Inquiry Into Alleged Conduct Of Govt. Officer

Northern Advocate, 15 March 1944, Page 2

Inquiry Into Alleged Conduct Of Govt. Officer

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. .Ur. M. IT. Oram (Oiipn.-.Manawatnj. in an urgent question to ihe Minister for Supply in the House of Representatives yesterday, asked whether it was correct that a commission of inquiry was sitting this week to investigate happenings in tile lextile division of the Ministry for Supply, what was rhe nature of the commission's inquiry and who constituted it? When might the House expect a full statement from the Minister on the recent staff changes in the Ministry following- the reports of an investigation by the Public Service Commissioner into tin* issue of import licenses. The Hon. D. ft. Sullivan, replying, said the inquiry was proceeding at his own request in terms of the Public Service Act. Allegations of mismanagement made against a certain officer were beinginvestigated. The inquiry was being conducted by departmental officers selected by the Public Service Commissioner.

As the inquiries were still proceeding, no report: had yet been made by the Commissioner. It was not tlie usual practice to report on stuff changes in the Public Service to the House. Mr. Sullivan said the matter was reported to him some time ago in the form of a rumour, and he immediately telephoned tlie Public Service Commissioner suggesting that lie probe the matter to ascertain the truth nr otherwise of the rumours circulating cimerming an officer of the Department. Mr; Sullivan said lie knew of no charges against officers of the Department apart from tills one rumour reported to him.