NEW DEPARTURE. At the meeting of the Invercaririll Borough Council last night, and on the question of appointing committees, Councillor Stirling said that the old method of working had proved very unsatisfactory to many members, as councillors could not as a whole have an intimate knowledge of the internal work of the whole Council. He moved that the Council form an executive committee, to bo divided into threp sub-committees, one to control the fire brigade, finance, harbour ajnd baths ; the second works, sanitary and reserves ; the third, gas. water, abattoir and cemetery. These committees would meet on ■ the same evening, each would elect its own chairman, and tho Mayor would bo, ex offlcio. on all committees and chairman of tho executive. The sub-coiumittees would report to the executive who could criticise the propositions that camo before them. Councillor Ott seconded the motion believing that it would expedite business and give each councillor an opportunity of knowing the affairs of each department. - Councillor Lilltcrap opposed the motion on the ground that it would require the work to be don* in committee and would not allow sufficient publicity to be given to the discussions. He supported the old-sys-tem, and moved that the matter remain as before* — Councillor Cleave opposed the motion on. the same grounds, and seconded the amendment. Councillor Smith strongly urged a new departure, and supported, the appointment of three sub-committees. Councillor McDonald said that there was an absence of detail in the new scheme. He felt it was desirable that the fullest information should be given to councillors, and the proposal seemed to promise something in that direction. The Press .might be given information of the Executive Committee, which would be passed on to the. public. The executive would not finally- dispose of any question, and an opportunity would be given for discussion in open Council. '..■■■: Councillor McKay said that the proposal, if carried, would result in an expedition of business. Councillors would also, after committee meetings, have an opportunity of seeing matters for themselves, and come to' the Council prepared. Councillor McGrucr supported tho motion, which, he thought, would give councillors some knowledge of the detail work of the CorporationThey were lacking in their duty it they did not know the details. The new arrangement would lead to matters being administered in a proper and economical manner. Councillor Roche said that the motion was a pronouncement in favour of the ward system, and be thought it should be given a trial. Councillor \V. Stead supported tho motion as likely to give councillors a better grasp of details. Councillor J. Stead said there was an absolute necessity for a change The committee meetings in the past had been hurried, and he had sometimes been .inclined to move that a committee of the whole be formed. The motion was worthy of, a trial. He did not think discussion in tho Council would be stopped, as the final business was done in open meeting. Councillor Stirling, in reply, said that free discussion would be given in the meetings, and hs thought councillors would take a livelier interest in the business of the Corporation l»y being intimate with wxh sub-committee through tho executive. The amendment was lost and the motion carried, and the following sub-committees were appointed ,:— Fire Brigade. Finance, Harbour and Baths : Councillors Scandrett, McGrucr, Ott, and Smith : Works, San-, itary »» d Reserves : Councillors W. Stead. Roche. McDonald and Cleave : Oas, Water, Abattoir and Cemetery : Councillors Lillicrap, J- Stead, McKay and Stirling.