CIVIL SERVICE AND POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 117, 21 May 1925, Page 5

CIVIL SERVICE AND POLITICS

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—Some time ago the Wellington section of the Post and Telegraph Association passed a resolution to the effect that the association should be entirely dissociated from any political party, and that the Service journal should not bo used in any manner for the purpose of political propaganda. At a subsequent meeting at attempt wav made to rescind this resolution,. but it. was upheld by an overwhelming majority. Since then, the Socialist clement in the Service has apparently been intent upon having the resolution construed as a personal attack on Mr. Combs. Apparently it suits Mr. Combs to help forward that view of tho matter, as only recently he was reported in your columns as deprecating attacks on his private life, which" he thought should be left severely alone. It would be interesting to learn just in what respect tho resolution encroaches on the private life of Mr. Combes, or what part of the criticism directed against him relates peculiarly to his private life. It should be quite evident that the action of the Wellington section was nothing whatever of an attack on Mr. Combs as a private individual, and for Mr. Combs and his supporters to interpret it as such is' patently absurd and incorrect.

The carrying of such a resolution was nothing more nor.less than'a very direct expression of resentment on the part of a, large section of the Service at the use of the organisation in support of a political party. Further, it can be taken as an indication of a widespread desire within the Service to remove the public opprobrium that has become attached to it since such a state of affairs has been in evidence.' The resolution in relerence has no relation to Mr. Combs as an individual, and in his capacity as secretary of the association concerns him-only to. the extent that there are the very soundest objections to the. views of any political group being permitted to obtrude upon the affairs of the association.—l am, etc. 20th-May. .*<>. POLTTICB. .