ALFREDTON'S GRIEVANCES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11878, 14 January 1914, Page 3

ALFREDTON'S GRIEVANCES.

COUNTY SUPERVISION

Cr. Cross moved that the Council dispense with the motor cur used by the I engineer, and that the money derived from this source be devoted towards the salary of an assistant engineer or overseer. In speaking to his resolution., Cr. Cross said that his motive in brinying the matter forward was the inadequate supervision at present in vogue. By having an assistant engineer better supervision would be guaranteed to the ratepayers in the outlying district; at present they were not satisfied with the supervision. Cr. Patchett seconded the motiou pro forma. Cr. Toogood said that ho could not support the resolution. He would sooner Cr. Cross had brought forward a motion as to whether a poll of the ratepayers should bo takeu in connection with the severing of the Alfredton riding from the county. He thought that the Council should take steps to hold such a. poll, as there was talk among Alfredton ratepayers that that riding should join the Kketahuna County.

Cr. Miller said that Cr. Cross had not made a specific charge of lack of supervision or neglect of work. From what ho could gather the engineer paid a proper share of attention to Alfredton riding.

The chairman' also opposed the motion, and considered that tho proposal was an absurd one when gone into. If the council carried the motion it would put them in an awkward position. Cr Patchett supported the motion. He referred t otho lack of attention to certain work in the Alfredton riding. He did not object to the motor-car, but considered that the services of an overseer were necessary.

Councillor Foreman said that he defied any councillor to say that there had not been complaints before. Ho had made complaints himself. They had formerly had an assistant to the engineer, and, from the results obtained, he was not in favour of an assistant.

Cr. Beetham said that he did not agree with disposing of the motor cur. He, himself, always arranged with the. engineer to attend any special work in his riding. The engineer must have complete control of tho work of the county. A motor car was a necessity. What was Cr. Patchett'B solution of the difficul ty?

Cγ. Patchett: "Alfredton riding to join tho Eketahuna County."

Cγ. Toogood: "It appeare that Ali'redton luis some £6000 to npend, and they want to spend it at our expense.''

Gr. Cross briefly replied, giving illustration of lack of supervision. Perhape it was that the engineer was overworked. He gathered that the engineer was at worka 11 the holidays and hlko on Sundays. This should not be. He was against working the engineer in such a manner. The motor car was costing £230 a year.

Cr. Toogood: "You don't know what you are talking about."

Cr.. Cross: "I repeat the statement that the cost is £230 a year."

Cr. Welch: "No, that is wrong. The council allow the engineer £125 per year tor travelling expenses and for the upkeep of th car."

The motion was lost on the voices,