The Marlborough Express Published Every Evening. Wednesday, March 21, 1900. IMPROPER APPOINTMENTS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIV, Issue 68, 21 March 1900, Page 2

The Marlborough Express Published Every Evening. Wednesday, March 21, 1900. IMPROPER APPOINTMENTS.

* The Premier deserves the highest credit for the promptness, the assiduity, and the undying earnestness he has exhibited as chief citizen of the colony m arranging for the despatch of the three contingents, and up to last week we had heard no rumor of political influence creeping m to affect the Premier's conduct m any way. We learn, however, from a Blenheim gentleman who spent last week m \Vellington and took a lively interest m the men of the fourth and fifth contingents m camp at the Empire City that considerable dissatisfaction prevails over certain appointments recently made by the Defence Department. Whilst not attributing to the Department any distinct favouritism, it is imposßible, when the facts are known, to be satisfied with the selection that has' been made by the Department of men to act as officers. In the fourth contingent Captain Pringle, although a very pleasant-manned intelligent man, is said to be lacking m the personal dignity and force of character which are required m a commander. The case of Lieut. Ross is certainly most peculiar. Ho is a young man whose only military experience was gained some years ago m a cadet corps. He is said to be a very poor drill and shot, and although popular m Wellington rowing circles is by no means the right stamp of man to place as officer over the men of the fourth contingent, who are said to be the finest and most intelligent body of men who have yet left Wellington for South Africa. The dissatisfaction of tbe men with regard to the appointment of lieutenant extends to another appointment, that of Sub Lieutenant Collins. This gentleman, who is the son of a prominent official, Colonel Collins, of tho Defence Department, was actually rejected by tbe Wellington Selection Committee because he failed to pass the riding test. And yet now, m spite of fcbis, and despite also tbe fact that other men of proved and admitted competence were recommended for commissions by the committee, this young gentleman is foisted on to tho contingent

by orders from the department. It is a curioug fact also that Mr Johnson, who has been appointed to a lieutenancy, has been assigned to the Auckland company. He is a Wellington man, and very naturally the Wellington company would have preferred him amongst them. Adverse criticism is also directed at the appointment of the Premier's own son, Mr R. Seddon, junr., as one of the unattached lieutenants to the fourth contingent. He is a mere \ youth of 19, and his only military experience has been gained m a cadet corps. The appointment of extra officers for training purposes is a privilege acsorded colonial governments by tie Imperial authorities. In no way, either by education or experience, or any special fitness, has Mr Seddon, junior, m the opinion of those ■who attack tbo appointment, shown any suitableness for the position, which, by the way, may not improbably be followed by an Imperial appointment. Yet another case — we trust we are not wearying our readers —of alleged improper appointment, is that of Lieutenant Tuckey to the fifth contingent. This gentleman, although said to be an exceptionally intelligent and energetic young volunteer officer, has twice failed to pass the medical test, having endeavored m vain to gain admittanoe to the first and second contingents. Yet, now, like young Mr Collins, ha is appointed over the heads of men who have fulfilled all the necessary conditions. No doubt there is something to be said m defence of each of the appointments to which we have referred, but our informant assures us that no small indignation is being expressed m Wellington over the matter. It would be a grievous pity were the impression to get abroad that political and personal influence is responsible for the officers 1 appointments, but certainly a prima facie case of improper favoritism by the Defence Department — of which, be it not forgotten, the Premier is now the head — has been made out, and demands investigation and reply. The Premier has hitherto behaved so well during the course of affairs connected with the despatch of the various contingents that we should be sorry indeed to think he is now allowing personal and political considerations to affect his actions as head of the Defence Department. Unfortunately, it would appear that this is now the case.