PUBLIC SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 22085, 19 July 1935, Page 1

PUBLIC SERVICE

OBJECTS Of NEW SOCIETY An outline of tlie objects of the New, Zealand Public Administration Society, was given to members of the Otago branch last night by the president (Mr H. L. Gibson), who emphasised that the society was not concerned .with problems of remuneration and conditions of service. Mr Gibson stated that the society had been formed in the district for the purpose of creating a more friendly spirit amongst the members of one branch of the public service towards members of other, branches. He had found in the course of his long and varied, experience that there was a lack of co-ordination between the members of the various branches, brought about by the fact that they had been unable in the past to arrange ,a suitable means of social y intercourse. The . objects the society were also educational. They intended to provide facilities for a systematic study of the principles underlying the day-by-day conduct of' the business of the State as well as to make available information relating to the duties of . the public servant and the functions of the State. It was only by careful observation and study and by keeping up ‘ to date with ■ social opinion that public servants could translate effectively the requirements of the people into administrative action. During the course of the year it was intended to provide a series of* lectures by the various heads of the departments. and.these officers would, he felt sure, improve the knowledge of the various members of the public service.' A tendency of recent times was towards an extension of the sphere of State activities, and this, haa resulted in a corresponding increase in the responsibility placed upon public servants, and naturally an increase of complexity of administrative problems. Nothing in the past had been attempted towards educating the rank and file as to the responsibilities attached to an executive position, and it was hoped that the series of lectures which had been, arranged would be grasped by the members of the service and treated by them as an opportunity which they should not neglect. Further, it was claimed that from a'social point of S lew there should arise a greater bond of fellowship between the heads of departments and their staff. It had been difficult in the past for the ' staff to realise exactly what an executive officer had to contend with, and it was also admitted that at times th» executive officer had not. been brought into touch with difficulties concerning the staff.

“It must be clearly understood,”, concluded Mr Gibson, “ that this society does not include among its objects that of protecting the interests of public servants in such matters as remuneration and conditions of service. We prefer to leave these activities to other associations formed for the purpose.”