POSTAL OFFICERS AND ALLIANCE OF LABOUR

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume L, Issue 7957, 8 April 1922, Page 3

POSTAL OFFICERS AND ALLIANCE OF LABOUR

GOVERNMENT VIEWS AFFILIATION WITH DISFAVOUR

(Per Press Association—'Copyright.) Wellington, April 8 Hon. J. G. Coates (PostmasterGeneral) has sent a letter to the Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Officers Association, stating that “ As the Association ballot has decided in favour of joining the Alliance of Labour I beg to inform you that the Government views such a step with disfavour, and as one which it is not prepared to countenance under any consideration. Such'an alliance must prove a grave danger to the State, as the officers will be placed in a position of authority, and it is a question of the authority of the Government or that of the Alliance of Labour. The interests of the public require that the service be free from outside interference and subject to the control only of the State it serves. The question is a matter for serious consideration by the individual members of the service and each and every officer should realise that the efficiency of the Department and probably his own welfare depend upon the next step being taken in the right direction. It must be clearly understood that the Government cannot agree to any officer of the Post-and Telegraph Department endeavouring to serve the Government and at the same time the Alliance ot Labour.”