PUBLIC SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23470, 6 October 1939, Page 9

PUBLIC SERVICE

MEMBERS IN THE ARMY PROTECTION OF RIGHTS LEAVE AND SUPERANNUATION [by telegraph—OWN* correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday Arrangements made for dealing with public servants who join the military forces are announced in the October issue of the Public Service Journal. Officers who have been accepted for service must apply for leave of absence, which will be without pay, until the date of discharge from military service. Any annual leave due will be granted from the date of an officer leaving hitf department, and this will not affect his military pay. Two ■n'eeks' annual leave for every year of absence with the military forces will accrue, and may be taken as leave on the officer's return to duty. Payment for leave will be at the civilian rate of salary of the soldier. In the event of death the equivalent paj'inent will lie made to the officer's dependants. This rule will apply to all officers, irrespective of the amount of annual leave ordinarily due. All superannuation rights will be protected. The contributions ol absent officers will bo paid by the Government as in the case of the last war. The amount of the Government's contribution will bo refunded to tlie next-of-kin in the event of the death of the contributor. The Government will not be responsible for any arrears of contributions officers may he paying off. The Government will pay all social security contributions 011 military pay received by officers. Officers will, however, themselves b.: liable for all premiums on life and other insurance policies. The promotion and salary increment rights of officers will be protected. Where an absent officer is considered to he most suitable -for promotion or advancement, but is not eligible because of lack o! examination qualifications, the commissioner is prepared to promote the officer subject to his passing the required examination within two years of his return to civilian duties. Special examinations for returned soldiers will bo held. Dependants of an officer 011 military duty will be permitted to. continue to occupy a departmental residence provided it is not required by a substitute officer and provided the usual rental is paid. The conditions will apply to all enlisted mem hers of forces, whether on guard duty or members of the special force, and also from the date of the outbreak of war to those public servants who are abroad as members of the Royal Air Force or undergoing training therein or as members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. As far as practicable, these conditions will also apply to temporary employees where applicable.