MR. O'CONNOR'S BONUS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9111, 20 July 1888, Page 5

MR. O'CONNOR'S BONUS.

WHY IT WAS PAID.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

WELLINGTON, Thursday. In reply to Mr. Goldie, who asked concerning the bonus of £400 to Mr. C. Y. O'Connor, the Minister of Public Works said the bonus was paid by the authority of the late Ministry. Mr. O'Connor was in ISS3 Inspecting Engineer of Public Works in the Middle Island. He was requested to take the post of Under-Secretary of the Public Works Department in Wellington, in order to re-organise the Public Works Department, with the option of returning' to his former position if he so desired. The result was the re - organisation of the department, saving many thousands of pounds to the country. Subsequently Mr. O'Connor applied for an increase of salary or to be removed to his old post, and the Government, in consideration of the large amount of time he had given to the reorganisation, gave him a bonus of £200 a year for two years, leaving the question of permanent rise of salary to the expiration of that period. At the end of that time they informed Mr. O'Connor that they did not see their way to any permanent increase of salary, and no further bonuses had been paid. He (Mr. Mitchelson) speaking from personal experience could say that Mr. O'Connor was one of the hardest worked officers in the service, working ten and fourteen hours a day, especially during the session. His reorganisation measures had saved the country a large sum. His present salary was £800. He was aware that Mr. O'Connor had had the offer from the Westport Harbour Board of £1000 year. Mr. Goldie said he asked the question on general grounds only, as he had no personal feeling against Mr. O'Connor.