Government Inconsistency

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 13

Government Inconsistency

Sir, —It was reported in this morning’s “Dominion” that the decision of the North Canterbury Hospital Board to appoint its accountant to the position of secretary, to fill the impending vacancy arising 'from the retirement of the. present secretary, had been practically vetoed by the Health Department on the grounds that the position should be advertised. The Department of .Health is reported to have notified the hospital board to the effect that "it was absolutely necessary to be sure the best man available secured the position . . . but the board could not be certain unless the position was advertised.” It is to be noted: (1) That the position was not new, and (2) that the hospital board had decided to promote one of their tried and responsible officers to this higher position. When the Government itself found it necessary to appoint a Director of Commercial Broadcasting—an entirely new position carrying a salary of £l5OO per annum plus a liberal commission—did it call for applications by advertisement in order “to be sure of securing the best man available”? Did it promote one of its i permanent officials in the National Broadcasting Service? Did it. appoint a trained business man to administer what is very largely a business undertaking (advertising)? The answer to each of these questions is in the negative. The Government appointed a clergyman, who may or may not have been the best man available, but how was the Government to be euro unless this new position was advertised? Apparently what is sauce for the Government's goose is not sauce for the hospital board’s gander.—l am, etc., JACMAC. Wellington, July 29.