Resignation Handed In – Not Considered Yet

Northern Advocate, 9 August 1938, Page 6

Resignation Handed In - Not Considered Yet

[Special To "Northern Advocate ”l WELLINGTON, This Day. It was learned today that the resignation of the Director of Commercial Broadcasting, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, was in the hands of the Minister in Charge of Broadcasting some time before Sunday night. When the Prime Minister was interviewed today, he said he had no objection to raise to the proposed move by the Opposition in Parliament. This would enable him to state the case as he saw it. Mr Savage confirmed the report about Mr Scrimgeour's resignation, and said that it was dated July 1, though he had no doubt that this was a mistake, and that it was probably intended that the resignation should bear the date August 1. Prime Minister’s Statement.

“The resignation has not yet been considered by Cabinet,” said Mr Savage. “and in any case It is still a matter between Mr Scrimgeour and the Government as to whether or not the resignation is accepted. He is the most capable man in the country for the job he is doing.” Mr Savage added that for many years he had listened to civil servants being abused, and he was not surprised that one had at last turned round, and started after those abusing him.

While he realised that it was not right for a civil servant to turn round and use the first thing at his hand —which in this case happened to be a microphone—to reply to his attackers, the action was at least understandable, concluded Mr Savage. When approached for a statement. Mi’ Scrimgeour said that while his resignation is under consideration by Cabinet, lie is not in a position to make any comment in regard to the situation which has arisen.