PUBLIC SERVICE BILL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1546, 16 September 1912, Page 4

PUBLIC SERVICE BILL.

HOW VIEWED IN CHKISTCHUECH.

(By Telccrnph.-Preej AsjocletloiU

Christchurch, September 14.

In a lengthy statement the' Canterbury branch of the Civil Service Association details opinions and suggestions regarding the'Piiblic Service Bill. As to, political influence the branch holds that Clause 6 is insufficient to effect the end in view ns it contains nothing to prevent the influence of members of Parliament being sought indirectly (hruiigh relatives or friends. It considers that the members of Parliament themselves should be prohibited from endeavouring to "exercise any influence on appointments. The- branch'does not view with favour the provision for the appointment of a single commissioner to control the Service. Section 18' should contain some provision to enable finality to bo reached in regard to classification. As to the powers proposed under Clause 2-1 the branch considers them objectionable. Regarding promotions it holds that, whilst merit is an esspntml factor, every consideration should be given to length of faithful service. Regarding the fifth schedule n hope is expressed that tho scale of salaries and increments will be placed on a more equitable basis. The branch is further of opinion that the Post and Telegraph Department (already classified) should be excluded from tho provisions of tho Bill. Tho Christchurch Postal and Telegraph officers have .arrived at resolutions of similar effect to those passed in Dunedin ami Invercargill. . ■