A STRONG PROTEST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 26, 10 November 1936, Page 6

A STRONG PROTEST.

CONCERNING AN APPOINTMENT. MINISTER’S SON’S POSITION. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. A strong protest against the appointment of Air S. W. Armstrong, son of the Minister of Labour, to the position of Inspector of Factories and Awards in Christchurch, has been forwarded to the Public Service Commissioners. A meeting of Civil Servants was held in the city last night, when the appointment was discussed, and a resolution to send a protest to the Commissioners was carried after some very plain speaking. Members emphasised tlie preference clause in their code which, it was stated, establishes the principle that where there are men in the service qualified to fill a position, no outside man shall be brought in. It was also pointed out that certain minimum qualifications are prescribed for the appointment of civil servants, and it was claimed that the appointee in the case under dispute did not fulfil those requirements. It was contended that there (had been a breach of understanding regarding preference, that the regulation concerning qualification had been set, aside, and that in view of these circumstances a protest was justified.

Several members expressed indignation. They contended that other men who had been in the service for a long period were entitled to the position, and stated that the channel of promotion had been closed to them when an outside man was brought in.

Mr Armstrong’s appointment took effect yesterday. The position com,mands a salary of £275 a year.