APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 45, 17 November 1936, Page 10

APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Commercial Radio Director “MOST CLEARLY EXPOSED TO CRITICISM” I n an editorial critically commenting on the statement by the New Zealand Public Service Association in connection with the protest in (. hristehurch concerning recent appointments, the “Otago Daily Times” takes occasion to refer to that of the Rev, C. G. Scrimgeour as director of the State Commercial Broadcasting Service, which it describes as “most clearly exposed to criticism.” The editorial proceeds: “-Mr. Scrimgeour may or may not possess exceptional qualifications for a position that may make him the most highly paid public servant in New Zealand. But, the appointment is condemned by the mere fact that, while applications for tbe position of director of tlie national broadcasting service were invited by the Government, Mr. Scrimgeour was appointed to his position without being required to submit even to the formality of having to compete for it. A young woman has been appointed, also, to the position of programme director for the commercial broadcasting service, and the glaring fact in connection with her appointment is that not only was the position not advertised, but it was given to a ixirson who was not even a resident of New Zealand. While the public is entitled to expect that an appointment in the national service shall be bestowed on the applicant who is best qualified, it is also entitled to demand that New Zealanders should be afforded the opportunity of applying for every vacant position. In this instance it may justly resent (lie pitchforking of an Australian into a well-paid office over the heads of New Zealanders who may be perfectly competent to discharge the duties of that office. It is only by a system of calling for applications for all positions that have to lie filled iu the public service and of permitting tlie commissioners, without pressure from political quarters, to make the appointments in the departments over which their jurisdiction extends, that tlie interests of the community can be adequately conserved and that tlie Government can protect, itself against the imputation that, political influence is unduly and improperly exercised." *