bers of the Local Board, who with reckless impatience would thrust me into sanitary work of momentous importance to the ratepayers of the district, which the instructions of the General Board state, to be effectual, must be the result of careful consideration, and require much time in preparations. I feel much pleasure in referring to the many sanitary reforms and improvements effected in roads, footpaths, paving, sea walls, new waterworks, &c. during my short term of office, and shall feel pleasure in temporarily fulfilling the duties of surveyor until my successor be appointed, that the Local Board may be subject to no inconvenience through my resignation, and am, Gentlemen, your most obedient servant, Stephen Putland” - Coun. Harvey said it would ill become the Board to request the Surveyor to hold an office which was so injurious to his health; he would therefore move that the resignation be accepted; and as to the plans which Mr Ross enquired for, it was of no use to go into them now that the surveyor had resigned. The Surveyor said when he sent in his resignation, he was not aware of Mr Harvey’s notice on the agenda (A very significant and uncomplimentary one). “Oh, yes you were” replied Harvey. The Surveyor repeated his assertion, and then remarked that he believed he had done his duty to the Board, and thought that that was the best possible time to tender his resignation. He was not afraid of the sewage work before him; for, many of his friends in London had told him that he had already done his worst work; and he thought so himself. Any practical man coming after him, should have his assistance. He had found his labours too heavy and perplexing, and there was an undercurrent at work against him. All the contracts were drawing to a conclusion, and his successor would have little to do. Finally, he trusted they would allow him to retire without the appearance of anything discreditable. (Hear, hear!)
Mr. Putland’s successor. The resignation having been received and accepted, Coun. Deudney hoped that in the selection of a new surveyor no rash promises would be made. On the former occasion the appointment was almost given before the meeting was held, so that a fair opportunity was not given to others. He hoped the Board would throw over all party feeling, and endeavour to elect the best man. He saw Mr. Gant was present, and perhaps he might have something to say. Ald. Emary would like a surveyor to be advertised for, and Coun. Ross would like the same. Coun. Ginner hoped the Board would not advertise if they had really made up their minds to elect a particular person. It would simply be umbugging parties to set them racing after an office that was already virtually given away. They all knew Mr Gant, who had prepared a map of the borough in a satisfactory way, although he was a long time about it, he having had too much imposed upon him. (The same, say I, that might have been justly said of Mr. Putland, who had still more imposed on him). They must not expect impossibilities from anyman. (Yet that was what they did expect from Mr. Putland as any impartial hearer or -
