Retrenchment

NZ Truth, Issue 817, 9 July 1921, Page 1

Retrenchment

Heads of Government departments »re now giving effect to the orders of the Mausey Government that staffs must be cut down. The pruning knife of retrenchment has cut, and is cutting a lot of dead • timber from the fcree of State. In many instances parasitical vines and clingers are being ruthlessly removed and the heavy and wasteful growth. of the/ war years is being cut back and the whole caboodle trimmed into better and more profitable shape. This process is undoubtably striking hard at many who regarded themselves "comfy" for life m a cushy Government job, but "efficiency and sufficiency" is now the order of the day for all departments. In effecting these economies, however, the Government is not altogether doing the fair, thing to the youngv r , men. There aTe a large' number ot Civil servants with forty years service and over, who have reached the retiring age and, as such are entitled to retire oh substantial superannuation. . Many of these old boys, however, are l©th to tear themselves away from 018 <Jovermental office stool and roll-

top desk.. They hang, on limpet-like— doing good. work* no doubt— but, nevertheless, keeping' younger men baok from advancement. Not only this, but they are prostituting themselves for the paltry difference between the amount of the superannuation they are entitled to and the wages they are getting/ An analysis of the presentday, employment of such . .old-timers,, m the- civil service will make;it: clear ,that the 1 State can effect- great economies andsave a lot: of . money; by. rgently but firmly,.' requesting them to' commence the' v long vacation tlfey have earned. In one "department alone a saving of £30,000 can be effected m this way, without causing injustice or hardship to any, but. opening the door of opportunity 1 •■to many young and zealous officers who ..are getting very restless withithe'.yeara of waiting to step into dead 'men's shoes.