JOHN BURNS AT WHITEHALL.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11976, 11 July 1906, Page 4

JOHN BURNS AT WHITEHALL.

STIRS UP THE OFFICIALS. One morning a short thick-set gentleman stood in the entrance at Whitehall, and with his back to the fire, and with his hands in pockets, watched the staff as they sauntered slowly into work. When the last straggler appeared Mr Burns called for the time books. A few minutes afterwards the dilatory officials were summoned to the presence of the autocrat of Whitehall and a stern rebuke was administered. In plain, unvarnished terms, Mr Burns told them that he expects that every man will do his duty. "You receive a good salary, wet or fine, sick or well," he said in effect. " You know your proper hour to be at the office, and the Government, which pays a good wage, likewise demands good service. What is more, it intends to have it." Subsequently the heads of the department received, in firm but courteous tones, an intimation that it was the wish of the President that all correspondence should be attended co at once, and tbe inspectors were informed that it was the desire of the Presi dent that they should consider their office as one which involved the duty of making an immediate report to him on any matter which came under their notice. Previous Presidents of tbe Local Government Board have been content to attend the office at [ irregular intervals, consult with the I chief officials, and sign the bundle of documents placed before them.