The Case of Mr Stratford.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 85, 27 June 1871, Page 3

The Case of Mr Stratford.

We have alrd.uly, in tha-se column, given expression to our opinions o:l th; conduct of the Governs) nub in reguvl tu Mr H. A. Stratford's removal from St. Bathans to Naseby, and of his claims to promotion being deliberately ignored.

In tli3 Provincial Council, on the 9ih inst., Mr Mervyn moved :—" That in the opinion of the Council it is expedient that the recommendation of the late Government that Mr Carew be appointed subwarden at Blacks, should not be given effect to ; but it is desirable in the interests of the members of the Civil Service that the senior officei*, Mr H. A. Stratford, should be so appointed; and the Government are hereby requested to adopt such measures as they may deem fit to give effect to this resolution."—This led to the Provincial Secretary expressing his opinion that in all probability the late Government had good reasons for recommending the appointment of Mr Carew ; at the same time, so far as his own knowledge went, it did appear that some slight had been done Mr Stratford, who had a good claim for promotion, if an officer was to be promoted. While the recommendation of these appointments did certainly rest with the Provincial Government, the responsibility of the appointment rested with the Colonial Government. He was not prepared to say that to ask that the cancellation of the recommendation of the late Government was judicious ; but if that course were adopted, the Government would in all probability recommend Mr Stratford's appointment. Being appealed to, Mr Haughton explained that, in recommending Mr Carew, the late Government had acted upon good and valid reasons.