HOW TO HANDLE PUBLIC SERVANTS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29635, 4 October 1961, Page 19

HOW TO HANDLE PUBLIC SERVANTS

'' (Hew Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND. Oct. 3. ’Avoid gifts to public servants. particularly at Christmas time. 11l is was one of several tips, the chairman of the Public Service Commission (Mr L. A. Atkinson) gave to Auckland businessmen today at a Chamber of Commerce lunch address. To promote better understanding between the Govern, ment and businessmen. Mr Aktinson had advice for those on both sides of the fence. The gifts tip was important because the line between a gift and a bribe was rather

fine, said Mr Atkinson. If there had to be a present, a cigar would be ample. Other tips he gave were: Approach the Government through trade organ* isations, rather than make personal calls on Ministers.

Avoid press publicity When angered. Try to settle industrial disputes 'without rushing to the Minister of Labour. Tell the Public Service Commission or the head of the department if the ser. vice given is inefficient or not up to proper standards.

Public servants, he said, should:

Not distrust businessmen unless there are good grounds for suspicion. Be completely impartial. Deal with all matters promptly and clearly. Be reserved, but friendly. Mix more with the busi.

ness community. In other words, said Mr Atkinson, “put yourself in the other man’s shoes.’’

Obituary MR C. A. BANKS (NJ!. Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 3. Mr Charles Arthur Banks, a New Zealander and former Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, has died in Vancouver, aged J 6. Bom in Thames in 1883. Mr Banks had a distinguished record in mining engineering and was chairman and managing director of Placer, Developments. Ltd., a mining company with world-wide interests. He studied at the Thames School of Mines and engaged in goldmining in the Ohinemuri district before going to the United States and Canada. In 1938 he was awarded the gold medal of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America. Mr Banks was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia in 1946. He held this position for three years when his health forced him to retire.

He is survived by his wife, who is a former Aucklander.