"NEW MAYOR IS NEEDED,” TIMARU COUNCILLOR SAYS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18575, 25 September 1928, Page 10

"NEW MAYOR IS NEEDED,” TIMARU COUNCILLOR SAYS

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD CAUSES BREEZE AT MEETING OF COUNCIL. (Special to the “Star.”). TIMARU, September 25. There was a stormy passage last night at a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council when, among other things, the Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace) said that it was time that they had a new Works Committee, and Councillor P. C. Vinnell retorted that a new Mayor also was required. It all arose out of a discussion on a newly formed roadway along the northern boundary of Ataahua Park, which, until a fortnight ago, w-as known as the Maori Reserve. Councillor T. W. Satterthwaite opened the discussion 'by saying that he had heard so much about the new road that he had taken a walk out to the Maori Reserve to see it for himself. “You mean Ataahua Park,” said Councillor M. Thompson. Councillor Satterthwaite: I don’t know it. (Laughter.) Proceeding, Councillor Satterthwaite expressed great disappointment with the lay-out of the new road. He said: “ I’m not an engineer, but I’ll guarantee that as a layman I could make a better job of it. The engineer had plenty of money to have made a good job of the work, but he has not done so. It looked like a switchback. I am disappointed, and make my protest. I would like an explanation from the engineer.” The explanation of the engineer was to the effect that the specifications provided for a gradient of 1 in 19, but, acting on representations from three adjacent property-owners, the gradient had been reduced to the extent of six inches. He. did not think that the reduction in the gradient had made much difference to the work. The specifications had received the approval of the Works Committee, Councillor Vinnell (chairman of the Works Committee) and Councillor A. Kennedy criticised the work of the engineer as being unsatisfactory. Councillors A. L. Gee and J. Hutcheson were of the opinion that the work of the engineer, when completed, would give satisfaction. “ We -»*-e wasting time,” said Councillor H. A. Innes-Jones, “in discussing the undertaking, which is not completed at this stage.” The Mayor rose and expressed great surprise at the criticism which was being offered. He said that plans had been placed before them, and they had approved of them, yet now certain members of the Works Committee were evidently so ignorant that they did not understand what they had been talking about; either that, or they did not understand the plans which they had passed. “ I have never seen such gross ignorance displayed at a council meeting as I have seen tonight,” said the Mayor. “It appears that you don't know a thing about it, and the sooner we get a new Works Committee the better.” Councillor Vinnell: And a new Mayor. The Mayor: Yes; and you will have the opportunity of getting a new Mayor before very long. Continuing, the Mayor said that six inches on the road was neither here nor there. The road was being formed as recommended by the Works Committee and adopted by the council. It was a special road, put in for certain rate pavers who were paying for it, and when completed it promised to be quite all right. Councillor Satterthwaite rose to make some further remarks, whereupon the Mayor told him to sit down, adding that the matter had been discussed long enough. Councillor Satterthwaite essayed to speak again, but the Mayor again ordered him to sit down. Councillor Satterthwaite: You have had your foot on the soft pedal too long. When anything for the good of the town comes up, you sit on it. Councillor Gee said that he wished to strongly object to Councillor Satterthwaite’s tone, adding, “If Councillor Satterthwaite spoke to me like that, I would order him out of the room.” Councillor Innes-Jones: I agree with that. There is not enough deference shown to the Mayor. Councillor Hutchison: I am of the same opinion. Councillor Satterthwaite: I brought the matter up for the good of the public. The Mayor: I don't wish to hear any more. We havp ’’ —v. red the matter long enough. ' hear.)