"VOTE-BIDDING."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 185, 6 August 1936, Page 10

"VOTE-BIDDING."

MR. COATES CRITICAL. CIVIL SERVICE RIGHTS. MINISTER AND OFEICER.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) ! W ELLINGTON, Wednesday, Declaring, that there was a great difference between the Public Service and private enterprise— ; and a great distinc- , tioil, too —111 - . Coates (National, Kaipara), speaking in the second reading debate in the House of Representatives . to-day on the Political Disabilities Re- | moval Bill, said that if a civil servant were to be allowed to exprese his | opinions of what the Government's I policy might be, he thought the country was getting on dangerous grounds. Mr. Coatee said it would be awkward if the head of a Department could oppose his Minister and quote from files to show that the Minister was wrong in reaching a certain decision. Such had happened in Australia, and the position was moat individious. It would be peculiar if a Minister were to be subject to the whims of a Departmental officer.

No Disabilities. Mr. Coates claimed that there were no disabilities of any logical consequence that could be raised concerning the civil servant and his rights to-day. Referring to Clause 4. which gives societies of workers the right to use their funds for political objects. Mr. C'oatjs said it was entirely wrong that a majority of members present at a meeting could reach such a decision which would be binding on all the members.

Mr. D. W. Coleman (Government, Gisborno) : There must be a ballot.

After some cross-talk with Mr. Coleman, who insisted that the clause provided for a ballot of the members. Mr Coates admitted that he was wrong.

"That raises a smils on the face of the Prime Minister," he added. "Very well, I'm wrong. As you were."

That meant, he continued, that a ballot of members of the Amalgamated Society of Raihvay Servants, the Engine Drivers, Firemens and Cleaners' Association and other service organisations could decide that funds were to bn used for political purposes.

Mr. Coleman: Whose money is it?

Mr. Coates: Tlie point at issue is whether the funds of such societies should be used for such purposes. It is entirely wrong. It is pernicious, it's wrong in principle and should never be attempted, and I say that it will come back the Government. Who Made Request? He would like to ask how many branches of the Public Service were asking for the legislation. Mr. Coates added. Could the Attorney-General give the names of the societies asking that their funds should be available for political purposes ? If a society made a grant of

£1000. would there be a- tag attached to it, and would the position arise when the Opposition might go oitfe better;? It seemed to him that the Public Service never ought to be brought into a position of that kind.

"If we are to bid for the Public Service vote," said Mr. C'oates, "tliere can be only one conclusion as to what the public will think of it." Dr. D. G. McMillan (Government, Dunedin West) : Did you bid for the farmer's vote.

Mr. Coates retorted that Dr. McMillan knew nothing at all about farming. He concluded by declaring that he* was opposed to the bill, and would vote against the second reading.