THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS, SOUTHLAND ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 25, 3 September 1920, Page 8

THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS, SOUTHLAND ELECTRIC POWER BOARD.

Sir and Gentlemen, — ln our issue of August 13th., we published an open let-ter to the Board. The effect of this has been to cause considerable comment and to intensify to an already existing state of uneasiness amongst the people of Southland. We drew your attention to the practice of going to Australia for men, without giving Southlanders a chance. These positions were not advertised for locally. In the "Evening Post" of August 24th., we notice that Messrs Hay and Vickerman are applying for two assistant eleetrical engineers at a salary of between £300 and £400 per annum. Now, will you state whether these men are for the local scheme, and if so, why are they not advertised for locally ? Is it true that a committee drew up an agreement between the Board and engineers which has practically placed the scheme in the hands of the engineers, and that the Board now exists as a piece of machinery to satisfy legislative requirements? Is it not also true that the position of Public Works clerk was first offered at a salary of £12 a week, but the engineers subsequently made it £10 p,er week and £12 if the applicant ma-kes good 1 It certainly seems like the same thing. Is it not true that a book was kept tor applicants for employment to enter their names? If so, has it reaehed the rubbish bin, and what use was made of it? Regarding the trip of the chairman to the Old Country, we trust you wfll not consider it impertinent if we ask whether it is legal to spend the Board's funds in this direction. In case this, and a few other questions are causing you some concern, we leave the matter for the consideration of the Board, and in the interests of the scheme and the Board, the time is ripe for a fearless member of the Board to resign and have the necessary freedom of action to satisfy the public uneasiness. — Editor, "Digger.'*