DEBATED CIRCULAR

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 123, 27 May 1930, Page 10

DEBATED CIRCULAR

MINISTER'S STATEMENT

"A MISUNDERSTANDING"

The Prime Minister-elect (tho Right Hon. G. W. Forbes) announced to-day that, in response to representations made to him regarding a circular issued by the District Telegraph Engineer at Auckland, ho had-on his. return to Wellington investigated tho position. In the first place it was ascertained that the circular was not issued by the Head| Office of the Department or with its knowledge. Apparently some misunderstanding arose in tho Auckland district over certain isolated cases, the papers in connection with which -were-, misinterpreted and wrongly regarded as conve'vihg general instructions. The conditions of employment have not altered, except that difficulty has been experienced for some time past in providing work and material for the men now employed, and in consequence authority to engage casual labour is concentrated in tho Head Office. As it is felt that the present staff, who have had considerable training, should be retained as long as possible, additional men are not engaged if the existing staff can bo utilised by-transfer or otherwise. Until i more material is available those who voluntarily leave the Departmcut cannot expect to bo re-engaged; but no restriction would be plated on tho reengagement of a man whose absence was involuntary. . Tho'Minister added that considerable misunderstanding had arisen,. but brief inquiry disclosed that no disadvantageous conditions were being imposed or considered regarding the men now employed on tho casual staff. "