A VALUABLE REPORT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1734, 26 April 1913, Page 4

A VALUABLE REPORT.

The Commissioners appointed to inquire into the working of the Public Trust Office—Messrs. A. Macintosh and R. Hosking, K.O.—have presented a report which should prove of very great value in directing attention to, and suggesting remedies for, certain weaknesses in this important State Department. Tho report of the Commissioners oovcra so much ground that it is impossible from a cursory glance through its numerous pages to grasp and appreciate tho full extent of the findings and recommendations made. It is | plain, however, that the investigations carried out have in a number of respects gone to show that the Department is staffed by a zealous and capable set of officers, and that it has served a useful purpose c'xtremely well. That some oi tho methods, and in certain particulars the policy, of the Department might bo improved upon is plainly demon- ! strated. but the credit that is duo to the staff is not obscured by this state of things, and the very complimentary references of the Commissioners will no doubt receive the attention they deserve in the proper quarters. Amongst tho numerous matters touched on in the report, tho system of dealing with the Native trusts administered by tho Public Trust Office will call for careful examination by the Government, and also the question of the class of men appointed to act as country agents for the Public Trustee. In respect of both these matters, the report of tho Commissioners affords evidence that the existing state of things has given ground for serious thought, and that there is room for improvement seems quite clear from the facts narrated. The Minister-in-Charge of the Department, the Hon. A. L. Herdman, appears to have been impressed with the reasons given_ by the Commissioners for tho various suggested changes, and has intimated his intention to introduce a Bill during the coming session to give_ effect to some of the recommendations put forward. Exactly what he intends to do is not stated, but that the inquiry conducted by the Commissioners will be productive of practical results seems certain. The portion of the report relating to tho under-staffing of the Department, the scale of salaries paid, and the methods of appointment and promotion recommended, will presumably receive the consideration of the Public Service Commissioners. Messrs. Macintosh and Hosking arc botli men of large experience and sound judgmenl>-tho former especially has a practical knowledge of the management of extensive commercial and financial businesses worked by lalrge staffs, and with numerous agencies and branches scattered throughout the country—and when they express so emphatically as they do in their .report their opinion regarding tho overworking of tho ofheers of tho Public Trust Department and tho inadequacy of tho pay for tho responsible work performed, it can bo accepted with confidence that there is urgent need for more liberal treatment. We do not think it necessary to single out who is to blame for the position which has been permitted to grow up in connection with the staff. The professed "Liberalism" of the twenty odd years' reign of the Continuous Ministry has left many wrongs to bo righted, and the Public Service of tho country, it is to bo hoped, will be amongst thoso who will find' their position improved, and fairer treatment accorded tiiem, as the result of the change which has taken place in 'the control of the ■Dominion's affairs. The prompt appointment by Mr. Herdman of the Commission of Inquiry into tho conduct of tho business of the Public Trust Office should, amongst other things, assist to improve the position and prospects of thoso State employees attached to that office.