MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICISM.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1749, 14 May 1913, Page 7

MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICISM.

(By Teloeranh.—Special Oorresnond/rat.) ' Auckland, May 13. Asked this morning by a "Star" 'representative what were tlio Govornmen'fs intentions with regard to tho recommendations of the Public Trust Office Commission, the Hon. Mr. Herdman, ' who is Minister in charge of that branch of tho Public Service, said that in all probability tho commission's report would bo fully considered by Cabinet at its next full meeting. Tho gentlemen, he stated, who wero appointed by the Governor to inquire into tho working and management of tho office had discharged the important duties >vhich devolved upon them in a painstaking and thorough manner, and their report was all 'the more valuablo by reason of tho exhaustive nature of their investigations. Many of the recommendations of the commission would no doubt be given effect to by the Government, and he felt sure that these would not only facilitate the handling of tho business of the Department, bu't would tend to the promotion of a greater confidence in tli<> office by the public. Touching upon the criticism of a eoutJiern Opposition journal .upon- the recent appointment of n.n inspector to the office, the Minister said that it had -been stated that the officer referred to had received his appointment because of . political influence, and that tho Public Trustees recommendation of another officer whom ho ■ considered b?tter .entitled " ,e f os }~ tion had teen disregarded. The facts Telating to the appointment are these, said Mr. Herdman j Hie Public Trustee's original intention was to appoint an officer to be an inspector for tho examination of properties, and to see the provisions in leases properly compli?<l with. He considered that a salary of i&iOO a year would be ample for this omce-r, and 1 mado a recommendation to me accordingly. However, it appeared in iny judgment that an inspector with wider powers should-be appointed,-and consequently the Public Trustee's Tecomraendation was not acted "Upon. At tho time the recommendation was mado tho question, of a more important appointment had not been considered, and when .the matter came before me for consideration 'tho Public Trusteo could not be consulted, becauso of his serious breakdown in health. The'gentleman selected was appointed to perform much more onerous and responsible'duties than were originally contemplated. The suggestion that political influence was responsible for Mr. Harnett's appointment is qmto ridiculous. Mr Barnett's name was suggested by tho Dop-utv-Pubiic Trustee, who was controlling the. Public Trust Office m the abfence of the Public Trnjtee (Dr. Fitohett). The recomiiiomlation for tho appointment was considered and made by. Cabinet." ' j