WESTPORT HARBOUR BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 12

WESTPORT HARBOUR BOARD.

INQUIRY OPENED

vv ivLiLINGTOJN, August 6. The Special Committee set up to investigate the appointments to the \\ carport Haruour Board by the Munster of Marine met inis morning. Mr Eve nas elected chairman.

The Hon. F. M.,8. Fisher read a statement covering the appo.ntments. lie quoted Mr Atmore's speech on July 8 in the House, and contended that Mr Atmore had accused him of having knowingly appointed Mr Simpson to the Westport Harbour Board, knowing him to be a jrerson unfitted lor the position. Mr Fisher stated that the chairman of the board and Mr Simpson would be given an opportunity of appearing before the committee, lie left it to the committee to determine whether he was aware that Mr Simpson was a person unfitted to hold a position on the board. Do had appointed Mr Gillen to the board as he was a nominee of the Labour party. Mr Atmore said the question of whether Mr Fisher had made sufficient inquiry as to Mr Simpson’s fitness for the pceu.on betore appointing him should be considered. He stood to tne charge made in the House that the appointment was a disgrace to the Cabinet. Xbe facts regarding the man’s character should have been ascertained before the appointment was made. He submitted that the position was that a person had been appointed to the third largest Harbour Board when he was not fitted to hold a license in a most insignificant place. The Motucka Licensing Committee had refused him a license on account of four convictions being recorded in February of last year —offences that could not be attributed to liot-blooded youth. The Minister stated in the House that he would ask the man to resign if the convictions were proved. That was sufficient to warrant him (Mr Atmore) making the charge. The main questions \vcre: Did the Minister make the appointments knowing the man’s character, or did he take the trouble to ascertain whether Mr Simpson was the proper kind of man to occupy such an important position V If the Minister did not know, the appointment was made carelessly. He would like to acid to the order of reference: Ls it true that, as alleged by the member for Nelson seven convictions were recorded against Mr Simpson, who was appointed by the Minister of Marine; and, if so, was the member for Nelson justified in bringing the matter before the House? Mr Colvin objected to the gazetting off the board of two of the four members appointed bv the Ward Government. That action was not fair. The Government had tfien appointed Messrs Simpson and Gillen, who had been rejected at the Westport borough poll. Mr Fisher explained the complexities of the Harbour Board, and contended that ho bad no option but to gazette those members of the board out. Mr Colvin said the appointments were made by “ political pull.” Mr Atmore asked that the chairman of the Motucka Licensing Bench and Mr Simpson be called. He alto required the production of the court records at Karamea, Westport, and Motueka. That was agreed to, and the committee adjourned till Tuesday