FRICTION IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14684, 18 November 1909, Page 7

FRICTION IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION

THE JUDGES' REPORT.

(Faou Our Own Correspoxdext.)

WELLINGTON. November 17. The report of the two judges of the Supreme Court (Justices Cooper and Chapman) who have been inquiring into allegations o[ a somewhat serious character against the heiul of one of the principal departments' of State was forwarded to the Government on Saturday. The usual procedure >'n connection with the .report of such a Royal Commission inquiring into a departmental matter is for the report lo bo sent on to his Excellency the Governor, who marks it as " Keen," and returns it to the Government. It will rest with the U overmnent whether or not tliii report is ever presented to Parliament A suggestion i« made that the report is not likely to see the light of day because the names of private persons and firms may -be mentioned in the report. The Dominion, however, makes a strong iippca! for tne presentation of the report to Parliament. It saysAs most people know, the nature of the charges made has been widely talked' about, and the public can rightly demand that the veil shall be torn away and the wholesome light of publicity allowed to enter. There is one aspect of the affair that must not go unnoticed. The Executive has engaged two judges of the Supreme Court to hold on inquiry behind departmental screens into a departmental matter involving the public interest. /That is a legal but a most improper thin", unless the full report is published. The judicial system will begin to rot if the judges can be usad by ilic Executive as private experts in evidence in cases affecting the public. The judiciary can be Kept strong and wholesome, and can retain the conficlencc o[ tlio people onlv l>v being kept independent and plainly visible in its activities. r lhe employment of judges iji the present-instance leaves the Government no alternative but to give the public, through Parliament, the full details of the ease, and the finding. If the Government, for any reason, refuses to take this course, what will be the impression left on the public mind V

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