PUBLIC SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 40, 16 August 1921, Page 2

PUBLIC SERVICE

TO THE EDITOfI,.

Sir, —I have read with interest tho Welfare League's article on the necessity of more interest being taken by citizens _ in public, matters. That tho necessity exists no one doubts for one moment, but as one who has "been through tho mill," I would ask,, what is the us,o of doing public service? I am quite convinced that both in local politics, in tho political world, in any movement for the betterment of his follow citizens, tho man who mikes the "move" generally gets more "kicks than half-ponco,"' and his time would bo better occupied in his homo circle. The man who doos something for nothing now-a-days is looked upon with suspicion, and tho public always judge his actions and effects himself. Servico ■ oithor for the Government or for tho public is not looked upon kindly; public servants of-autocratic powers and tendencies) always look for a nigger in tho wood pile, and judge the servico accordingly. Ministers, taking custom as a precedent, vely on "official heads" (generally without commercial training), and fall in aocordingly, although they,/in acting on such advice, through their lack of knowledge, are not to blame, and the country pays the price. I tell the young people of New Zealand to be careful ..how they approach or dabble in matters political, both local and Government, for never mind how honest their intentions in putting servico boforo solf, they will be labelled "dangerous, 1" and tho powors that bo will store up thoir public acts and services, not to .their creciit, but to their detriment, and at tho first opportunity will get "ono on to them," either directly or indirectly, whichever will hurt the hardest. It is a pity to have to say so, but it ia the truth nevortheloss. I have paid the price, and having paid, tender my advice accordingly.—l am, etc., ALWAYS SERVICE BEFORE SELF. 11th August. .