THE BOROUGH STAFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3327, 20 September 1911, Page 5

THE BOROUGH STAFF.

IS IT EFFICIENT? COMPLETE INVESTIGATION SUGGESTED. The efficiency of the Borough Council’s staff was under review at the meeting last night. Tlie subject was introduced by a recommendation from the Borough Engineer to the Council to increase tlie salary of Mr. A. W. Lafferty, allocation clerk, to £2OB, and to place him on- the permanent staff for three months. Tlie Engineer stated that Mr Lafferty had received the offer of another situation at a higher salary than the Council were paying him, but was agreeable to remain in the Council’s employ if the increase asked for was granted. The Mayor stated that Mr. Lafferty had proved himself a most efficient officer. He had all the details of the departmental works at- present in band at his fingers’ ends, and it would be a pity if they lost the services of such, a . capable officer for the sake- of a few pounds. He- moved that the Engineer’s recommendation be agreed to-. Cr. Collins asked the Engineer if it would not be a fact that they would have- to appoint an assistant engineer if thev. lost Mr. Lafferty ? The Engineer said it would be exceedingly difficult to replace Mr. Lafferty. Cr. Darton favoured the increase in salary 7 recommended. At the same time he stated it was most necessary that the Council should take into consideration the advisability of making a thorough investigation, into t’he whole staff. It wanted readjusting, and lie would move at a later sta-ge that a committee- be setup to investigate the whole question of the staff.

Cr. Bright agreed with Cr. Darton that an investigation was required as to the organisation! of the staff. At present they had a little army of about 40 permanent officers and 140 casual officers. They would have to shorten sail, and it was imperative to 1 see that everything economy demanded was done in view of the heavy obligations ahead' of the* ratepayers. He knew nothing of the individual merits of the. officer m question or whether .he was worthy of the increase; 'but he considered it was time' they saiv to it that- their' staff was efficient and not too- numerous.

Cr. Smith, while not disputing that Mr Lafferty was a good man and was worth the salary asked, said that the Council had a short time ago. been unanimously of opinion that no requests or increase of salary should he made except when the estimates were being framed. If the present increase was granted, they would have requests continually before them. What was wanted was an assistant engineer to allow the. Engineer to spend l more time in the office doing work lie should be. doing An assistant engineer would bo- of more value to the Borough at the present time than. Mr Lafferty. Cr. Collins said Mr. Lafferty was a trained departmental officer, and it would be unwise to lose him. Cr. Wade ecu side red that Mr Lafferty was a most valuable officer, and he would - support the motion; for the increase. He considered an investigation of the staff was necessary. If Mr Lafferty had better men under him his duties would be lighter. He (Cr: Wade) noticed that tradesmen were employed in the office, who had n:o> knowledge of clerical work, and he considered this was wrong. After further discussion., _ it was decided to grant the increase ini salary recommended by the Engineer. At a later stage, Cr. Darton gave notice of nioii-omi to move, at next meeting:—: .... v. „ . 1 ' That in the opnniom of tins Council an investigation should -be made into the staffing of tho Council, ’and a return, he prepared of all permanent employees, with the amount of salary paid to. each and 1 the length of service- and schedule- of their duties.