THE CLUTHA RIVER BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17328, 30 May 1918, Page 6

THE CLUTHA RIVER BOARD.

TO TUU EDITOR. Sib,—Referring to a sub-leader in your issue of May 22, regarding the appointment of a city councillor to a tramways position, which was not advertised, the following is an extract from the report in the Free Press ol November 7, 1916, of a meeting of the Clutha River Board held a few days previously, which reveals a similar case: — Mr D. T. Fleming, one of the two Go vernment nominees on the board, also tendered his resignation. The chairman said Mr .Fleming had his hands full of.publi,affairs, and was unable to give the necessary attention to his board duties, and as he held responsible positions in other institutions, ho thought he should attend to those functions in preference to the work of the board. It would be necessary ; u tender the resignation to the Minister of Internal Affairs, as Mr Fleming was a Government .nominee. Mr Mitchell moved that the resignation be accepted vitli grot.—Seconded by Mr M'lnerny and earned. Mr Fleming was afterwards appointed secretary to the board, in room of Mr Stewart. The board is composed of five members, of whom two are Government nominees and one cich tho nominee of iho Tuapckii Bruce, and Clutha Councils. It, is to al' intents and purposes a public body, and! that being so, the usual procedure should have been followed. I understand that a few months ago the secretary's .-alary was raised from £100 to £150 per annum! burno report of th.s has appeared at any tiinin the papers. I am of opinion that plenty could be found who would carry out. till' work efficiently at the previous salary, or oven less, which makes it appear ther'o is a reason for maintaining secrecy.—l am Gto -' D. S. Mackenzie.