BAUME’S RELEASE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 42, 13 November 1926, Page 10

BAUME’S RELEASE

Sir,—Because the Government has, not kept the promise”•’• madeby -the Prime Minister (to whom?) .“that.an, experienced and efficient persoti would be appointed to takecontrol -of Reprisons, ' and that Mr. Dallard would not under any circumstances - be. appointed,” it is threatened with annihilation by the Rev. Howard Elliott! I, hasten, therefore, to tender my sympathy to the Prime Minister and his colleagues. In his latest reference to prison supervision, Mr. Elliott lets: the cat out of the bag. He strikes at the Public Service Commissioner. It is well known that the rev', gentleman and members of an association with which he is closely connected, did. their utmost to prevent the appointment of the pre-, sent Public Service Commissioner, and that the vituperations published against him were such that an: abject apologyhad to be made. ’ ’ .1 hold no brief for Mr. Verschaffelt; have never been under any personal obligation to him, nor am I a member of the R.C. Church, but recognising that Government employees are precluded from defending themselves m the newspaper. columns, I consider it a British privilege to state that it is an insult to the citizens generally that a most competent and conscientious officer—none more so has occupied the position—should be subjected to contumely allegations by an ecclesiastic who is notorious—if for nothing else—in stirring up strife. I enclose my card.—l am, etc., . FAIR PLAY. Wellington, November 11, 1926.