PREFERENCE ISSUE

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 November 1946, Page 6

PREFERENCE ISSUE

PRIME MINISTER MEETS R.S.A. OFFICIALS THE PUBLIC SERVICE CASE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. Headquarters of the N.Z.RIS.A. has issued the following statement:-—. “The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, communicated wsth the N.Z.R.S.A. on his return, to Wellington yesterday in connection with, the appointment of the members of the Public Service Commission and expressed a desire to discuss the matter. The Dominion vice-president and the executive officers of the association met Mr Fraser this morning and had a frank discussion about. the whole question of ‘preference for ex-ser-vicemen.’ ... Difficulties Outlined The Prime Minister _ expressed agreement with the policy of the R.S.A. in regard to preference,, but outlined certain difficulties in giving effect to this principle in the present appointments, particularly in view of the fact that the Public Service Amendment Act, 1946, provides that one member of the commission is to be appointed on the nomination of the Public Service Association. “He has assured the R.S.A. that he had given definite instructions that returned service personnel would not be prejudiced under .the new regulations in reference to examinations and would watch carefully the actions of the new commission in dealing with such personnel in the service. The Brime Minister was not prepared to change the personnel of the commission as announced. “Strongest Disapproval “The R.S.A. expresses its strongest disapproval that its representations have not resulted in at least one returned serviceman being appointed to the commission, but it is pleased to have the acknowledgment of the Prime Minister on the question of generally. R.S.A. headQuarters is daily receiving expressions of approval at the strong action taken on this matter and no doubt a further meeting will be held to con- . sider the subject in the light of the I Prime Minister’s reply.”