DISMISSAL OF CIVIL SERVANTS

Evening Star, Issue 25948, 13 November 1946, Page 6

DISMISSAL OF CIVIL SERVANTS

NATIONAL CANDIDATE’S SUGGESTION RETRACTION 80UOHT FROM LEADER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT'S THREAT (Special.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 12. A public retraction of a reported statement by a National Party candidate that there were “ tens of thousands of Civil servants in New Zealand who could be done without apd would be absorbed in productive employment,” is being sought from the leader of the party, Mr S. G. Holland, by a committee representing all the State service organisations. At the same time, Mr J. P. Lewin, president of the Public Service Association; has sent a telegram to Mr Holland saying that if this statement is not retracted he will have to advise the members of the association—“particularly the 17,000 . temporary employees ” —that their livelihood may be endangered if the National Party gains power. The statement about the future of Civil servants was attributed in a Tananaki newspaper to Mr E. B. Corbett, National candidate for Egmont. The letter sent by. the Combined State Services Committee over the signature of the secretary, Mr J. Turnbull, points out to Mr Holland that in his broadcast address on October 21 he gave an emphatic denial on behalf of his party to an allegation that its policy would result in the dismissal of tens of thousands of public servants. The report of Mr Corbett’s statement was published on the following day, however, and, Mr Holland is told,. “ clearly proves that the allegations which you denied were true and-that the ignorant and sectional viewpoint that public servants are unproductive, and, therefore. parasitical persists among some, at least, of your party spokesmen. This viewpoint is strongly resented by public servants, who in peace and war have made a contribution not excelled by any section of the community.” Mr Turnbull declared to-dav that the Public Service was traditionally resentful of this -type of attack. A notable example of - it had “ occurred in connection with statements made by Mrs Dreaver before last election.” It was as a result of a spate of such attacks, that the combined compiittee had. been set up some months ago. The Public Service Association seemed to be the main target. •