MARINE DEPARTMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25659, 6 October 1944, Page 4

MARINE DEPARTMENT

DELAY IN FILLING VACANCY REASONS SOUGHT IN HOUSE (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 5. ■The reasons for the delay in the appointment of a permanent Undersecretary for Marine following the retirement of the previous Under-secre-tary in February last, were sought by Mr J. T. Watts (Oppn., Riccarton) in notice of a question to the Minister of Marine, Mr J. O’Brien, in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr Watts asked if the delay was due to circumstances that had- arisen because of the Goverhment’s intention to appoint a certain man contrary to the terms of the Public Service Act and the recommendation of the Public Service Commissioner. He also inquired if it were a fact that the Public Service Association had indicated its intention of testing the validity of th 6. Government’s action if it proceeded with the appointment and whether a* a result of the delay in filling the vacancy the Minister was satisfied with the legality of certain departmental acts and certificates • given since tlu retirement of the previous Under-sec-retary.