Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/300

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists He did not wish it to be understood that these gentlemen were hoverpaid—far from it (hear, hear). It was not that they got too much, but that the Engineer got too little. How could they expect a man like that to hexist on a paltry fifteen pounds a week? Why, it was nothing more or less than sweating! (hear, hear). He had much pleasure in moving that the Borough Engineer's salary be increased to seventeen pounds a week, and that his hannual 'oliday be extended from a fortnight to one calendar month with hard la—he begged pardon—with full pay. (Loud cheers.)

Councillor Rushton said that he did not propose to make a long speech—it was not necessary. He would content himself with formally seconding Councillor Didlum's excellent proposition. (Applause.)

Councillor Weakling, whose rising was greeted with derisive laughter, said he must oppose the resolution. He wished it to be understood that he was not actuated by any feeling of personal animosity towards the Borough Engineer, but at the same time he considered it his duty to say that in his opinion that official would be dear at half the price they were now paying him. (Disturbance). He did not appear to understand his business; nearly all the work that was done cost in the end about double what the Borough Engineer estimated it could be done for. (Liar). He considered him to be a grossly incompetent person (uproar), and was of opinion that if they were to advertise they could get dozens of better men who would be glad to do the work for five pounds a week. He moved that Mr Oyley Sweater be asked to resign, and that they advertise for a man at five pounds a week (great uproar).

Councillor Grinder rose to a point of order. He appealed to the Chairman to squash the amendment. (Applause).

Councillor Didlum remarked that he supposed Councillor Grinder meant 'quash': in that case he would support the suggestion.

Councillor Grinder said it was about time they put a stopper on that feller Weakling. He (Grinder) did not care whether they called it squashing or quashing; it was all the same so long as they nipped him in the bud. (Cheers). The man was a disgrace to the Council, always hinterfering and 'indering the business.

The Mayor, Alderman Sweater, said that he did not think it consistent with the dignity of that Council to waste any 288