MR. GILMOUR'S ADDRESS

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1307, 20 April 1905, Page 3

MR. GILMOUR'S ADDRESS

TO IHB HDITOK Sir, —Tho Mayor is to be commended for giving such a comprehorsiye reautu(s o r the Borough Council during tho year. Thore ii one itwn 'vhioli, however, do; mands further explanation. Ho stiites ihat "an assistant clerk and messengor boy were appointed, tlius effecting a mto the borough general nccoum of over ±•180 per annum." Last year there was ono in the office, with assistant at a salary of £52 per annum. Now there is in assistant clerk besides the messonger boy. Last year the valuation and collecting was done at a nominal figure, bow a fair salary is ptid to the present valuer, Tho position really is that Messrs Malcornson and Oorbett are bo h kopt on, certainly without reduction of salaries, and I believe are efficient officers; an offico boy is also employed, whilst we have an aqdi lional olerk at i'l3o per rmimn, Possibly the Mayor meant thai all the advantages (?) ennumcrated by him had been ob timed at an additional cost of £l3O, and not at a reduced cost by that, amount. With voor permission I would like to refer io the night noil clause in the Mayor's nddresb, I ihink it a matter of deep regret that he should anvochti the letting of the nigbtsoil service by contract. If there is- one thing ihat ought to be entire j under the control of the Council more than another, it is that of keeping our town pure and wholesome, Fending, therefore, the adoption of a drainage scheme, the nighlsoil business should be taken in hand by the Counoil under the goneral supervision of the Inspector of Nuisanoes or some other retponsib e officer. Auolher point I would like to have made dear. The staff of officia's is being increased every few months. It would be inte'esling to know how much the saliri ed officers raceive. Mr Gilmnur hai nor. referred to this important i>ctn in giving the various leading amounts expended.—l am, eto., Old Resident.