SCRIMGEOUR APPOINTMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22630, 23 April 1937, Page 12

SCRIMGEOUR APPOINTMENT

MR HARGEST RETURNS TO ATTACK REWARD FOR PRE-ELECTION SERVICES [Pek United Press Association.] HAMILTON. April 23. “It was I who asked the Prime Minister, after the appointment of the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour as controller of commercial broadcasting was announced, whether applications had been called for the position,” said Mr J. Hargest, M.P. for Awarua, in an address at Hamilton when he attacked the Government’s methods of lotting contracts and appointing officers. Mr Savage had replied that no applications were called as the Government wanted a good man. “Good or bad,” said Mr Hargest, “ lie was getting a big salary. Under this system of appointment Mr Hands was appointed at £1,200, Professor Shelley at £1,500, and Mr Scrimgeour at about £B,OOO. “ His salary has since been reduced, and I think we may claim some of the credit for that.

“ What qualifications has Mr Scrimgeour got? asked Mr Hargest. “ None, in commercial broadcasting. If the Government had wanted an experienced man it would have gone overseas.” What Mr Scrimgeour was paid was the price of his services to the Government before ever it was a Government.