STATE SERVANTS’ NUMBERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 134, 18 March 1948, Page 3

STATE SERVANTS’ NUMBERS

View of Associated Chambers

(TLA.) DUNEDIN , March 17. An appeal that employment in State services be curtailed rather tluTn expanded, particularly during the present shortage of labour and materials, was made by Mr. F. Wilson. Wellington, at this morning's session of the Associated Chambers of Commerce conference. Delegates contended that staffing .in State departments was generally too large, and industry was suffering as a result in being unable to obtain enough operatives. It was decided to raise the matter with the Government.

In the last 10 years the civil service had increased by more than 7a per cent., said Mr Wilson. It should be made perfectly clear that what was suggested was not retrenchment and unemployment, hut simply redistribution of labour and the return of workers to productive employment. Such a transfer would not impair the effective operations of State administration and revenueproducing services, provided the redirection was effected in those departments representing activities outside the normal and recognised scope of democratic government. Mr E. J. Phillips, Hastings, said State services only too frequently sustained themselves wholly at the expense of private enterprise. They required complete protection against opposition and recourse to the Consolidated Fund. That was unhealthy and unfair.

Mr M. G. C. McCaul, Wellington, said the Associated Chambers might later request the setting up of a commission to give specific recommendations.

“What we want to stop is men—grown men—wandering round State departments with files of papers in their, hands and stopping to talk to girls in corridors,” said Mr J. T. Martin, Wellington.