PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1800, 12 July 1913, Page 3

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

THE COMMISSION'S REPORT,

REFORMS IN TRAIN,

HON, A. L.HERDMAN CORRECTS MISREPRESENTATION. Speaking yesterday to a Dominion reporter on tha subject of tho report of the Public' Trust Office Commission, tho Hon. A. L. Herdman said that there was a Bill now in the course of preparation which would in largo measure give effect to several of the moro important recommendations of the Commission. "I hope," said the Minister, "to bo able to introciuco tho Bill within the next week or two. In regard to the more efficient staffing of tho Department, I may say that since the report of the Commission was presented to the Governor tho wliolo office has undergone complete inspection by the Public Service Commissioners. Their official report reached me at tho beginning of tho week, and it has been especially gratifying to m« to find that the Commissioners speak in high commendation of the efficiency of the officers of the Department and the keenness and enthusiasm they display in their work. Gradually tho full manning of the staff is being carried out,. and it is hoped that before very long tho office will have its full complement of men, and the complaints about the working of an incomplete stall will not be again heard of." "I notice," said Mr. Herdman, "that tho local Opposition paper perpetrated another of its Beries of misrepresentations in its issue of Thursday. It says, with its customary disregard for accuracy, that in commenting upon the Public Trust Office in the House'on Tuesday, I made use of the following words:—'Mr. Herdman actually states _ that the Commissioners made the appointment (that of Mr. Barnett as inspector). Why, Mr. Barnett was in the position referred to, and drawing the salary attached to it, months before the Public Service Board took office.' "As a fact," said the Minister, I made no such statement that Mr, Barnett was appointed by the Public Service Commissioner. That officer was filling his new position several months before the Commissioners took office. This is what 1 said relative to Mr. Barnctt's appointment, as reported by the Hansard reporter:— '"It was said that political, patronage was exercised in connection with, the appointment of Mr. Barnett as inspector. When I took charge of the office, I found there was no inspector, no man going round the country looking after tho staff or the properties. I_ sal d there should be an inspector of this institution. Dr. Fitchett recommended a certain gentleman for appointment. Then Dr. litcliett became ill, and was laid up for three months. In his absence, Ml'. Barnett, of Christcburch, who is well known in the Service, was recommended to me, and I said I would recommend Cabinet to make the appointment. '"An hon. member: That was the day before the Commissioners took office. '"The Hon. Mr. Herdman: No, you are talking nonsense. That appointment was made long before the Commissioners ■ took office. The appointment was recommended to me by the Deputy Public Trustee. On the Deputy Public Trustee s recommendation, Mr. Barnett was appointed, and no better man could till tho position. I feel confident of that. "What the paper, did in its efforts to deliberately misrepresent is plain. It took the remarks 1 made in the same speech in reference to tho appointment of a typiste to the office, and credited me with uttering them in respect to Air. Barnett's apjiointment. In connection with the former appointment, I read a statement by. the Public Trustee, showing conclusively that the appointment of tho typiste referred to was made on tlie recommendation of the Deputy Public Trustee, and added (vide Hansard reporter's rifjort) • — „ " 'Not only that, but it so happens 'that that appointment was actually made by tho Public Service Commissionci-. 1 have his official statement showing that on May 20 he intimates to this lady that slie has been appointed as from April 7. So that the Public Service Commissioner,' or rather tho Deputy Public Trusteo in the first instance, had all to do with the appointment.' ■ "Furtker, tho paper quotes incorrectly some remarks I made to an 'Auckland Star' reporter on May 13. The quotation published by the paper credits mo with saying (in reference to Mr. Barnett's kippomtment) s— • " 'When the matter (the appointment of an inspector) came up finally for consideration, the Public 'iruwec could not ue consulted owing to a serious breakdown in health. Mr. Herdman ridiculed tho suggestion that political influence was responsible for Sir. Harnett's appointment.' "Now, the whole of ray statement has not been given in that quotation., A material part of it lias been. omitted, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I cannot say, but the omission certainly makes it appear as if Mr. Barnett's appointment'was mado without reference to the Public Trustee or his deputy. Hero is what I told the 'Auckland Star' reporter, and wliat appears in that paper on May lit:— , " 'The suggestion that political influence was responsible for, Mr. Barnett's appointment is quite ridiculous. Mr. Barnett's name was suggested by the Deputy Public Trustee, who was controlling the. Public Trust Office in the absence of tho Public Trustee, Dr. Fitchett. The recommendation for tlie appointment was considered and made by Cabinet. ■ "Comparing the quotation (rom tho 'Auckland Star' with that which appears in the local Opposition paper, it will be seen tbat this sentence has been cut out of the extract printed by the latter journal:—'Mr. Barnett's name was suggested by tho Deputy Public Trustee, who was controlling tlie Public Trust Office, in the absence of the Public Trustee, Dr. Fifccliett.' '. "This omission," added the Minister, "makes all -the difference in the world in the consistency of my statements in the matter."