A TOWN CLERK

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 118, 13 May 1932, Page 2

A TOWN CLERK

FOR EKETAHUNA BOROUGH

LOCAL PREFERENCE ISSUE

A further special meeting of the Eketakuna Borough Council was held on Friday for the purpose of receiving the notice of motion introduced by the Mayor (Mr. W. Simpson): “That the appointment of D. H. Dobson be rescinded and the position be filled by a local applicant.” The Mayor said he had no intention of doing this when he left the room after the previous meeting, but since then he had received a petition signed by forty people asking that a local applicant receive the job. Brief mention was made to the previous meeting lasting three hours and the discussion “with a little heat.” Dr. Simmers seconded the Mayor's motion without comment.

Cr. Tripe thought that if the resolution was passed it would be a retrogressive step. They had deliberatdid recently for three solid hours and fully discussed the merits of all applicants. With regards to the petition, one could go round and get treble the. signatures to uphold the Council.

Cr. Greathead saw no reason why the Council should go back on its choice. They had dealt with the matter impartially and he thought it had been finally settled. Cr. Butcher wondered if the ratepayers fully realised the responsibilities. He had fully considered the local aspect and could not see any reason why the notice of motion should receive support. He contended that many people who signed the petition did not know who the local applicants were. There was also a

rumour about that “the job was fully earmarked.”

After further discussion the motion was put, His Worship and Dr. Simmers voting in support and Crs. Tripe, Greathead, Olsen, and Butcher against. Mr. D. H. Dobson, who has been on the staff of the City Council, Invercargill, for the past six years, has been asked to take up his new duties within 14 days.—“ Express.” The position was advertised at a salary of £225 per annum.