THE EFFICIENCY BOARD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3170, 22 August 1917, Page 4

THE EFFICIENCY BOARD

A STATEMENT AT LAST

.The Prime Minister in the House of representatives yesterday made a statement regarding the position, of tlio Llnciency Board. Mr. L. AT. Isitt refert'ed tho Prime Minister to tho published statement by 0110 of 'the Efficiency Commissioners (Mr. Prostick) that the resignation of tho board was in the Prime Minister's hands, and that tlio; next movo should come from tho Government. Mr. Isitt asked whether, in view of tlio denial by tho Prime Minister that the board liad resigned, tho l'rimo Minister would tell tlio House what the position was. and whether ho could hold out to_ tho House any assurance that tho services of the Commissioners might be saved for this country. Tho Prime Minister said ho had not seen the. article in question, l>nt this would not prevent his explaining the position. "It is stated in tho article, I think," said Mr. Massev, "that the resignation of the board is 111 my hands. That is not tho case. Tho resignation of the board is in tho hands of the Defence Minister at the present moment, but thero is an understanding between Sir James Allen and tlio mombers of tho board that ho will hold it over until the Cabinet has had an opportunity of considering tho position as affecting tho Government—tho position as between tho Government and the board. It is scarcely necessary for mo to inform members that a few days ago I had a very long interview with members of tho Efficiency Board, and I did my level best to induce them to reconsider the position, but I am afraid without very lmicli _ success. The resignation of tho board is being held over until Cabinet has had an opportunity of considering the matter. When tlio Government has had this opportunity, tho decision of Cabinet will bo communicated to tho bonrd, and then tlio final decision will rest with members of tho board."

TWO I'ALMERSTON ABSOLUTIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston North, August 21. At to-day's meeting of the Manawatu \. and P. Association Mr. T. R. lloddor moved: "That tho couimitteo .ot the Manawatu nnd "West Coast Agricultural and .Pastoral Association vioirs, with regret tlio reported resignation of tho J\ational' Efliciency Board, and urges the Goreriunent to cive full consideration to tlio recommendations of tho board and retain its services." The Borough Council has passed a resolution urging the Government to take stops to give effect to the board s findings and continue tho board 111 its present status.' .