WESTPORT HARBOUR BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9589, 5 September 1913, Page 3

WESTPORT HARBOUR BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

THE HOUSE APPROVES.

The finding* of the Special Committee appointed to investigate the nature of the appointment* of Meters Gilleti and Simpson to the West port Harbour Board by the Minister for Marine were embodied in a report tabled in th« Ileum of Representatives on Wednesday.

Tiie finding*, the tenor of which was published in the "Standard" yesterday, are at fellow:

(1) As a result of the statutory changes which have been made in the constitution of tho Westport Harbour Board, either by Act or by (>rder-in-( ouncil. it devolved upon the Minister of Marine to recommend the names of three gentlemen for appointment- to the Mould.

(2) Tho Minister recommended the appointment* of Messrs Greenwood. < Simpson, and Gillen, and these gentlemen were duly ap]M)iiited. (3) In nicking these appointments, the Minister made the usual enquiries as to the fitness of these gentlemen for the appointments. v

(4) At the time of the appointment of Mr Simpson, there were seven convictions against him. three of which were prior to 1912. and four of which were in February, 1912. Three of the last-mentioned convictions arose out of the same circumstances on one day. The convictions were as follows: One for Sunday trading; one for permitting a raffle; two for permitting drunkenness; two for obscene language; and one for assault.

(5) Since thc#e convictions, and before his appointment to the Westport Harbour Board. Mr Simpson was elected unopposed as the representative of Kaiumca to the Buller County Council. The Minister visited the district before the appointment was made, and discussed the appointment with Mr Munro, chairman oi the Wokiport Harbour Hoard. Mr Greenwood, who woe for sis years Maun-of Weelport, and Mr Blackburn, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Karuiuea, and neither of these gentlemen, nor anyone else in the district, informed the Minister that Simpson !u>d Convictions against him. nor did they mg gcut that tho appointmem would be an improper one on that or tiny other account. although tome of them knew of these convictions.

(6) The committee finds thai ro far as the Minister knew. Mr Simpson was a hi oud proper person to be appointed to the Harliour Board.

(7) On tiio appointment hcinc made, there was no adverse. criticUm in tho local newspapers on account of the convictions recorded against Simpson, (8) Concerning the ap|H>intment of Mr Gillen. the committee liruls that at the Harbour Board elcctu . Mr Gillen. the Labour eanuida.?. was next on the noil to the two selected candidates and. Labour having failed to secure a sent on tiie Board, l!:o Minister recommended him on that account for appointment <9) The committee considers thr.i the appointment of Mr Gillen was a fit and proper one. OPINIONS OK A MINORITY.

The following resolutions were approved by a minority of committeemen:—(1) Thai evidence w..s adduced to the satisfaction of the committee that the lion, member for Nelson wa* justified in his statement tha' certain convictions w< « <>:: record against Mr Simpson before hi« appointment.

(2) That in the opinion of this committee the Minister for Marine v.;•.<; not aware oi the convictions recorded against Mr Simpson when ho appointed him. (3) That the memlior for Nelson was warranted in his criticism of the appointments to t!i« Westport. Harbour Bo..;.!, in ing that tlus> Minister had ascertained tho personal character of tho man ho had appointed.

(4) That in view of the r- < >rdod against Mr Simpson, ami in view o( the statement of the Minister of Marine that he would not have appointed Mr Simpson had he known of such records, tho committee is of (.pinion tha; the Gorcrnmeni be recommended to reconsider the appointment. (5) Tint in all appoimritcnts male 1-r Ministers of Crown to public positions. tho Minister appointing obould satisfy himself as to the character and reputation of the appointee.