CORRESPONDENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8217, 22 August 1906, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor). Sirj—l was much surprised to learn through the cdrr3spondenoe column of your issue of Friday last that the Castlepoint County Council had decided to dispense with the services of their road overseer, and even mure so that no stated reason bad been given him for their action. as a settler in this Couaty 1 also would most vigorously protest aeaiust such arbitrary treatment being meted out to a man who, as most ratepayers are aware, has discharged his duties in the most satisfactory manner. The writer has, on several occasions, been iu conversation with the overseer, and has assuredly concluded that he is an earnest and conscientious worker, and a man thai had his heart in his work, witb a thorough practical knowledge of the duties attached to his position; also, he knew a workman trom a loafer, treated the former as he ougbt to be treated—the latter he had no time for. Then why our Council should dispense with bis services passes all comprehension. Ihe majority of us remember tbe circumstances which led to his appointment, the Clerk found his work to be rrore than he could properly attend to, and askeu for assistance, This was granted. Among the applicants for the appointment Mr Leathwiok was readily selected, and very few days passed before reform was noticeable. It is freely admitted ou all sides that the amount of work done under his supervision has cost less than ever previously. Now, after he has got three years' experience, and knows every culveit aud slip on the roads, and every bank of metal in tbe creeks, he is to be dispensed with. None of us expeut good roads without money being spent, and when judiciously spent give our Councillors due credit. Unfoituuately for us the occasions are very rare wheu wo can applaud them. We are .positively certain, however, that this latest act is not retrenchment. Probably ou;: worthy Clerk, like the eagle, has renewed his youth, and intends saving the now over-burdened ratepayers the overseer's salary. In conclusion, we sincerely trust that the Council will reconsider their decision and not allow a valuable officer and staff of employees to pass out of their employ. Otherwise we shall have to delete those Councillors responsible for this bungling when their names appear for our suffrages on election day. Apologising for enoroaohina so largely on your valuable space.—l am, etc., fRO BONO PUBLICO. Langdale, Tinui, August 20, 1906.