(THE EDITOR OF THE WEST COAST TIMES.)

West Coast Times, Issue 338, 23 October 1866, Page 3

(THE EDITOR OF THE WEST COAST TIMES.)

Sib, — A notice of motion was given by Councillor Clarke, at the last meeting of the Bilnnicipal Council, <which, if adopted by that body, will have a most injurious influence on the Council, on the officers of the Council, and on the public whose interests the Council and its officers are created to serve. I allude to the motion " That all servants engaged by the Council shall enter into an agreement to terminate such engagement by notice at a period not exceeding N three months." Now, Sir, if there is one reason more than another which induces men of ability to content themselves with small salaries paid to government or municipal officers, it is the prospect of permanence which is usually 'guaranteed on good behaviour. An applicant for office knows that if once he is appointed, no personal enemy can procure his dismissal 60 long as he fulfils the duties of his office and otherwise conducts himself with propriety. Therefore anything winch will destroy this salutary ground of hope and confidence must tendT to enhance the price which the public will have to pay for efficient services, or rather, by I'endering the situation valueless to an honorable mind, will prevent worthy and suitable men from offering their services to fill a situation where the constant fear of dismissal may deprive them of that liberty of action which is alike essential to the comfort and independence of the officer.

I will directyour attention to the bone of contention which has already dropped in the midst of the Board, viz., whether the Gfreymouth Tramway- shall be permitted to come within the boundaries of the town or not. Let us suppose all the members of the Council to have personal interests at stake in the question, they might be led to the very natural conclusions that that Hue of policy is the best for the public interest, which seems most likely to conserve their private interests ; and whichever way the surveyor may decide, whether ibr or against the line, he must of necessity displease some members of the Council, and should he displease five of their number, he will run imminent risk of beiug turned out of office before he has had time to warm his seat.

The Inspector of Nuisances will also require to avoid the premises of his friends, for fear he should be conscientiously compelled to complain of them, and so on through all the officers of the Board.

That these would be the natural consequences of such a rule as that proposed by Councillor Clarke, even under a system of open voting, there is no room to doubt'; but when we take into consideration the fact, that in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Council on Friday last, the voting will be conducted secretly, the dangerous tendency of such a rule is increased a hundred fold, because knaves will be enabled to screen themselves and their base purposes from public view,- through these cunningly-devised artifices for effecting private end's by public means. By giving the above a place in your columns, will oblige,

Yom-s, &c,

Position.