Ports appointments seen as political

Press, 31 August 1977, Page 2

Ports appointments seen as political

Parliamentary reporter

The Opposition spokesman on transport (Sir Basil Arthur) says he is shocked and disgusted about what he calls the blatantly political actions of the Minister of Transport (Mr McLachlan) over the membership of the Ports Authority. “Along with the rest of the South Island and, I am sure, all other members of the Ports Authority, I am appalled to learn that Mr John Mathison has been dropped from its membership,” he said yesterday.

‘‘Mr Mathison has always made a great contribution to the work of this body. As a former Minister of Transport, he has a detailed understanding of transport economics and pressures. As well, his personal integrity, and independence of judgment, have made him a tower of strength over the three years he has been a member.-

“There can be no reason for his replacement other than the fact that he is a

prominent member of the Labour movement,” said Sr Basil. “I never thought I would see the day when this sort of shabby stupidity w'ould intrude into the appointments of a vital transport institution. “As a Minister I personally reappointed the now retiring chairman, Sir John McAlpine, because of his outstanding work. The fact that he had opposing political views never came into it. “This is the latest in a series of blatantly political appointments made by this Government. It also continues the pattern of total disregard for the future of the South Island,” Sir Basil said. “I sincerely hope hat ail associated with the transport industry, and all South Islanders, will make it clear to the Minister that this sort of action is not to tc tolerated in a fair and open society." Mr McLachlan said later that Sir Basil’s statement was absolute nonsense. "If the question of where

members of the authority come from were at all important, all North Islanders may have been upset by the fact that for several years two members of the authority were from Christchurch,” he said. “Mr Mathison’s three-year term has expired, and I paid tribute on Monday to his contribution to the authority. “The question of his politcal connections and those of the new appointments are not important, because members of the authority are constrained under the Ports Authority Act to be impartial.

“I am confident the two new members will behave in accordance with the spirit of the act and avoid any question of sectional or regional favour. When Sir Basil reappointed Sir John McAlpine, he obviously showed in him confidence that he would be impartial and I have the same confidence in the two new members,” Mr McLachlan said.