MR. FURKERT’S SERVICES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17945, 24 November 1932, Page 6

MR. FURKERT’S SERVICES

RETENTION JUSTIFIED LABOR MEMBERS CRITICAL (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Government’s action in retaining Mr. F. W. Furkert, lhte engineer-in-ehief of the Public Works Department, at a retaining fee of £250 a year was defended by tho Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates during tho debate on the Public Works Estimates last night. Mr. Coates declared that it would cost the department much more if the services of an ordinary consulting engineer had to be obtained. The issue was made the subject of a lively debate, some Government members joining in the protest, and although the matter was taken to a division the Government’s action was endorsed by the House, an amendment being rejected by 31 votes to 25. Coalitionists who voted with Labor were Messrs. H. S. S. Kyle, It. A. Wright, A. M. Samuel, and D. MeDougail. Three Independents, Messrs. 11. M. Rushworth, C. A. Wilkinson, and H. At more, also voted with Labor. The question was raised by Mr. W. E. Parry (Labor, Auckland C.), who asked what return the Government would get for this expenditure. He understood that Mr. Furkert retired on superannuation of £I3OO a year, and with the retainer he would be getting as much as, if not more, than bo got when he was fully employed by the Government. Surely his successor must be capable ot' doing all the work required, for, if not, why appoint him? He thought the House was entitled to know how far the Government intended to go in this direction.

Replying, Mr. Coates said .it was necessary to have Mr. Furkert as consulting engineer in view of the const ruction work going on at Arapuni and Waitaki. Mr. Furkert’s advice was invaluable, and if his services had not been retained, the department would have had to pay far more in consultation fees. Already he had saved the department more, than his retaining fee. Mr. E. .T. Howard (Labor, Christchurch S.) asked if the retaining fee entitled the Government to Dir. Furkert ’s services at all times. For example, if Arapuni broke down again next year, would Mr. Furkert be availaide for the same sum of £250?

Mr. Coates: 'Yes, we have his services whenever wo want them.