SERVICES TERMINATED

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1929, Page 3

SERVICES TERMINATED

MEMBER OF LAND BOARD POLITICAL MOTIVE ALLEGED. SETTLERS EXPRESS REGRET. Marton, Oct. 4. Notification was received to-day by Mr. Alexander Stuart that when hig term of membership of the Wellington Land Board expires another appointment is to be made. The letter from the Minister of Lands stated« — “It is with regret that I have to advise you that the Government intends making a change in the personnel of the Wellington Land Board, and that you are not being reappointed on the expiry of your present term. In coming to this decision the Government makes no reflection on your personal ability or integrity. On the contrary, I have pleasure in placing on record that your work as a member of the board during the past six years has always been of a high order. ' x “I am also advised by the chairman of the Dominion Revaluation 1 Board that you rendered valuable service as a member of the Revaluation Committee. I wish to express my appreciation of the assistance you rendered the Government in this capacity.” A prominent business, man of Marton expressed -regret - that the Land Board was to lose Mr. Stuart’s services. “He knows the work thoroughly,” he said, “and is recognised as one of the best farmers in Rangitikei. It seems to me a great pity that by a change of Government his help and experience is to be lost to the board.” “It appears as if the Government is determined to fill all such posts with its own supporters,” was the comment of a farmer at Bulls. “Mr. Stuart is known all over the district as one of our most capable farmers, and settlers have full confidence in him and his judgment. Land board and other similar appointments should not be made rewards for political support. It is a very , regrettable- practice, but one to which the new Government seems definitely committed.”. No announcement has yet been made as to who will be Mr. Stuart’s successor.