DR FINDLAY AS AN ADMINISTRATOR.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 14

DR FINDLAY AS AN ADMINISTRATOR.

SOME RECENT APPOINTMENTS (From Otjk Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, May 25

When the Hon. Dr Findlay was chosen by Sir Joseph Ward as a member of his Cabinet there were many people, even amongst his own friends, who ventured the opinion that, he was not possessed of the administrative faculty. Dr Findlay's administrative actions as a Minister of the Crown already seem to have dispelled these ideas, or at least he has the faculty of choosing in connection with his various departments capable men who are likely to make good administrators. For instance, at the head of the Hospital Department is Dr Valintine, who has already done splendid work, and to my certain knowledge has saved the Dominion thousands of pounds. Dr Hay, as head of the Department of Mental Hospitals, is also doing excellent work. It is generally admitted, alike by friends and foes of the Government, that Mr Waldegrave's appointment as head of the Solice could not be bettered, while in •r Salmond the Dominion has obtained a very able head of its Legal Department. The two recent appointments of Mr Ostler and Mr Neave to the Crown Law Office are also generally admitted to be all that could be desired, and the question of political colour does not come in, for both have been Oppositionists in New Zealand politics. This is a very gratifying feature, and one that might with advantage be extended in connection with appointments to the civil service. If merit alone were considered there would not be such a strong demand for the placing of the civil service under an independent board. Though there is no official anouncement on the subject, I understand that the salaries of Messrs Ostler and Neave have been fixed at £750 and £650 per annum. Business men generally recognise that the Government often does not give salaries sufficient to obtain the services of the best men. In the present instance, these salaries are'regarded as not too high, and in consequence of recent arroointments in the Crown Law Office the State will probably be saved several thousands a year. Messrs Ostler and Neave will probably be engaged mainly in connection with criminal prosecutions.