“JOBS FOR FRIENDS”

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 September 1944, Page 3

“JOBS FOR FRIENDS”

HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSION.

“When you give an officer authority to make appointments the only people who can get an opportunity are the people within that officer s circle of friends,” said Mr. A. Mosley at a meeting of the Grey Hospital Board, last evening, when the employment of an apprentice by the Managing-Secretary (Mr. J. E. A. McKeefry) was being discussed. Mr. Mosley added that his statement applied to “this or any Boaid—it applies to all Boards.” . The, discussion arose from a decision made at the previous meeting of the Board when it was decided that an arrangement made by the Manag-ing-Secretary to have a youth named Knapp apprenticed as a carpenter with the Board be not finalised. Last evening advice was received from the District Registrar that the Board could terminate the employment of the youth; finalise the apprenticeship; or if it employed him for three months without having him apprenticed pay him journeyman’s wages. A report was received from the Board’s carpenter, Mr. D. Hanrahan, that with the assistance he had now he could manage all the work offering at the hospital, provided no major building works were contemplated. Mr. Mosley: I am not at all satisfied with the way Knapp came here. , All boys should have had the same opportunity. , ax . Mrs. D. M. Parfitt agreed, stating that the vacancy should have been ad-

vertised. . a , Mr. H. G. Carter said he supported the present arrangement. „ _ , n x The Chairman (Mr. F. J. Oakley) said that under the by-laws the Secretary had the power to employ apprentices. , . ~ a Mr. T. P. Ryan said that m that case there was only one choice open to the Board and that was to seal the apprenticeship. In reply to Mr. Mosley the Secretary said that it was useless to advertise for any staff at present. The staff had to be secured through .the District Manpower Office. Mr. Mosley:. Did this’ boy come through the manpower? The Secretary: Yes! Of course. Mr. Mosley then made his allegation as reported above that only people within an appointing officer’s circle of friends had an opportunity. Mr. J. B. Kent: I know that is wrong. They get the best available. The Chairman: We’re getting nowhere! ' L- C J Mr. Mosley said he was not satisfied with the matter. Mr. Kent: Are you not satisfied with the officer who has done the job? Mr. Mosley repeated that the ]ob should have been advertised so that all boys available would have had a chance of getting the appointment. Mr. Ryan said that if the Board “sacked” the boy they would have to pay him journeyman’s wages, over £o a week, for three months. Mr. Kent said that if the Board wished to “sack” him they would have to give a reason, and it would not be sufficient reason to say that ‘ he does not move in our circle.” STAFF INCREASES. The Secretary said that he had already told Mr. Mosley that he did not wish to argue with Board members and he had given him some figures. From 1939 to 1944 the staff bad increased from 83 to 136, and of the 53 increase he (the Secretary) was responsible for the appointment ol one aP Mr. n Kent: And why is this one apprentice singled out? . Mr Ryan suggested that the board could hardly go past the carpenter s report that the boy was suitable. ■ Mr. W. Gutberlet saidtoe was still of the opinion that aWubys m the district should have had an oppoitunMosley g said. he had been informed, after making certain inquiries, that the matter did not go before the Manpower Office The Secretary said that the Manpower Office had informed him ot the b °Mr. Mosley moved that the services of the boy be dispensed with and that applications be called for the position. The motion was not seconded. Mr. Kent said that the by-law. concerned would "have to be rescinded before that could be done. Mr. Ryan said that according to the by-laws the Secretary had power to make the appointment. should abide by that, and should then set their house in order if they wished to alter the by-laws. Mr Carter moved that the Sccietary’s action in employing the apprentice be endorsed and that the contract be completed. Mr. Fisher seconded the motion, which was carried, Mr. Mosley dis°eWhen it was suggested that a proviso be added to the motion that ir future such positions be adveitised. Mr. Ryan said that the Secretaij knew the wishes of the Board anc that there was no need foi such _ c proviso. This course was agieed on