APPEALS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 259, 29 July 1941, Page 6

APPEALS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

Single Men’s Position

COMMENT BY CHAIRMAN

OF BOARD

An Indication that it would be helpful to hav<sthe general consideration of the Public Service Commissioner on the question of appeals for public servants, was given by the chairman of the No. 4 Armed Forces Appeal Board in Wellington yesterday when an appeal, on the ground of public interest, by the Director of National Service for a Public Trust Office clerk was considered.

After hearing a representative of the Public Trust Office, Mr. Stilwell said that in effect the proposition put to the board was that from now on all men having some responsibility, in spite of the fact that they were single, should be exempted. Immediately married , men were called up public opinion was going to ask “What are these young fellows doing and what justification is there for their exemption?” If some policy was not formulated a difficult situation’ would arise because the question affected all Government departments. It would be helpful to have the consideration of the Public Service Commissioner on the general question. The appeal was held over meantime.

Adjourning for six months appeals lodged by the Director of National Service for three men of the Department of Agriculture field staff, Mr. Stilwell said a strong case would have to be put up to substantiate a further extension. As far as he was concerned, it would be hard for the department to retain these young men when the married men were called up.