“ANOTHER BOARD!”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17951, 1 December 1932, Page 7

“ANOTHER BOARD!”

PROTEST IN THE HOUSE LOCAL BODY OFFICERS EXAMINATION PROPOSALS (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The establishment of yet another board in New Zealand is proposed in the Local Government Officers Bill, introduced in the House yesterday by' the A. Hamilton, Minister of Internal Affairs. It had a reception far from enthusiastic. ‘‘Another board! Another board!” tvas the chorus-which greeted the brief Ministerial explanation, Mr M •E. Parry (Lab., Auckland Central) capping off the interjections with the observation: “It is a good job we have a State sawmill.” “Who is asking for this legislation ?” demanded Mr 11. T. Armstrong (Lab., Christchurch East). The Minister said representations had come from the Town and County Clerks’ Institutes. He indicated that there was no exclusive right attached to the provisions. “A close corporation!” interjected Mr A. S. Richards (Lab., Eoskill). The Minister: No, it is not. 1 here afe no special rights or privileges attached to the examinations. Local authorities would still select officers on their merits, with examination qualifications, among which would be a knowledge of local government legislation. Mr A. M. Samuel (Coal., Thames): Parliament .is being asked to discuss these matters while the farmer is facing disaster. ISSUE OF DIPLOMAS The .bill was read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Local Bills Committee for the talcing of evidence. It proposes to set up a local government examination board to consist of a member appointed on the recommendation of the Minister and two. others .'appointed on the recommendations of the dorks’ institutes. The board will have authority to appoint qp to three associate members possessed of expert knowledge or special qualifications to assist it. Schemes of examinations are approved by Order-in-Couneil. They may provide recognition as an equivalent of any 'held, or degree, diploma, or certificate granted by the universities or other institutions, when the board may dispense with the examination or substitute a special examination in law relative to local government. Diplomas may be granted without examinations to persons who at the time of the passing of the legislation are employed as clerks of any borough, county couucil, or town 'board in New Zealand, and to persons holding senior clerical positions with the bodies named for the past five years. Applications for a diploma must be made within one year of the bill becoming law. / The board will have power to extend similar facilities to clerks. of other local bodies for one year after the issue of the regulations bringing the class of clerk concerned within the scope of the legislation.