It would seem that the local Council have always been beset by weighty matters.
From The Daylesford Advocate, Yandoit, Glenlyon and Eganstown Chronicle of Tuesday 18 January 1918:
DISPARAGING REMARKS
At Monday night’s meeting of the Borough Council, Mr T.J.Luptou of Hepburn Springs complained of the insulting conduct of licensed drivers in the following terms: – “As the public body controlling the vehicular traffic plying between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, I beg to bring under your notice the conduct of some of the licensed drivers who are in the habit of making disparaging remarks to passengers regarding passing pedestrians, who, unfortunately, are unable to defend themselves from such cowardly behaviour.
In the interests of the public, I beg to bring the above under notice and respectfully request that the matter be placed in the hands of your Inspecting Officer, who, I am informed, has the necessary power to effectively deal with it?”
Crs. King and Trembarth moved that the matter be referred to the Inspector.
Cr. Walton said that it was a rather big order to expect the Inspector to ride up and down the road watching drivers; Mr. Lupton should supply names.
Cr. Parker – I feel that though he has made a general complaint he will be prepared to individualise if necessary. Some of the drivers are good men, but there are others who are not fit to hold a license.
Cr. King’s motion was carried.
Cr. Parker inquired as to the conditions under which drivers held licenses.
Mayor Harris cited the regulations to the effect that the Council could suspend a driver convicted of an offence and on the occurrence of a second offence could revoke his license.
Cr. Deusem expressed the opinion that any person found drunk whilst in charge of a cab could be shifted.
Cr. Parker said that Inspector Graham had been most lax in his supervision of public vehicular traffic during the holiday season. “As many as 40 people had been on a drag at one time. The salary paid the Inspector might as well be thrown in the gutter!”
Cr. Howe moved that the Inspector be requested to more diligently attend to his duties regarding public vehicles. It was time that he did his duty or made room for someone else who would.
Cr. Parker seconded the motion. “The way things were being conducted recently reflected no credit to the Council as an administrative body. Horses attached to vehicles had been driven at a hand gallop, and as to requiring lights on vehicles the thing had simply been a farce!”
The motion was carried.
