SALE OF CARS AND SERVICE VOTING

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24676, 20 September 1945, Page 6

SALE OF CARS AND SERVICE VOTING

REPLIES TO OPPOSITION QUESTIONS (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September 19. Queries by the Opposition about action taken as a result of inquiries last year into the disposal of motor vehicles in Christchurch and service voting were answered by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo) had asked him to state what action, if any, was taken against the officer who was found by the Public Accounts Committee “to have given away Government property and unauthorised discounts, etc., in connexion with the sale of vehicles in Christchurch.”

Mr Frasgr replied that it was not considered necessary to take punitive action against the officer who, according to the Public Accounts Committee, exceeded his duty. “As there was no question of dishonesty involved it was considered that the disapproval of the committee, and its widespread publication, was sufficient reprimand.’’ said the Prime Minister.

Mr J. T. Watts (Riccarton) asked the Prime Minister to inform the House of steps taken to correct irregularities in the Electoral Department disclosed in the evidence taken by the committee on service voting, and to say if any steps had been taken by the Public Service Commissioner to deal witli such irregularities. In a note to this question, Mr Watts said the Prime Minister had described the burning of the ballot papers and the concealment of the fact as regrettable and wrong.

Mr Fraser replied; “The matter of what the select committee found to be an ‘error of judgment’ on the part of the special returning officer, and the subsequent delay in notification by the chief electoral officer, have been referred to the Public Service Commissioner. who is the proper authority to determine whatever action is necessary.”

Premises Entered.—The premises of McKendrick Brothers. Ltd., at 168 Lichfield street, Christchurch, were entered by thieves on Tuesday evening. Entrance was gained through the rear of the building. A small sum of money was stolen.