NNSL (DEC 30/96) - NWT booze licensing boss Merlyn Williams should have seen his term coming to an end says the deputy minister in charge of the board.

John Quirke said last Friday that Williams wasn't dumped from the five-member liquor licensing board because of poor performance.

"This was nothing against his ability in any way. It was the last stage of a major overhaul of the board," said Quirke.

He applauded the three-and-a-half year chairman for sticking to a budget-restrained mandate in difficult times.

"Mr. Williams did an excellent job in that regard, he followed the minister's directions closely," said Quirke.

However, since September the board has undergone a major overhaul that saw it reduced to five members from eight, explained Quirke.

The minister in charge of the board -- Jim Antoine -- wanted it more reflective of the entire North.

Currently the board includes two members from the Western Arctic and two from Nunavut. But the appointment of Rosemary Cairns, who replaced Williams Dec. 13, left the chairman's job inside Yellowknife.

"We reached out to people for names, it wasn't publicly posted," said Quirke.

Following that process, which was conducted mainly by correspondence, Cairns was named to the position, he said.

Until now, the NWT Liquor Licensing Board has been under the control of the Minister of Safety and Public Service. However, between now and the new year the board will be transferred to the Minister of Finance's portfolio.

Antoine wanted a new chairman in place before the transfer occurred, said Quirke. William's second two year chairman's term wasn't due to finish until April.

Earlier this month Williams said he was stunned by his dismissal from the board and was angered by the way he was dumped -- verbally by Quirke.

"He (Quirke) said a letter was coming, but I have yet to receive anything in writing," said Williams.

Williams expected to meet with Antoine before the transfer occurred to clear up any misunderstandings and find out just why he was dumped from the board.