TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

*jsiiKQRAPH—PER ’-CESS ASSOCIATION | QUESTION OF ECONODIV. WELLINGTON, June 20. The Acting Prime Minister (the Hon Sir Francis Bell) attended the opening sitting of the conference of the New Zealand Public Service Association, and addressed the delegates. Sir Francis Bell said the Public Service Act had come into force when lie was at tlie head of the Department concerned. Gradually they had come to an understanding which had brought them into amicable relations, a lid lie hoped sincerely that, tbp.se relations would continue, and increase in strength. He had recognised, all along, that the heads of Departments and individual members of the service had a high sense of common duty. The main question which would arise from time to time—that of remuneration—was one which could he met only by mutual coik sideration on the part of the Public Service and the Government. So far, except in one or two instances, mutual

discussion and mutual co-operation had enabled them to avoid any serious dispute. The Government, and, he thought, the public, were becoming alarmed at the tremendous increase in charges of administration. The increase was largely in labour, alid not in speeial work, which the Public Service Executive Council represented. Now Zealand had to make a pause,. The Government, after grave consideration, had to set an example by retniviing—during the present winter, at all events—even superfluous officers of the Service. Heads of Departments who desired to esonomise had agreed to fall into lino, otherwise the Government might easily have increased unemployment at a time when unemployment was so possible, although it was not present to an alarming extent so far. SENTENCED FOR THEFT. WANGANUI, June 22. Harold Salmond, a civil servant who pleaded guilty to theft of €333 13s lOd, from the Native Land Court, was sentenced to fifteen months’ hard labour by Air Justice Husking, who stated that unfortunately in the Public Service, these cases had been rather frequent. Possibly the offenders were dealt with too leniently.,The object of the punishment was to deter others from doing likewise. He would he lacking in his duty if 'ho did not impose a term of :: i . rise liment.