CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15133, 25 October 1912, Page 6

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

~' ' . I<> ' ''''';' ' V,.' THE Housed of Representatives having agreed to the amendments -made by the Legislative Council in i? the Public Service Bill, that important measure only needs the Governor's signature to become law. The pledge made by the Reform Party that it would place New Zealand in line with other: progressive countries in the matter of Civil Service 5 Refrain has thus speedily been redeemed. The system to be inaugurated is only human and being human will not be found altogether perfect j but it cannot possibly be, worse than the political., patronage ; system .it. displaces i: and may be confidently relied upon to give general satisfaction. It is true that when Mr. Massey made enquiries of other colonial governments as to their experience and opinion of Civil Service. reform "be received several replies condemning 1 the modern system. Strangely ' enough, all these adverse replies were from governments which, like, the Continuous Government, were opposing reform and favouring the political patronage system. Not a government whose State - had adopted the reform system and I established a responsible commission in chargie of the Civil Service had anything but approval and appreciation for the modern method. Msriy of our Wejv *.Zealand" politicians had fallen hopelessly .behind the thought of .the age and evidently could not conceive that good could come from a reform which .■. removed the Civil Service from the domain of party politics. Mr* Massey is to be congratulated upon placing among the statutes a measure for which his party fought so long in Opposition; It is worthy of taking the first place on the list of the great reforms soon: to be effected; for though it may not appeal to a few partisans and politicians it will be heartily welcomed, by every citizen who realises the value of sound public administration. v .■ '