THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 17155, 23 September 1919, Page 6

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

ALL-ROUND INCREASE ASKED.

PRIME MINISTER SYMPATHETIC.

[Bza. United Pbess Association.]

WELLINGTON. September 25. The deputation from the Public Service Association met the Prime Minister to-day and discussed various matters related to the control of the Service.

Mr W. M. Wright, -vice-president, said the public- servants generally were in favor of the present system of control, but suggested improvement. The association felt satisfied that the new system had suppressed and checked many abuses, and if the Act was amended to provide for improvements which time had shown to be necessary the centralised and independent, as apart from political, control of the Public Service promised to produce even better results in future. The association proposed the establishment of a Public Service Board of three members, to include a member elected by the Service. Mr Wright insisted on a continuation of the right of appeal, and asked the Government to give an indication as to when they were likely to introduce an amendment of the Public Service Act. Th« association desired to secure payment of £45 to all public sei--vants as a Cost of Living increase as from April 1 List. The Public Service Commissioner had stated definitely that he would have no. objection to a a. '5 allround increase, provided a way was found. The association believ&d that the Government, having conceded to railway officers that a. £45 all-round increase was oquitable, ahould do likewise to the general Public Service.

The Hon. Mr Maesey, replying, said ho was glad to hear that a <great majority of the members of the Public Service had no desire to go back to the old system if it were possiole to prevent it. "We shall never go back to the old system," said the Prime Minister. If time permitted an amendment of the Public Service Act would be placed on the Statute Book. He would bo pleased i_q put the association's suggestions before Cabinet. The term of office of the present Commissioners had nearly come to an end, but it was not intended that they should go out of office at the end of the year or for some months afterwards. He was inclined to think the proposed Board of Control would work. This and the proposal for a £45 all-round increase would be considered bv Cabinet.