ALLEGED DISCOURTESY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21332, 5 November 1932, Page 13

ALLEGED DISCOURTESY

AUCKLAND LABOUR OFFICE MR. SAVAGE'S COMPLAINT [B\* TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Fridny Complaints of discourtesy on the part of officers of the Labour Department at Auckland were revived in the House of Representatives by Mr. M. J. Savage (Labour —Auckland West) to-day. Mr. Savage said that a month or so ago he received a telegraphed inquiry from Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston), and in order to secure the information, he telephoned to the Labour Department. "It was abruptly reflnSed me," said Mr. Savage, "and when I asked to be put on to the head of the department, I was abruptly told he was otherwise engaged. The telephone receiver was then jammed down. Tho only satisfaction I got when I complained to the Minister was that this individual was renowned for his courtesy. "It is the first time I have been told during my quarter of a century in Auckland that my word could not bo taken. I want to be fair to the Minister, Ijut ho evidently came to his decision without reviewing the facts. Certainly I was never consulted about the matter again. All I ask is the courtesy, generally speaking, that I have received from Ministers, their private secretaries and heads of departments, and I want it ensured for me and other members of Parliament -at tho Auckland office. There is a good deal of discourtesy and lack of ability to carry out the work there. Some unemployed i-elief workers are afraid to communicate with tho Auckland office, and that does not tend to tho creation of tho right spirit." "I am sorry if any discourtesy was shown to Mr. Savage," replied the Minister of Labour, the Hon. A. Hamilton. "There is no one in this House to whom ono would less like discourtesy shown. I did take serious notice of his complaint regarding the Auckland office, and am sorry if my reply did not convey that impression. I am quite sure he will not have further reason to complain about discourtesy in that office." Mr. W. J. Jordan (Labour —Manukau): There are general complaints about that offic® Mr. Hamilton: Generally speaking, wo find the officers are courteous and attentive. If there is 6till a case for complaint, I will givo tho matter further attention. Mr. Jordan: They treat the unemployed like cattle. Mr. Hamilton: Yes, I know there have been complaints. i.