CHOICE OF OFFICIAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21999, 4 January 1935, Page 13

CHOICE OF OFFICIAL

Sir, —Your paper reported the recent appointment of a traffic inspector for Mount Eden fully enough for such criticism as I made. Unlike Mr. Sutherland, I did not say the appointment of Mr. H. Br.insgrovo was wrong, but that certain of those responsible for it were misguided by false principles. Further justification of my criticism is now offered by your correspondent. "Councillor," who says: "It is without doubt the bounden duty of a municipal authority to appoint as its officers not only capable men and women, but the most capable available." I not only "doubt" but deny tho truth of this statement. Capability is not the only qualification for office which should be considered. Even if we strain the meaning of the word to include physical, mental and moral capabilities, there are practical considerations which may make the most capable person ineligible. Sex, age, nationality, tempcyariness, other responsibilities, and numerous other considerations may disqualify. And the Mount Eden Borough Council recognises this in practice. Capability is variable in individuals and can only be known by trial. The principle of private means is worthy of consideration, and "Councillor" seems inconsistently to allow this when he says the appointee "was in need of the income of the office." We should recognise technical, moral and religious and practical or circumstantial qualifications And one has no right to stand for public office who is not prepared to submit to reasonable public examination into all his qualifications.

J. G. Hughes