CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 639, 16 October 1909, Page 13

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

: 'question of periodical.tests. The necessity for reform in the civil sorvico is ; recognised bj' members on both sides of the House, but opinions differ ns to bow far the reform should go. While Mr. Hcrdmali (Opposition) is anxious, by moans of n Public Service Hoard, to put an'end to political favouritism and tho appointment of persons to positions in the service merely bocauso they have a political "pull," Mr Hanan, from the Government sido, advocntes a scheme which, while it would not permit political appointments being made, would, it is contended, go far to ensure that tho porsons so appointed were at.least competent to discharge the duties with which they woro entrusted. Questioned by a Dominion representative Mr. Hanan made some interesting observations on his plan for the introduction of annual efficiency tests with the Departments. The principle of such tests had, ho said, been recognised by Sir Joseph Ward as PostmasterGeneral, since he had introduced a system of tests into tho Post .and Telegraph Department. Mr. Hanan urged that it was not possible to deny tho beneficial results that must follow from an extension of that system to the other Departments of ; tho service. He was disposed to think that the Government would something in that direction, for several .Ministers. with whom, he had discussed the matter had been favourably impressed by his proposal. Mr. Hanan contended that tho main point was not whether a man was appointed to a position in the service by .favour, but whether ho was capable of doing efficient work in that position.; W 7 hat ,he was advocating was not classical examinations, but practical examinations directly bearing on the work of the-departments concerned...Such a system, it was urged, would do away with the "Government-stroke" and the bogey seniority, and offer new encouragement to merit. ■ > The report of tho Public Service Board of New South Wales for 1908, Mr. Hanan 6tated, shows how test examinations are conducted in that State. The report stated that 27 examinations had been 'held to' test tho qualifications of officers for promotion, and over 300 candidates presented themselves. The report of the same board for 1906-7 stated that tho test systora had undoubtedly increased efficiency and flexibility of . officers by inducing . them to. take an . intelligent' interest .in the general .business of their department. It had ' also provided at least a partial solution _of tho problem how best to secure promotion by merit, instead of by mere length of service. Experience proved that the merit system stimulated the able and ambitious. . 'v. '

Referring to the efficiency .tosts in.tho Federal: Postal Department, Mr. Hanan quoted a statement, of the Melbourne "Age" that "the old obsolete svstern of promotion by seniority, has disappeared,' and the day of tho.'timeServer' in the public servioo has passed." Mr. Hanan also slated that he had received a"letter from .Mr. J. Hume-Cook, M.P., Senior Whip to the Federal Government part-, in reply' to H letter ' sent by him. Mr. HumeCook expressed n very high Opinion of the test system, as it has been' practised in Australia.

':.» A PlffiSS OPINION. .:'' , (By ,Telegraph— Special Correspondent.) Christchurch, October 15. .Tho "Press," referring to Mr. J. A. Hanan's proposal' for annual test examinations in tlio public service, remarks that tho highest efficiency can only be secured by, a, system; of appointments that takes no account of tho political faith and political friendships of. tho candidates, and since' Mr. Hanari's schemo would permit the .policy of "spoils to the victors, \ it would necessarily fail to secn're the best'results, or anything like them. .The curious thing about Mr. _ Hanan's argument in favour of his scheme is that ho supports it '"-by quoting its beneficial effect under th 6 administration of the'Public'Service Board ot New South Wales. As. a. matter of fact, all the advantages to be gained by Mr. Hanan'! scheme -could be secured 1 with much less inconvenience,'and with nono of the unnecessary worry of making Civil Service,-'■ clerks 'pass -annual''-'examinations,'by'Mr Herdmati's Public Service Bill. That measure would prevent inohicicnts joining the service in' tho first place, and tho commissioner, Imlng power to inspect tho work of tho various Departments, would be able to .detect and ■ dispensowith officers whoso'work' and. abilities werenot up to.the required standard. For such ft comprehensive : and workablb measure, Mr. : Hanan's one-sided and cumbrous proposals aro a very poor substitute. . / , -..:■■