PUBLIC SERVICE TESTS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23086, 31 July 1940, Page 7

PUBLIC SERVICE TESTS

* COMMISSIONER’S REPORT TO PARLIAMENT CRITICISM EXPRESSED BY ASSOCIATION (PRISS ISSOCIITIOX TSLXOUXIt.) PALMERSTON NORTH, July 30. Comments made by the Public Service Commissioner in the annual report to Parliament on efficiency tests were discussed at a meeting of the Palmerston North Public Service Association. It was resolved unanimously that: “This section, representing over 500 public servants, deplores the commissioner’s action in ventilating views in public before the negotiations instituted by the Prime Minister have been completed, and also the fact that such publication has struck a totally unwarranted blow at the prestige of the whole of that section of the Public Service which- comes under the commissioner’s control.” The meeting reaffirmed its opposition to impositions of such tests, and supported the action of Jhe executive of the Public Service Association. Taranaki Protests The Public Service Commissioner’s report was also the subject of a strong protest made by Taranaki public %er-. vants. says a message from New Plymouth. They contended that the commissioner had based his assertions on the result of last year’s tests, when, according to his statement, 47 per cent, passed, 47 per cent, failed, and the balance obtained partial passes only. It is pointed out that he omitted'to mention that last year’s tests applied to the general division only, when practical men were given a theoretical examination. It is held that to condemn the efficiency of the service on the result of that test is grossly unfair and does not agree with the previous statements of the commissioner referring to the nigh educational qualifications of public servants generally. At the annual meeting of the Taranaki section of the Public Service Association, a resolution was unanimously carried requesting the commissioner to suspend efficiency tests for the tion of the war. It was felt that with the threat of invasion hanging over England, for many officers serving in the Army, Territorial Forces, and Reserves, and for others working overtime, doing official duties (gratis), and performing patriotic duties in their spare time, efficiency tests were relatively unimportant, especially at a time when all efforts should be for one purpose to help win the war.” _______________