MR KYLE CRITICISES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO LOCAL BODIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18804, 5 July 1929, Page 3

MR KYLE CRITICISES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO LOCAL BODIES.

(Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, July 4. Complaining that the Government was adopting a policy of “spoils to the victor,” Mr Kyle (Riccarton), stated in the House to-night that men who had rendered valuable service to the country by reason of long service on public bodies were being replaced by others nominated by the Government. He instanced the case of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, when Mr James Leslie, chairman of the Paparua County Council, who was selected by contiguous local bodies to fill a vacancy, was passed over in favour of Mr G. H. Judd. The member for Riccarton said he had seen letters which passed between the local bodies interested and the Marine Department, that Department having replied to a letter containing Mr Leslie’s nomination by stating that Mr Judd had been appointed. The Act did not go as far as to say the Governor-General must appoint a member, but simply said the Governor-General might make an appointment. The Prime Minister (Sir, Joseph Ward) interjected that when the late Mr Massey was Prime Minister he had stood up in the House and declared that he was going to have men appointed to public bodies throughout the country who supported his policy. Mr Kyle replied that he did not favour such a course, as it savoured of spoils to the victor. The Minister of Education: Anyhow that was done by Mr Massey. Mr Kyle also complained that Mr E. F. Stead was put off the Domain Board and the Hon D. Buddo appointed in his place. Mr Forbes: A good man, too. lie has r been on the Domain Board before. Mr Kyle added that the displaced member was a man who devoted his whole time to importing some of the most valuable plants to be found in the Dominion.