A SYDNEY DOCK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7702, 9 July 1903, Page 2

A SYDNEY DOCK.

»., ;., ,. MEDIUM OF PATRONAGE. United Preas Association— By Electiio Telcgraph—Oopyright. (Received July 9, 9.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 9. The report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the working of the Fitzroy Dock recommends a number of drastic changes. The report says the inescapable conclusion froai the c 'dence is tbat if affairs are to be placed on a satisfactory footing changes must foe made which must finally end' political control. Nothing but the shadow of power can bo discovered anjp where but in the hands of the Minister. The superintendent. states that hi* power of dismissal is only nominal^ and this unreality ihas a ruinouß effect on the discipline of the establishment. Other sweeping condemnations \>f political "Control occur in the report. The superintendent of the dock gave evidence to the effect that up to three years ago he had every, control, but now everything was changed through the interference of members of Parliament with the Minister. Other officers of the dock gave similar evidence, and gave instances in whidh they had been compelled to take , dismissed men back and» put on incapables on the strength of letters from the Minister. They also stated that Trades^ Union matters overruled everything else in the shape of departmental discipline.