"DEPUTATION DISEASE"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21853, 16 July 1934, Page 8

"DEPUTATION DISEASE"

JOURNEYS TO WELLINGTON SPREAD OF THE CUSTOM Refereiico to what lie termed "tlio deputation disease" and a plea that a check should be placed upon it was made in the Legislative Council last week by the Hon. C. J. Carringtori. "A large number of local body leaders, and they are legion in this small country," said Mr. Carrington, "have acquired the habit of rushing to Wellington to interview the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet, and heads of departmonts in ctii endeavour to seek specie advantages in the matter of public expenditure, generally in the district represented by the deputationists. Moreover, every little trouble or difficulty that formerly was settled locally by friendly co-operation on the part of those concerned is now brought to the Government to deal with.

" The newspapers testify to the fact that, day by day, dozens of deputations . make visits to the Government heads. The cost, including travelling expenses and allowances, is loaded mainly on to the backs of the workers, who, including the working farmers, are New Zealand's v best asset, and the cost of government is becoming enormous for our small . population, as the Year Books will show. "It is high time that a firm stand was taken in this matter by the Government - and a strong attempt made to throw back on those concerned the responsibility of governing themselves as far aa possible."