PUBLIC SERVICE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13934, 17 July 1917, Page 6

PUBLIC SERVICE.

FOR . COMMISSIONERS.

WELLINGTON, July 14/ ; Though the term of the Public ■Service Commissioners does not expire until • 1918, tliero . aro interesting reports in. circulation showing that tlio present trio of Commissioners are preparing for the end of their regime, Their critics contend that there has.not been any notable improvement in the Public Service as a result of an oversight bv three highly paid Commissioners and a fairlyexpensive staff. It can, however, bo put to the Commissioners' credit that avenues of promotion in tlio service have been widened by having some in authority who can control the whole

I field instead of regarding each department as being in a watertight compavement. A Public Trustee is to be appointed, and it is alleged that there is a strong effort being made to place Mv Thomson, one of tlio Public Service Commissioners, into the position. ' It has to be held, according to Cabinet decision, by a solicitor, ivhic.li will dispose of some rivals to Mr Thomson who can

claim to have a good deal more practical experience of the office than, he possesses. Another Public Service Commissioner, Mr Robert Triggs, is said to have his eye upon the Controller and AuditorGeneral 'a position. At present it is held by, Colonel Collins, 1.5.0., who has other important outside duties, as beis a member of the Pension's Board. Colonel Collins has reached the retiring age,- ami his retirement may take place at any moment. Mr Triggs has the necessary qualification' for the position and if he gets it there will be but one Commissioner left, Mr Donald Robertson, the senior of the triumvirate. And he must be close to retirement on superannuation, so that the task of a Government wishing to change the system of Public Service control will soon be quite easy.