PUBLIC SERVANTS

Grey River Argus, 16 February 1933, Page 6

PUBLIC SERVANTS

POLITICAL RIGHTS Becoming Fewer MR. FORBES’S ATTITUDE (Per Press Association;. WELLINGTON, February 15. A request by a deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Ser vants was to-day made to the Prime Minister for full political rights and for the repeal of Section 59 of the Finance Act, 1932, which gives the Government the right to dismiss public servants for subversive conduct. The request was declined by the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes. In his reply, the Prime Minister said that it had to be realised that the public service had certain privileges, including the right of appeal against dismissal, which was not enjoyed by private employees. A private employer could say that a man was not suitable, and could dismiss him summarily If a member of the public service were hostile to the policy which a Minister was carrying out, the position would become unworkable, and the result would be that the Minister would take full rights, and would surround himself with men who were sympathetic to his policy Such a practice would be a virion# one, and would be detrimental to the welfare of the country. No pri vate employer would allow' an employee to act detrimentally to the welfare of his business. They had. he said, an instance in Thames where public servants had attempted a boycott. These men had not been dismissed but they would have been, had they been in private employment. Mr E. J. Dash asked whether the public servants would be allowed to stand for the local bodies, as in the past. Mr Forbes said that he did not know how- this would work out. Even in local body elections feeling was high at times Mr M. Connelly asked whether, in view of the fact that the railways had been de-politicalised, the Prime Minister would give the Railways Board the power to grant leave of absence to men who wished to stand for an election. Mr Forb p s: “I don’t think that it would be right to give, the Board that power.” He said: They had to safe guard the relationship between the railway service and the public. “If you came out and belted me for all you age worth,” he said, “do you think I would take you back? Not on your life! ”