CIVIL SERVICE RETRENCHMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2480, 20 April 1909, Page 6

CIVIL SERVICE RETRENCHMENT.

[To The Editor.]

Sir, —I read with interest tho let-, ter signed “Dreadnought” and while agreeing with him that the position of President of the. Tairawliiti Maori Land Board is one to be placed on the Premier’s “little list” of retrenchments, I would like to draw attention to the fact that when Col. Porter was appointed to the position the powers and duties were far more comprehensive than at present, and no doubt the curtailing of the same —until the position had become a sinecure—had something to do with that gentlemr-« -s retirement. Colonel Porter was appointed to do tho work Judge Sim is now doing at Te Araroa, and notwithstanding the magnificent grasp of matters Native that “Justice* 7 assures us Mr Keefer possesses, if circumstances were to compel him to the alternative —the construction of tho airship (vide “Dreadnought’s” letter) or taking Judge Sim’s Court work, Mr Keefer would, I feel sure, unhesitatingly turn liis attention to the solution of the mysteries of aerial navigation.—l am, etc., “COASTER.” [To The Editor.] Sir, —Your correspondent “Dreadnought” in his forceful letter of the 14th inst. deals in a complete manner with the altogether glaring appointment of the person who now fills the chairmanship at such a preposterous salarv of his truly tin-pot Tairaw-hit-i Land Board. But is there no other aspect in the appointment than mere ' political support to genial Ti mi Kara ? . . To the Chairmanship of this Maori Land Board was, after a few months probationsliip as a lay member (just to once more "befool the. public) pitched at “A.K.’s” head with a good fat salary attached, 4 and peace and concord now reigns where friction at one time threatened to make an unsavoury Public ‘.‘Washing-up.” But tho affable A. Keefer’s appointment to this fat execrescence on the public service is but one—perhaps the most glaring, ’tis true —that has been made Gisborne’s “Augean stable,” the Native Department. It comes to my mind to ask what particular claim, other than, blood relationship to the Minister of Native Affairs that the present Native Land Registrar possesses. His was a most glaring case of foisting one’s relations on the public service, whilst this young man’s brother fills the important “sign post” of Clerk to “A.K.’s” Maori Land Board, whilst another young man occupies tlie equally important position of clerk! to liis brother-in-law, the aforesaid Native Land Court Registrar. And yet we read the proud boast in public prints-that the members of the present administration have spotlessly clean hands so far as appointing any of their relations by either blood or marriage, to positions in the Dominion’s public service. And yet look at the foregoing! It cannot be refuted, for tim trio of persons at present occupy their respective positions in the public service: put there and kept there b.vtheir nea'v relative, the Minister of Native affairs. Yes, and will be kept there, too, with Andrew Keefer to boot, despite the fact that hundreds of other public servants,-with thrice tho length of service, have to vamoose and start life afresh.—l am, etc. “DREADNOUGHT, NO. 2.” An asterisk at the foot of a letter indicates that some portion has boon.excised. THE MAYORALTY. [To The Editor.] Sir, —If All*. Simson could be induced to stand for Mayor as suggested by “A Lady”' in your paper yesterday, I should certainly support him, but if he will not, will lie place the golden cradle in Mr. 'Miller’s window 4 ss an example ’to our future Mayor?—l am, etc., “MOTHER OF A FAMILY.” [To The Editor.] Sir, —In reply to a letter in yesterday morning's paper, signed “A Lady,” I should like it to be clearly understood that lam not seeking public .honors. 1 consider it tho duty of any man who has the experience I have had in muiiE cipal matters to offer his services to liis townspeople, and the burgesses of Gisborne, especially at the present time, and to assist in putting public matters on a proper and more satisfactory footing than hitherto. I am simply there as a worker, if wanted.—l am, etc., I. S. SIMSON. THE HARBOUR’S ~EW DREDGE. [To The Editor.] Sir, —From all accounts it appears that the Harbor Board intends to make purchase of a new dredge at a cost of same of £35,000. • From the published .statement’of the Board’s secretary, and the explanation of his figures’as given ill yesterday’s issue, and the subsequent discussion by the Board, it is quite clear that the expenditure will not be beyond its; capabilities. It is not the cost of tho dredge or the advisability of its purchase, however, that I desire to comment upon, but the unbusinesslike manner in which the Board appears, to be entering into the arrangement. I can only speak of what has been shown in open Board, but the misunderstanding whiefi occurred over the barges, at yesterday's meeting gives a good index. It was the first tiling touched upon regarding the dredge (apart from 4 the financial aspect), and yet it appears the members don’t know wliat they are going in for yet. lam prompted to write this, v , by remembrance of the many sad mistakes made by the Board or it's officers, in •connection with previous contracts, and contracts of-. purchase, when owing to something or other not being properly attended to the Board has had to “pay the piper.” One only need recollect ()’C‘on hor’s contract (which was to do all that the proposed new dredge will), the contract’ for, the Jblih Towuley. and tlie. purchase of Kelson’s ’ sand. '. 1 ,

pump. When it came to tho pinch it was found in each eas'c that the other parties had tho Board “by tho nose.” I hope the Board will take care not to buy a “pig in a poke” this time, and find when they come to pay for this new dredge that tliero will be something to pay for that they did not know of at the time of agreement to purchase. The following questions appear to me to be reasonable ones on which tlie public should be enlightened by tho Board:— 1. Have the Board the plans and specifications of the proposed dredge before them ? 2. If so, why are tenders not called instead of giving it to a certain firm at their own price? Tho Board call for tenders lor a-£IOO local job, but appear to consider it is not necessary for i £35,000 contract. 3. Do they intend to appoint a competent man to' supervise the construction of the dredge, or .are tlieyi just going to trust to the firm giving them proper value? 4: Are they going to 4 obtain an engineer’s report on the suitability of tho tredge for the local river works, or arc they just going to take the firm’s representative’s assurance? 5. Why do they not obtain some information from the Greymoutli Harbor Board as to the modus operandi of the purchase and payment of their new 4 dredge from the same makers? G. Are they just going to say “Give uk a dredger like the lUawliera that will deepen our river to 14ft, and we will give you your money,’ independent of how long the dredgte will last? 7. Do they really know what they are roing in for, or are they hoping for a surprise, packet? S. What is to be . done with tlie dredge after it has accomplished, its work of deepening tho river to the stated depth (which should be within 12 months)j or will it be necessary to keep it going day in and day out all tlie vear round?

9. Is the price not too much to pay for the additional 3ft depth in order to permit of nothing larger than coal boats.coming up to tlie wharf? 10. - Is it the first step of the Board to dispense with the outer harbor idea and endeavor to make a harbor of tlie river according to their own idea? Nothing dealing with any of these questions lias yet appeared for the public benefit, and I think they and many others require an answer to show ho-.v they are entering into their purchase of a new dredge.—l am, etc., “HOPEFUL.”