THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND MR. HOLLAND

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 10

THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND MR. HOLLAND

The specious reasoning by which Mr. Holland sought at Westport to recommend the Labour Party as the only true friend of the Civil Service is answered in clear and direct fashion by the Leader of the Opposition in a statement published this morning. Not only does Mr. Coates expose the Labour Party’s hypocrisy in this matter, but he also states precisely what the Opposition is prepared to do for the lower-paid Civil Servants. Support will be given to an increase of £l5 per annum on the maxima for. men at the £240, £265, and £295 limits. This declaration is made, as Mr. Coates says, with “a full sense of responsibility,” and is in harmony with the view of Reform members. So precise and unqualified a statement is unmistakable. Its meaning is plain—in striking ’ contrast to the political blarney and devious tactics of the Labour Party. When Mr. Holland brought his motion for the restoration of the “cuts” before the House of Representatives, he worded it in such a manner as to ensure its rejection. Cunningly and doubtless of set purpose the clear issue was obstructed by qualifications to which the Opposition could not agree. Mr. Holland knew that, otherwise he and his party would never have framed their motion. The last thing they desired was the passing of the motion, the consequent defeat of the Government, and a general election. In fact, only a few days previously, on the question of primage duty, Labpur had sacrificed its principles and. platform to keep the United Government in office.

Had Mr. Holland been in earnest, had he been sincere in his professed desire to restore the “cuts,” he could have moved a straightforward motion to that effect, and no doubt it would have been carried. Instead, Mr. Holland took care to alienate the Opposition votes, whose approval was essential to the success of his move. The trick was so manifest that it should have deceived nobody? Moreover, Mr. Holland claims to be in a position to dictate to the Government. “We hold the key,” he has said, “and how we turn it will depend on the circumstances of the case.” The circumstances of the Public Service case were, quite plainly, not urgent enough to persuade the Labour Party to turn the key on the Government.

Obviously the Public Service was not then considered a necessitous case. But when it came to the salaries of members, an increase proved most necessary. Mr. Holland and his party spoke for the increase of £lOO, and no doubt were the principals in inducing the Government to grant it. The Civil Service will know how to decide as between Mr. Coates and Mr. Holland. The Leader of the Opposition states, exactly what he is prepared to do. The Labour Leader professes his. desire to restore the “cuts,” but takes very fine care, by political trickery, to see they are not restored, although with the same voice he claims to have power to influence the Government’s decisions.