Canadian Forestry Journal, Januarij, 1917 913 



B.C. PREMIER PLEDGED TO PLACE 

 SERVICE ON MERIT BASIS 



From the courageous action of the seems every likelihood that the For- 



new British Columbia Government est Service of British Columbia will 



under Premier H. C. Brewster in receive substantial benefit, 



definitely committing itself to an In an effort to re-inforce the Prem- 



elimination of the patronage system ier's determination to remove the 



in Civil Service appointments and serious handicap of the patronage 



other administrative undertakings, plan, the Cajiadian Forestry Associa- 



and the engagement of Dr. Adam tion directed to him a letter which, 



Shortt of Ottawa to make recom- with Mr. Brewster's reply, are given 



mendations toward such an end, there herewith : 



Ottawa, Nov. 17th, 1916. 

 Hon. H. C. Brewster, 

 Victoria, B.C. 



Dear Sir: — 



We have followed with much interest and satisfaction the assurances given 

 during your recent campaign favoring the elimination of the patronage prin- 

 ciple in Civil Service appointments and the conduct of provincial affairs. 

 To the adoption of such a principle by all Canadian Governments, the Can- 

 adian Forestry Association has devoted no inconsiderable part of its educa- 

 tional campaigns, and in successive conventions has pledged its support to 

 the merit system of appointment and promotion. 



In taking such a stand, the Association has been especially concerned 

 for the welfare of the various forest services. It has been demonstrated be- 

 yond argument that the qualities of skill, energy and devotion, absolutely 

 requisite in a genuine system of forest guarding, are at a severe discount 

 where the 'patronage' plan of appointments is in control. 



In Canada and the United States, extravagant and inefficient forest 

 protection systems are to be found precisely where the patronage scheme 

 has most freedom. In such instances the public pays heavy tolls not for 

 prevention of timber losses but to keep party followers in well-paid idleness. 



The Forest Service of British Columbia has built up the best record of 

 any forest service in the Dominion. The reduction of fire losses has been 

 a direct consequence of good organization, close inspection, and a competent 

 personnel. What has been accomplished in four years is a forerunner of 

 even better results in timber saving during the years ahead. We take it 

 for granted that the new Government will not only regard the Forest Ser- 

 vice as the foundation of the whole timber industry, but will see that its ex- 

 pansion coincides with the opportunities and responsibilities certain to de- 

 velop. 



A forest service takes its character from its executive head. Mr. H. R. 

 MacMillan's work as Chief Forester of British Columbia was largely respon- 

 sible for the creditable results obtained. The capability of Mr. MacMillan's 

 successor in the office will determine whether the Forest Service will main- 

 tain its usefulness to the province or restore the old days of ill-management 

 and heavy waste from forest fires. We are convinced that the next Chief 

 Forester should be a man of high calibre, with administrative ability and that 



