ROYAL COMMISSION'S REMEDY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1045, 7 February 1911, Page 5

ROYAL COMMISSION'S REMEDY.

.REFORMS OUTLINED. _ The serious dissatisfaction that exists }n the Commonwealth postal service cannot bo denied (says the Sydney "Daily •Telegraph" of January 30). The fact that the Public Servico Commissioner lias seen . fit to issue a printed report to show what has been dono to meet tho complaints made by employees emphasises it. The remarkable part is that, notwithstanding the reforms enumerated by the cdinmis•Eioner, tho dissatisfaction does not diminish; indeed, there are evidences of its increase, and it is reported that elaborate schemes are boing formulated by the combined postal, telegraphic, and telephonic associations of tho States in preparedness for "drastic action" unless the grievances aro abated. 'It is. well known that Mr. XV. Webster, M.H.R., who took such an active inter-est-in the Postal Royal Commission, is in the confidence of the employees, and on January 28 he was asked what he thought . would remedy tho unsatisfactory conditipns complained of. _ "Accept and enforce the recommendations of the Postal Commission," was the prompt answer. Amongst the 175 recommendations made by the commission thero is the basis of a new svstem cautiously considered, and carefully weighed, in.the light of tho evidence and existing conditions. I venture to soy that tho report and evidence supply tho safest guide to thoso anxious to reform this Department. The commission has supplied the plan and specification, in detail; it now awaits the capablo builder to correctly interpret them, and to lmve tho courage to tako, tho matter into both hands, regardless of every influence, and lay tho foundation of a system which will remove tho disabilities existing, ensuro an efficient and contented servico and generally improve and economise tho facilities oil which tho public welfare largely deponds. The service generally favours the report, and realises tho good already achieved, and the hope for more to come." "What are the principal reforms the commission recommendsr" tho reporter asked. "Wo urge that the postal service should be controlled by three experts—orgcuiifcr and finance, postal, telegraphic, and telephonic. Eacli of these must keep in touch with the service, propound its pplicy -of- administration, and sco that it ■is, carried out. Each section of the service would be assured of abstract justice, wjiich is not now obtainable. A series of staff committees are suggested to classify staff from time to time, and promotion to Tbo by merit. "Without such fundamental changes," •Assorted • the ; Labour member, "there is small hope for a contented or satisfactory public service. Wc recommend a board of management in lieu of present system, because we say it is impossible to manago a Department spending nearly -£},floo,fiflo a year, and extending all over 'Australia, from an office chair in Melbourne. This is endorsed by the late secretary. Sir R. Scott, and the Public Servic Commissioner, and overwhelmingly proved by the absence of polic.v and system found.throughout' the service. "The system of seniority and the shuttlecocking of officers from one post to another,'regardless of odantability, lies nt tho root of this evil. Tho plea of tho deputies and ether leading officers was that they were clerical slaves and bound to tho desk, and such was true. Put hpw- came this thus? Surely it was due ■to'ineffective management. "I confidently assert that unless a Hioroush change of sv.cti>m is adopted akin to that recommended by the commission there is little hope of permanent improvement in the Postal Department."