THE CIVIL SERVICE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 148, 27 June 1902, Page 3

THE CIVIL SERVICE.

TO THE EDITOR.'

Sir,—After carefully reading your "leader" in to-night's paper I hardly think the case put forward by the Farmers' Union is materially weakened. Certainly there are some branches of the Civil. Service for which a very expensive and lengthy education is repaired, for which high salaries must be paid. But, sir, why should a telegraphist's salary be so much as £50 to £80 a year more than a tradesman's of equal standing ? His education cost no more, and whilst he was learning his business he got much more than the wages of a tradesman's apprentice. Besides they, like all Government officials, have many privileges, in the shape of annual holidays on full pay, sick leave if necessary, etc., that do not fall to the lot of ordinary mortals. The fact that higher wages are offered in South Africa is beside the question. All wages there are higher, but I venture to say the cost of living is more than commensurately higher. According to your article there are numbers of well-trained cadets to whom the departure of a number of telegraphists would afford chances of promotion. The great eagerness with which the cadetships are "rushed" by lads of 15 or 16 shows that the billets are looked upon as " plums ;" and I believe that, owing to political pressure, a great many more have been appointed than the needs of the country warrant. It is notorious, also, that the Seddon Government, more than other Ministry, has created many scores of billets in the Civil Service for their political henchmen, and it is no wonder the Farmers' Union say that there must and shall be some finality in this matter. —I am, etc., Wairau Elector.