MERIT, NOT FAVOUR
Early in his career as Minister of Public Works Mr. "Williams has had to administer a sharp rebuke to a member of a deputation for using political threats to extort money grants. In the bad old days such occurrences were more frequent. The activity of a Government in constructing roads and bridges was often of prime importance in deciding the fate of the local member. ' Latterly, however, the admixture of votes and grants has not been received with favour; and Mr. Coates made strenuous endeavours to wipe out all traces of political favouritism. Ho was not content merely to set aside political considerations himself, but he sought to institute a new system which would be proof against any attempt to exercise influence in the future. Tho measure of hia success is indicated by the fact that only one member of the Northern deputation used the political argument. The others approved the Minister's repudiation of such considerations, and tho member of Parliament concerned dissociated himself from any suggestion that tho Government might-be hold to ransom with regard to public works expenditure. It is gratifying to have this evidence that tho Minister and the public are agreed that grants should be allocated on merit and not by favour. .--'--•-
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1927, Page 10
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209MERIT, NOT FAVOUR Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1927, Page 10
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