THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 433, 10 December 1918, Page 2

THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

WK are pleased to see that the people of Auckland are following the lead given to them by the " Times " as long ago as Nov. 19 last, and demanding that the Hon. G, W. Russell be relieved of his portfolio. Our grounds for the demand were that Mr Russell had interfered In the most arbitrary and unwarranted manner with the regulations that Dr Frengley, who the Minister himself had appointed to control the fight against the epidemic, had considered it necessary to impose. Unfortunately no public agitation was commenced in Auckland at the time, and it was not until the Minister sent a gratuitously insulting telegram to the Mayor of Auckland, and at the same time was guilty of the extremely bad taste of communicating the contents of his message to the Press Association, that the storm that threatens to dethrone him broke. We think the "Times" took the correct view of the matter. Mr Russell ought to go, not because he has no manners, and has allowed his spleen to carry him tar beyond the bounds of decency, but because he has shown himselt entirely unfitted to conduct the functions of his Department properly. We trust that at the public meeting of citizens of Auckland and its neighbouring boroughs to-night, the claim for his removal will be based not on his insulting remarks upon the city and its people, but upon his incapacity for his position, as shown by his actions and inactions. The Auckland City Council apparently, judging by the resolution it passed, considers that the Minister ought only to be got rid of if he refuses to apologise to the Mayor, and to withdraw his allegations regarding the condition of the city. We fail to see that his apology and withdrawal will render him fit to contiuue to hold office. It is not good manners that we expect from him but good management.