KEEPING IN TOUCH

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 40, 16 August 1921, Page 4

KEEPING IN TOUCH

♦— POSTAL DEPARTMENT'S ACTION. The Association of New Zealand Chambers, of Commerce yesterday advised the Wellington Chamber of re-, ceipt of a communication from the Post-master-General stating that he had un-> der consideration the question of authorising and encouraging officers of the Post and Telegraph Department in responsible positions to join Chambers of Commerce and other non-political bodies, membership of which they might be eligible. "It iB thought, ' stated tho Minister's letter, "that, when depart-mental-matters are under discussion .by such bodies, the presence of a departmental officer would enable any misapprehension of the Department's arrangements and of its point,of view to be removed, and, at the same time opportunityHrould be provided for the dissemination of general departmental information of public interest. The Minister added tlTat officers admitted, to membership would officially represent the Department. They would urge constructive criticism and invite legitimate complaints of inadequate service, etc., and all matters brought up would be given by them prompt personal attention. The Minister wished to know how the Chambers of Commerce viewed the proposal. The secretary of the Associated Chambers 'stated that he was informed by v the Secretary of the Department that at first it was proposed to limit this to the centres where the Chief Postmasters would become members of the Chambers and of the executive committees, if desired. The President (Mr. J. T. Martin) favoured the appointment of the Chief Postmaster as a member of. the Wellington Chamber. Mr. H. D. Bennett said there were other Departments, such as Customs and Railways, that would have equal rights to election. Mr. M. A. Carr considered it would save a lot of time if criticism of a public department were made in the presence of one 6f its responsible officers. Mr. C.' M. Banks moved that the Chief Postmaster be invited to become a representative member of the Chamber, When applications came from other Departments they could be dealt with. It was decided that membership should be offered tho Chief Postmaster for one year.