The Harbor Engineer.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 287, 16 April 1889, Page 2

The Harbor Engineer.

[IO THE EDIIOB.] Sir, —“ The man who acts a* hi* own lawyer has a fool for a client," if true of the individual, i* evidently no less so of the majorities of local bodies. The members of the Harbor Board finding themaelvea dissatisfied that the term* of the Engineer’* engagement were not axplicit enough,referred the matter to their aolicitor for bia opinion. His opinion was that the Engineer was entitled to six months’ notice terminable at the end of each year -of hie engagement. In the face of such an opinion any ordinary man would bs cautious in taking the risk of an action. Not so, however, our Board, for they acted contrary to the opinion, indeed they admitted it to be correct, so far that an engagement must be put an end to at a certain lime, and they straightway gave their servant four montht' notice *o aa to be so far oorrect, and that notwithstanding their solicitor ha. said six months' were necessary I Whether such a course is complimentary to their solicitor Is open to question, and how they can ask him to defend any action the Engineer might bring after taking a course in opposition to his opinion I utterly f.il to comprehend. I take it for granted that the Engineer will take action, and if he ha* any self-respect I atn sure he will not let such an in.ult aa has been offered to him pass unnoticed. The Board have now placed themselves on the hours of a dilemma. Formerly the only dispute was a* to the contract, the Engineer contending it waa co terminatiog with th* plotiou or stoppage of the breakwater Board arguing that the relation* those of an ordinary master and hiring from year to yMr. The Board were borne out in their contention by their eolicitor and what more did they want t Whatever way they turn they are now liable to the Engineer either for breach of tha contract, a* he interpret* it, or for wrongful dismissal without notice, and the only differenoe between ths two things will be as to the amount of damage* to whioh the Engineer will be entitled. Surely an average of £lOO per year for legal expenae* ia quit* sufficient without risking a great deal more. £2 per week would keep a laborer and hie family, and hie labor on the brMkwater would be more beneficial to the district than it the aama amount i* paid to a lawyer. Not only that, but the distnieeal of the Engineer without sufficient cause ia a deliberat. slur for whioh a jury would give exemplary damage*. Carlyle wa« right when he Mid English people were " mostly fool." and it would be interesting to bear hi* opinion* of th* combinsd wisdom ot local bodiu.—l am, *tc., Dtaeonab.