Harold Richardson's Diary
Frank Nicol's diary - December 1044
For the week beginning 4th December 1944.
The work diary of Frank Nicol, Acting County Clerk, Rangitikei County Council:
Harold Hastings Richardson, 1872-1944 was appointed Rangitikei County Clerk in 1893, and he continued in that role until his death, 51 years later, on 21 September 1944. Work diaries supplied by Miller and Springhall in Wanganui survive in the Council’s archives for 1934-35 and 1937-39. Richardson stopped his entries abruptly (and without explanation) on 20 June 1935, and there are sporadic entries only in 1937 and 1938. He wrote nothing in the 1939 diary, but it was put to use by Frank Nicol, the County’s Accountant, who was appointed Acting Clerk to succeed Richardson after his death.
Monday, 4 December 1944
Referred a/c H W Harris (£219) to Chairman* than rang Mr Furlong at P[almerston] N[orth]. He suggested C[ounci]l should agree by Resolution to pay 30/- travel expenses over and above the actual fares. Also should have assurance in writing from Harris that he is declaring the £219.
Tuesday, 5 December 1944
[No entry]
Wednesday, 6 December 1944
Visit from Campbell, Clerk; City Engineer and a private engineer from Stratford County to see loader dozer[?] at Kakariki.
Campbell uses slip Cash Book and slip Rate Book – no Journal entries (cash transfers fortnightly).
On County meeting work till 5.30 pm, later 7 – 8.15 pm, then to Men’s Club.
Thursday, 7 December 1944
Meeting.
Agreed to ask Wages Commissioner to give rises to girls due to services.
M[otor] D[rivers] Licences – new app[lication] forms.
Large arguments with plenty of contradictions and disappointments re Kak[ariki] and Howard*. Mair* said seeing river stopped, no need to take land. [Cr] G Hammond very emphatic.
Friday, 8 December 1944
Chairman rang. Wants copy of letter re Bulls Bridge sent to AA P[almerston] N[orth] and Wang[anui], also P[ublic] W[orks] Wang[anui] & W[ellin]gton, Bulls T[own] B[oard] and E B K Gordon. Draft to be submitted to him after consulting S** & R[od] M[ckenzie]!!
Saw Mary in school concert.
Ma arrived.
Sent out circular to Roadmen re holiday pay.
S** & R[od].M[ckenzie] & J.H.T[iffin].
Saturday, 9 December 1944
{No entry]
Sunday, 10 December 1944
[No entry]
Notes* (in order)
Ken Dalrymple was Chairman.
The Howard family owned Westoe farm, close to the Kakariki plant (and still does).
Sydney Mair, County Engineer
Rod McKenzie was Assistant Accountant.
**’S’ may refer to Sydney Mair, County Engineer.
o0o
21 December 2007
