CONFIRMED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 217, 13 September 1930, Page 9

CONFIRMED.

DR. VALINTINE'S POST ADVERSE MOTION REJECTED. LONG SERVICES TO STATE. DEPARTMENTAL REORGANISATION. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. The Houso to-day approved the appointment at a salary of £500 a year, as an advisory oflicer of the Health Department, of Dr. T. H. A. Valintine, whose retirement from the position of Director-General has been announced. An adverse motion moved by Mr. W. L. Martin (Raglan) during consideration of the Health Estimates was rejected on the voices after a long discussion. Mr. Martin said that the retiring Director-General had had ample opportunity of joining the superannuation fund, but had nofc done so, and he thought the House should not approve of Dr. Valinfcine's appointment in an advisory capacity on what- was practically a superannuation of £500 a year. If Dr. Valintine were to be paid superannuation, then it should not exceed £300. As a protest Mr. Martin moved that the Health Estimates be reduced by £100 as an indication that the House did not approve of the appointment, which, he considered, was a reflection on the new Director-General. "I understand Dr. Watt will be the new Director-General," the member added. "No one can say Dr. Watt is not competent to carry on. without interference by the, retiring Director-General. Dr. Watt should bo free to : plough, his-own furrow."

No Expenditure Increase. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, said there would be no increase in the aggregate salaries of the Department. Dr. Valintine, as an advissory officer, took the place of another part-time officer who had been associated with the Department for some time. Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton): Who is that? The Minister said that in the aggregate appropriation there would probably be a saving of £500 to £1000 a year. With his long "service and wide experience, Dr. Valintine would, in : his new position, render , valuable service to the State. "But he will never be consulted," interjected Mr. Kyle. ■ "Thank you," replied the Minister. Mr. A. E. Ansell (Chalmers): What position will.the Department adopt regarding nurses who wish to join the superannuation fund? . . The Minister: This is not a question of superannuation. Mr. J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn) contended that although £500 was "voted last ■year for a part-time officer nothing was spent. The Minister: The money was spent. "Special Consideration." Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Chrifitchureli East)' considered the £500* actually represented a compassionate allowance and while he did not begrudge the retiring director that sum or felt inclined ito vote against his receiving it, he eaid he could not understand why Dr. Valintine had been singled out for special consideration that was not accorded to any other officer retiring under the same circumstances. , The Minister said that.if the director had contributed to the superannuation fund he would have retired on over£6oo a year. , The Minister said tnat with -hie <M years' experience of health administration and his 24 years as the head of the Department he had built for New Zealand, Dr. Valintine was in a, unique position to give the most valuable assistance and advice to the Department on many matters of supreme importance, that came up 'for decision.

Established Practice. .Replying to Mr. Sullivan, the Minister of Health declared.that payment for advisory services .'had been made for ten

vgelvs ■ ■ ' ' Mr' E. J. Howard (Christchurch Soutli) complained that tie Minister was blocking Ms own estimates by not beinw frank. '.'Why not treat the House, he suggested, "as-if v?e Avere all brothers and tell us the whole story ?" (Laughter.) There was, something rotten about weeping tears over a £1200 a year man and letting £4 a week men go out of the railway, workshops without the slightest consideration. Departmental Reorganisation. » The.Hon. Aγ J. Stallwortby remarked that the question was not one of.superannuation. If any nurse had rTiiidpred. such unique, service as had Dr. Valiur tine he would give her similar consideration. Certain reorganisation was in progress so lie could not give names. Two part-time officers paid by the Department were Dr. Jellette, consulting obstetrician, and Dr. McGill, a part-time adviser who came regularly from Auckland to advise tho Department on certain technical questions.* ■•■•. Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central): Is this new? . Tiie Minister: It has been going on. for 20 or 30 years. Threatened Hold-up. Mr. K. Semple (Wellington East)' sought a frank assurance- that there would be no discrimination. If a frank statement were made tho Estimates would go through. "If that is not given," ho added, "we will keep you here for a couple of days longer." Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West) said that if the Minister' would say the amount to be paid was far a definite period only and that the new DirectorGeneral would be allowed to control the Department, the House would know where it stood. -.< • ■ ■ .„ The Minister: I will give an undertaking to review the ;position next year. Mr. Kyle: You won't be here! Mr. Savage- eaid that in view of the Minister's undertaking he was prepared to let the matter go. After further discussion a devision was called, for, but the amendment was 1 lost on the voices. -