TEMPORARY CLERKS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 48, 24 February 1917, Page 9

TEMPORARY CLERKS

10 TUB EDITOR. Sir, —Both your correspondents "Temporary"- and "Clara"' make statements ■which appeal to all temporary clerks in the Public Service. The Government makes attempts to better the lot of all workers outside its own sphere, but leaves its own servants to struggle on under the same conditions prevailing twenty years ago. The cheese-paring tactics that prevail in some Departments make servants who are anxious and willing to do their utmost in these troubled times discontented. The discontented servant is not the most useful person to have -around. < Where special ability is shown special pay is warranted, and with all due deference to tho long service of some of the Civil servants it is grossry unfair to»ask

men who are drawing 10s per diem to work on the same or perhaps more intricate work as the •ni'iiii who is drawing', say £260 per annum. To put the rnntter briefly, we of the pro. tern, fraternity should receive for equal work equal pay- v.'. Personally I think the Commissioner should allow heads .of Departments to us 6 their discretion as to extra .emolument, and thus ensure, the good men giving of their best. If we who are .'taking responsible positions received a decent living wage, I am sure the extra cost to the Government would be well spent in the better results obtained. Dr. SHtchett giving evidence as Public Trustee in support.of claims for exemption on behalf of some members of his staff, practically said that positions in the service could be filled if sufficient inducements were offered. Well, make them sufficient and the right class of man will come forward-.and reduce the need for exemptions to a;, mimimum and cnsui'3 satisfaction to all concerned. I sec by the papers that new temporary clerks are to be engaged at £4 to £5 prr week. What about us old 'uns?~-I am, etc., -.'■ ': AJAX. 22nd February.