COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(Part of a water damaged memorandum from Cook to the Minister)
[It has become apparent to me that you have] become embarrassed by my methods and have come to mistrust my judgment. This being so I am again brought to the situation where I must consider tendering my resignation.
I feel that your letter to Mr. Hawke, dated 22nd May, 1949, read in conjunction with my memorandum already referred to, resolves any doubt which may remain in my mind on this matter.
I am unfortunately temperamentally unsuited to continuing in an office which demands tacit acquiescence in the maintenance of a mediocre service and maintenance of its mediocrity by resorting to temporising expedients to meet and conceal the surface problems which reveal its fundamental rottenness.
The personal embarrassments to which I expose myself by endeavouring to improve the situation, I have been prepared to accept in the hope that my purpose would ultimately be achieved. I cannot, however, accept the Ministerial decision which reveals that I lack the confidence of my employer, particularly when, as in this case, it appears to have made as a matter of political expediency.
Will you, therefore, please accept my resignation.
Cecil Cook
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
31st May, 1949. CEC/PB