TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18216, 18 March 1929, Page 13

TEMUKA.

ENGAGING A LABOURER. Recently the Domain Board appointed a member of the Borough Council's outside staff to the position of curator of the Domain, and the exTown Clerk, in accordance with one of the clauses in Ins schedule of duties appointed a successor. Evidently this action did not meet with unanimous approval of the councillors, and it was decided at the February meeting of the Council to advertise for a general labourer. Thirty-two applications were received, including a number from Waimate and Timaru, and prior to doaling with these at a special meeting of the Council, Councillor Clements drew attention to the clause in the schedule, and said that the Town Clerk had exercised the authority given him by the Council, and if the applications were dealt with, the Council would be going contrary to the schedule. A letter was read from the former Town Clerk (Mr J). Jeune), which stated that he had made the appointment as the schedule gave him full power to do so.

The Mayor said that he was still of the opinion that the Town Clerk may have this power, Councillor Buzan said that it was customary to have the appointment confirmed. Councillor Evans said that it was extraordinary that although the exTown Clerk had the authority, he had not asked the Council to confirm the appointment. Councillor Clements said that the Council could not over-ride the Town dork’s schedule of duties.

Councillor Buzan disagreed with this view, and said that the Council should have privilege of confirming or rejecting an appointment. Councillor Robins concurred, and Councillor Evans said that there was nothing, wrong with the conditions, - but the Council should have some say in tlje matter.

Councillor Clements: “Suppose a man did not give satisfaction, would it be necessarv to call a special meeting of the Council to deal with the matter?”

Councillor Robins: “It savours of officialdom, that is why I don’t like it.” Councillor Evans: “Town Manager, not a Town Clerk.” The Mayor: “If no fault can bo found with the man. why not confirm the appointment now.” Councillor Evans: “It is our duty to get the best man for the job.”

In answer to Councillor Celements, the Town Clerk said the the man was giving every satisfaction.

Councillor Robins : “By putting him off, you will bo doing him an injustice.” Councillor Robins said that there was a good deal, of dissatisfaction being expressed amongst the labouring classes that the position Avas not advertised. Councillor Clements thought that the Mayor had made a mistake in allowing the motion to advertise the vacancy to go through. The Mayor said he realised that. Councillor Evans said that the sooner the conditions were revised, the better. The Mayor agreed. Councillor Clements said it had to be remembered that no one knew better than the overseer as to who was tho best man. and he should have the power to make apopintments. For the past two weeks, members of the Council had been badgered by men who were applicants for this job. He, personally, must have had eight or ten men call on him. The Mayor: “If you cfoa-i with the applications now, can” yoiir put Smith off? I think you are wrong.” Councillor Clements thought the matter should be left to the discretion of the Town Clerk. He now knew the feeling and the mind of the Council on the matter.

Councillor Evans: “That is not fair.” Councillor Cook said he did not think the Town Clerk could take any offence if his actions were over-ridden. He moved that the applications be dealt with. This was seconded by Councillor Robins. The applications and testimonials of the 32 applicants were then read and a ballot taken. When the applications had been reduced to two, it was agreed that the matter be left in abeyance until after the completion of the new water works scheme at Orari. which will be approximately in six weeks. ORPHAN’S DAY. On Saturday the members of the South Canterbury Travellers’ Association, arrayed in weird costumes, invaded Temuka and took up a street collection in aid of the various orphanages in the district. As usual. the work was done in a thorough and systematic manner, and towards evenin'g, there were very few adults who were not wearing the emblem of having paid toll to the persuasive “go getters.” During the afternoon, the boys from the Salvation Army Home, under Major Powick, paraded the town and sang solos and part songs' at various points, the smart appearance of the boys being favourably commented upon. Last year this institution benefit ted to the extent of £BO from the efforts of the Travellers’ Association, the members of which, freely and generously sacrifice much of their spare time to this pelf-imposed task. LICENSING ELECTION. An echo of the recent licensing election was heard at a special meeting of the Temuka. Borough Council on Friday evening, when a letter was received from the returning officer (Mr W. Baxter), stating that the estimated cost of taking the poll was in the vicinity of £l5O. In the meantime, he asked the Council for £IOO, to meet present requirements. The Mayor explained that Temuka would only bear a portion of the cost of the election ; there were other local bdies concerned. The sum asked for was passed for payment. DOMAIN DAY. The annual shop day organised by the Domain Board to carry out improvements to the Domain was discussed at a special meeting of the Board on Friday night, tho Mayor exp'aining that owing to the licensing election last Tuesday, it had been decided to postpone the event and it would be necessary to fix a date that evening. He had got a number of promises and had collected several sums of money, but the members of the Board would have to get busy and boost things along. A number of ladies had been circularised, but so far as he knew, the Indies had not held *a meeting yet to decide about cakes, etc. It was agreed to hold Domain Day on Tuesday, March 26, and to make an application to the Minister, to extend the date of the drawing of the art union until March 27. MUTTON BIRDERS. During the week a number of local Maoris left for Bluff, on route for the islands of the east, south and west coasts of Stewart Island, where the industry of mutton bird catching is carried on. Tho season for the work opens on April 1, and extends for about seven weeks. Tt is noteworthy that under one of the provisions made when the original Maori owners codec! Stewart Island to the Crown. only Maoris are permitted to land on the islands for the purpose of engaging in the industry. NOTES. The annual meeting of the Temuka Football Club will he held in the Fire Brigade Hall on Wednesday evening.