The Globe THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1875.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 382, 2 September 1875, Page 2

The Globe THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1875.

Ma Eitziieebert declines to believe Major Atkinson's statements, with regard to the appointment of Major Palmer to the Surveyor-G-eneralship of New Zealand. It cannot be denied that there was a very general impression that Major Palmer had received an offer of the appointment referred to, subject to his being able to make arraugements with regard to his military duties. In Canterbury, at least, the question of the appointment was freely talked of, and it is hard to believe that what was such a generally accepted statement, could have been entirely without foundation. It may be that the appointment was offered to Major Palmer by Sir Julius Vogel, but we cannot credit the fact that there

never was <*iny intention on the part of the present Ministry of employing Major Palmer in the capacity of Surveyor- Greneral. It is all very well for the Member for Timaru to declare his indignation at the fact that a Minister's statement of positive facts is doubted, but he must admit that the question of the appointment of his friend, Major Palmer, was a common subject of conversation. Sir Julius Vogel is by no means an illiberal man in his offers of appointments, as witness the case of Captain Campbell Walker ; and it is quite possible that he may have taken upon himself to make offers to Major Palmer quite independently of his colleagues. That the offer was made by someone, we firmly believe, despite Major Atkinson's protestations of ignorance on the part of himself and his fellow Ministers. With regard to the question as to whether an equally efficient Surveyor-General could not be obtained, without depriving her Majesty's service of an unusually useful officer, we are strongly of opinion that, if possible, the Government of the day should encourage local talent. Those who have borne the burden and heat of the day should at least have a chance of obtaining the highest professional prize in the colony. It resolves itself into a question of competence for the post, and we cannot understand why it should be necessary to go outside the colony for some one able to perform the duties required. If it is admitted that there are " two or three, " or at the outside four, persons in the " colony qualified to fill the office," then let the choice be made from amongst these gentlemen, who will have good grounds for complaint if they are passed over, and a stranger introduced as head of their department. The admission that there are amongst us gentlemen capable of filling the post of Surveyor-General, should preclude an appointment from outside of the colony. Whether the present Ministry will think so, is another question, and Major Atkinson's speech does not make ua hopeful that he will recognise the talent that is amongst us. A strong expression of feeling on the part of the House might however induce the gallaut Major to do so, and we trust that this expression may be given.