TEMPORARY GIRLS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12116, 18 April 1925, Page 7

TEMPORARY GIRLS

IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. POLICY CRITICISED. Speaking on the policy of the Public Service Commissioner of employing temporary .girls as typists at the annual meeting of the Wellington section of the Public Service last night, Mr R. Smel said that he did not think it was a wise policy. “For a start,” he said, “these girls are doing confidential work, and unless they are permanent they will not always have the sense of responsibility. In a short time they will be leaving the service, and they may feel inclined to divulge most important matters connected with their various departments. I would like to see them have a permanent status.” Miss Trevethio endorsed the remarks of Mr Sinel, and stated that another unfair position had arisen. Previously the position of women cashiers had carried up to £350 a year in salary, but now the maximum was £IBO. These positions carried great responsibility, as the women were handling hundreds of pounds daily. It had been a remarkable thing that defalcations amongst women were practically unfcnown,, but yet the Government did

not recognise their ability. The policy of temporary girls was not a wise one. These girls were not only doing shorthand and typing, but were also doing office work, and after obtaining a little experience were going to positions outside.

Another member stated that the increase of temporary girls was alarming, and not only that, the wages were nothing less than indecent. After further discussion, it was deeded to urge upon the department the necessity for giving the girls a chance of becoming permanent employees.