APPOINTMENT OF SHEEP INSPECTOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9166, 22 September 1888, Page 5

APPOINTMENT OF SHEEP INSPECTOR.

MR. BAYLEY OBJECTED TO.

DEPUTATION TO THE HON. SIR F.

WHITAKER. An influential deputation waited on the Hon. Sir F. Whitaker yesterday, at his Chambers, Wyndham-street, in reference to the proposed appointment of Mr. Bayley as Sheep Inspector for Auckland, with a view to, if possible, prevent such appointment. There were present: Sir G. M. O'Rorke, M.H.R. ; Mr. F. La wry, M.H.R. ; Mr. T. Thompson, M.H.R. ; Dr. Campbell, Captain Steele, Messrs. J. Dilworth, E. B. Walker, J. Bollard, G. S. Smith, W. Wastney, Jas. Wallace, R. Hall, W. Lamb, McNiccol, and E. Maclean. The deputation was introduced by Sir G. M. O'Rorke, who explained the object. They had been informed that Air. Bayley was to be appointed sheep inspector for this district instead of Mr. Drummond, and there was a very strong feeling against such an appointment being made. Mr. Bayley had been condemned in the House as incompetent, and even the Minister in charge had to admit it, and Auckland people now objected to having an incompetent officer placed in charge of the district, and they waited on him (Sir F. Whitaker) gs a deputation to place their views before him. Sir F. Whitaker said as they were aware, Mr. Bayley had been Chief Inspector. He was not present at the debate referred to, but from what he had heard the impression left 011 his mind was, that though Mr. Bayley was not competent as a manager of men, he was competent to deal with sheep, and it was therefore determined to oiler him a subordinate position, and that was left to the Minister in charge, the Hon. Mr. Richardson, it was understood that in future there should be 110 chief inspector, and it would be entirely in the hands of tho Minister in charge. The matter was entirely in his hands, but if the deputation would put their statement in writing lie would forward it to the Hon. Mr. Richardson. If he had known the deputation was coining he would have looked up the debate in the House, but no doubt the members present would recollect what took place. Mr. La wry said it was declared emphatically that the Sheep Department got worse and worse, and the impression left on his mind was that in the opinion of the House, Mr. Bayley was incompetent as a sheep inspector. Sir F. Wiutakkr said he was not present at the debate, but lie understood that the opinion was that, although Mr. Bailey was incompetent as a chief inspector, he was competent to deal with sheep. He would send the representations of the deputation to the Minister in charge of the Department with his own recommendations. The Minister, he was sure, had no desire to send them an officer against their wishes, and he, 110 doubt, would give full consideration to their representations. Sir G. M. O'Rorke said he would like to hear some of the others, who had experience of Mr. Buy ley, express their views. Sir F. Whitaker asked whether Mr. Bayley had been previously in Auckland? Mr. Hall said he had come to Auckland on one occasion, he believed, to report 011 the rabbit nuisance.

Sir F. Whitakkk asked whether they had received any notice that Mr. Bayley was to be appointed ? Sir <>. M. O'Rorke said it was announced in the newspapers. Sir F. Whitaker said with all due respect to the reporter present, they must not rely 011 everything they saw in the papers or hoard rumoured. Mr. Lawiiv said lie was informed that) official intimation had be.oll received by the Department here that Mr. Drummond was to be removed to Wairarapa, and Mr. Bayley appointed in his place. There were very strong objections to Mr. Bavley in the South, and Mr."Lance, of Canterbury, a large sheep owner, spoke very strongly against him in the House. Mr. Bollard said he could not. understand why Mr. Drummond should be removed and an incompetent man appointed in his place. Sir F. Whitaker said, as to Mr. Drummond's removal, he did not think they need refer to that, for it was necessary that the Minister should have the power of removal, as it was not always desirable to keep an Inspector in one district. Mr. Hall said Mr. Drummond had only been here long enough to learn his work and know the country. He had only been here about a year. Sir F. Whitakf.r again suggested that they should put their request in writing, together with the names of the gentlemen present, and he would do what he could. Sir (i. M. O'Rorke said that was the state of the case, and they would ask Sir F. Whitaker to be good enough to have the removal of Mr. Drummond and the appointment of Mr. Bayley suspended until he could communicate with the department. Sir F. Whitaker said he would immediately telegraph to the hon. Mr. Richardson to that effect.

The deputation then thanked Sir F. Whitaker and retired.

[by telegraph.—OWN correspondent.] Wellington, Friday. The Minister of Lands is engaged in winding up the affairs of the Sheep Department. 1 referred to the subject a short time since, and announced that the late Superintendent (Mr. Bayley) would go to Auckland as Inspector. It has been intimated to me that this appointment is not popular in Auckland. I mentioned the subject to the Minister of Lands, who informed me that Mr. Bayley had a very high reputation as Sheep Inspector, and had only failed in the administration of a department which had grown to enormous dimensions. This, I believe, accords with the general estimate of Mr. Bayley's merits by those most competent to judge.