LOCAL APPOINTMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1929, Page 1

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS

CRITICAL REFORM MEMBER.

WELLINGTON, July 4

Complaining that the Government was adopting a oplicy of “ spoils to the victor,” AH Kyle (Riccarton), stated in tho House to-night that men who had rendered valuable service to the country by reason of long service on public bodies were being replaced by others nominated by the Government. He instanced the case of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, when Air James Leslie, chairman of the Paparua County Council, who was selected by contiguous local bodies to fill a vacancy, was passed over in favour of Mr G. 11. Jiuld.' The member for Riccarton said be bad seen letters which passed between the local bodies interested and the Marino Department, that Department having replied to a letter containing Air Leslie’s nomination by stating that Air Judd had been appointed. The Act did not go as far as to say the Governor-General must appoint a member, but simply said the Governor-General might make an appointment. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph. Ward) interjected that when the late Mr Massey was Prime Afinister he had stood up in the House and declared that he was going to have men appointed to public bodies throughout the country who supported his policy. Mr Kyle replied that he did not favour such a course, as it savoured of spoils to the victor. The Minister of Education: Anyhow that was done by Afr Massey.

Air KyTe also complained that Air E. F. Stead was put off the Domain Board and the Hon. D. Buddo appointed in his place. Mr Forbes: A good man, too. Ho has been oil the Domain Board before.

Mr Kyle added that the displaced member was a man who devoted his whole time to importing some of the most valuable plants to be found in the Dominion.