SIR JAMES PARR'S APPOINTMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 90, 13 October 1931, Page 8

SIR JAMES PARR'S APPOINTMENT

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The appointment of Sir James Parr I to, and as Leader of, the Legislative Council, in commercial and other circles, has occasioned considerable surprise, many taxpayers expressing the opinion that the appointment is unwarranted. Economy, more economy, and still more economy is being preached by the Government, but immediately a saving is effected it is disbursed by making unnecessary and costly appointments. It may be assumed that in addition to the honorarium voted, Sir James Parr will have the services of a private secretary and participate in other ''extras," so that the outlay will be disproportionate to the importance of the office. The Prime Minister makes reference to the appointee's legal experience which will be of value in the Council. Surely Mr. Forbes is aware of the fact that already in the Council there are several barristers of many years standing whose legal attainments eminently fit them to be of special value in the Legislative Council. Not a single reason has been advanced to justify the appointment of an additional member to the Council in these times of great financial depression, especially an avowed opponent of coalition and a party political aspirant at next General Election. —I am, etc:, SAXON. "Equity" criticises the appointment of Sir J. Parr to the Legislative Council on the ground that there is no vacancy which requires to be filled, and it is unnecessary to increase the Council membership at a time when economy is being sought. "Why cast a slur on all the present members of the Council by implying that none is capable of acting as its leader?"