THE PUBLIC SERVICE BILL

Evening Star, Issue 14965, 27 August 1912, Page 4

THE PUBLIC SERVICE BILL

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 27. The Public tServiee Bill, introduced by Governors Message this afternoon, provides for the- disqualification of any person who obtains or attempts to obtain the assistance of any member of Parliament for the purpose- of obtaining employment, and dismissal for any public servant who attempts to obtain promotion or a personal advantage through political influence. The Bill goes on to provide for the appointment of a CVmimiesior.er and two Assistant Commissioners, all three to be appointed for a term of seven years, and eligible for reappointment. The Chief Commissioner's salary is fixed at £1,500, and each assistant at £BOO. Provision is made for the removal of the Commissioner from orUc-e by the Governor for misl>ehaviour or incompetence, with the approval of Parliament. Provision is also made for the suspension or removal of the Assistant Commissioners if the occasion for such arises. The' duties of the Commissioner and assistant are set forth in maintaining economy and the efficiency of the service in its various departments, and provision is made for interchange and transfer from one department to another if pressure of work warrants. The Commissioner must furnish yearly a report to Parliament on tho condition of efficiency in the eervice, with recommendations for improvement where he considers it can be. made. For the purposes of the Act the Civil Service is to be divided into administrative, professional, clerical, and general divisions, the officers to be regraded at intervals of not more than live years. Grading will be submitted to the Governor, and if not approved the Commissioner will have to submit another proposal. If the Governor still disapproves, a statement of reasons must be laid before Parliament. The Bill provides for promotion by result and efficiency, but the Governor may, by Message, recommend a rateable reduction or increase according to a specified rate in the salary of each person m each class of any division. Increases are to be guided by good conduct, but it is laid down that a salary of £IOO shall be the minimum for persons of 21 years with not less than three vears' service. Passing competitive examinations is made a condition of admission to the Service, following which probation for a period of six months is to be served. Appointees to the Service must not be less than 15 nor over 40 vears.

Complete regulations are laid down respecting appointments and promotions, and it is stipulated that no person entering the Service after tho Bill is passed shall be entitled to promotion without passing an examination.

In the administrative, professional, and clerical divisions officers are deemed fo be three-monthly [servants,, and in other branches as monthly servants. Strict provision is contained debarring officers from enjoying private employment. Existing riirhts in regard to superannuation are absolutely preseivcd, but no officer shall he entitled to compensation as the result of dismissal or reduction of salary.