Mr. Fraser on Mrs. Dreaver’s “Unfortunate Utterance”

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 221, 17 September 1943, Page 4

Mr. Fraser on Mrs. Dreaver’s “Unfortunate Utterance”

HIGH TRIBUTE TO CIVIL SERVICE (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 16. Brief reference to what he called “an unfortunate utterance’’ concerning public servants was made by the Prime Minister in the Town Hall last night when he paid high tribute to the civil service. “We have a public service I’m personally proud of,” declared Mr. Fraser. “In every branch of Government life we have men and women giving service and never refusing to give of their best. “There is no question of penalising them except if there were defiance of the Government as in one outstanding case where the Government was challenged and .had to dispense with the man’s services. Public servants accept the Government’s policy whatever Government is in office and help to put it into operation. Were it otherwise we could not have done our job.”

Speaking at Northcote Mrs. Mary Dreaver, who made reference to civil servants in a recent broadcast address, said her statements were misconstrued. “I did not attack civil servants,” she -said. “I attacked those who did not treat people with the civility they deserve.” Her reference was particularly to some of the younger Social Security officers.