THE CIVIL SERVICE REPORT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1976, 24 June 1880, Page 3

THE CIVIL SERVICE REPORT.

[By Tele&baph.] Tfbom oub owh cobbespokdbkt.] WELLINGTON, June 23. There wore nearly two hours' acrimonious discussion in the House this afternoon relative, first, to the publication in the Opposition press of an extract from tho Civil Service Commission report, and, secondly, the publication of the full report on Saturday last in the "Otago Daily Times," Ohristchurch Fbbss and Auckland "Herald," although the report was not laid on the table of the House till 12.25 a.m. Ministers said that the extract which appeared prematurely must have been stolen when the report was in proof. Various notices 'of questions have been given as to the respective times that the report was furnished to the representatives of the three papers above-mentioned. I ought in fairness to mention here that not the slightest unfairness or favoritism was shown in the matter. I ascertained by personal inquiry from the Com'missioners when their report would be sent in, and then simply waited my opportunity to obtain a copy. When I received my copy I was distinctly told that copies would be furnished to any other correspondents who applied for them. It is no part of a Minister's duties to run after newspaper men with reports, which the latter could procure by merely asking for. I received not the slightest hint from the Government or anybody ehe, and had to trust to my own vigilance in the matter. A very absurd fuss has been made because a few Opposition journals were caught napping.