THE CIVIL SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 205, 27 August 1912, Page 7

THE CIVIL SERVICE.

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. GRIAEQTNG OF OiFFiaiAljS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Public Service BUI, introduced by Governor's message this afternoon, provides for the disqualification of any person who obtains or attempts to obtain the assistance of any member of Parliament for lihe purpose of obtaining employment, and the dismissal of any public servant who attempts to obtain promotion or a personal advantage through political influence. The (bill goes on to provide for the appointment at a Commissioner and bwo Assistant Commissioners, all three to be appointed ifor the term of seven years, and eligible for Teappoinbment. The Chief Commissioner's salary is fixed at £1300, and each assistant at £800. Provision m made for the removal of the Commissioner from office by tiro Governor for misbehaviour or incompetence, with the approval of Parliament. Provision is also made for the sropension or removal of the Assistant Oommissionera if occasion for such arises. The duties of the Commissioner and his assistants are set forth in maintaining economy and efficiency of the service in various departments," and provision i≤ made for interchange and transfer from one department" to another if pressure of work warrants. TV. Commissioner must, furnish a yearly report to Parliament on the condition and efficiency of Hie service, -with reeomniPTidatioTjs for improvement wiiero he considers it can 'be made. For th« purposes of the Act the service is to -bo divided into . administrative, professional, clerical, and general divisions, officers to be regraded at intervals of not mare than five years. The grading will tie submitted to the Governor, and if not approved the Commissioner will have to submit a/nother proposal. ]f the Governor still disapproves a statement of reasons omist be laid before Parliament. The bill provides for promotion by merit and efficiency, but the Governor may by message recommend reduction or increase, according to a specified rate, ■in the salary of each person in each class of any divisions Increases shall ■be guided by good conduct, but' it i« laid diOTvn that the salary of £100 shall be a minimum for a person of 21 years with not less than three years" service. Passing competitive examinations is •made a condition ok admission to the service, following which a probation of six months has to be served. Appointees to the service must not be less than l.i nor over 40 years. Complete regulations are laid down respecting appointments and promotions, and it is stipulated fylin.); no person entering the service after tßie bill has passed shall be entitled to promotion without passing an examination. In the administrative, professional, and clerical divisions officers shall be deemed •to be three mionthl v servants, and' other branches as monthly servants. A strict provision is contained debarring officers from engaging in private enrplovment. Bating rights in regard to .u'perannuatioii axe absolutely preserved, but no officer shall be entitled to compensation its a result of dismissal or reduction in salary.