The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1927. COUNCIL ATTENDANCES.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 8 April 1927, Page 4

The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1927. COUNCIL ATTENDANCES.

The letter of a correspondent opens up a phase of public service which is not thought of when we ask a man to become a Councillor. The call upon the time of these servants of the public is not measured up by those whom they serve We have delved into the records of the Council and find to our, very great astonishment that there is •>. very much .greater call upon aCouncillor’s time, than with our knowledge of Council affairs, we suspected. Ordinary meetings of the Council are held on the second and fourth Tuesday in each month and it is on these thaCthe limelight shines. But there are five committees set up to do the prepara tory work and in the term of the present Council there have been no less than ninety six committee meetings held and minuted. This does not take in the many attendances at the Borough office of Chairmen of committees and members ' Appointed to some special duty. Of

Council and committee meetings the grand total for the two year term i. one hundred and forty-one. Some Councillors are on several commitKes and attend quite a. lot- of meetings. The -greatest number falling to one man has been 139, and, the next highest 100 It is perhaps little wopder that Burgesses do not compete for positions on the Council and there is some justificatic ) for .the suggestion that payment of Councillors, though not lawful, wculd be fair. The suggestion that the Council should meet monthly, if carried out, would involve ad citional meetings of committees and serve no useful purpose. With the Jubilee of the Borough approach me and to be thought of even by the incoming Council success ors will have it early on f»bir hands am! with Town put into operation and cur water supply and drainage calling for future development it ca n hardly be expectefi that an easier time is befor? tl.oee who pow take up the work. here have figures on vhich to base their respect for the men who carry on the work of the Borough.