Resignations Of City Traffic Officers

Press, Volume C, Issue 29524, 27 May 1961, Page 10

Resignations Of City Traffic Officers

Some of the City Council traffic officers who had resigned recently had left because of dissatisfaction with working conditions, said Mr R. H. McDonald, secretary of the Canterbury Local Body Officers' Union, yesterday. “I regret having to say that Cr. H. P. Smith's statement, which was undoubtedly made in good faith, was almost the exact opposite of the correct position." he said. “Although I am directed to say this, it is not said because our members want a public airing of domestic matters which should be solved in other ways. However, if Cr. Smith's statement goes unchallenged | we may be regarded later as [having agreed with it.” ■ After several traffic charges i had been withdrawn in the ' Magistrate's Court because the officers who had issued offence notices had resigned. Cr. Smith, a member of the committee, said that none had left because he was dissatisfied with working conditions and that there was not a general exodus. When Cr. Smith made the statement, in reply to a question. the chairman of the traffic committee (Cr. McLean) had been out of Christchurch and no doubt she had , not been fully informed on [all recent matters. Mr Mc- [ Donald said., Cr. McLean had had a meeting with the traf- ' fle officer staff which had l lasted an hour and a half and at which there was a full and frank discussion of problems. “The five resignations definitely included officers dissatisfied with working conditions,” he said. “Probably an equal number of officers have considered resigning, although they do not appear

to have made a choice of alternative employment.” The union hoped the council would not lose any more officers who had served the city well. If the council could accept a suggestion that it should meet the union, with traffic officers represented. it should be possible to ertkblish a good liaison on day-to-day matters.that might cause I concern. Mr McDonald said. '[Unfortunately, this idea does hot seem to have progressed.”