THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15578, 7 October 1912, Page 6

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

BILL IN THE UPPER HOUSE,

POSSIBLE COMMISSIONERS,

(FitOM Our Own - Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON. October 6,

The passage into law of the Public Service Dill is now virtually assured. The debate on the second reading is proceeding in the Upper House, and it is anticipated that the opposition 10 the measure will not be numerically strong.

Some amendments will be made in committee. The most important will be a reduction from seven to live years of tho term of appointment for the commissioners, and if this is made it will be ac-. oepted by the Government. Though the new scheme of control over the public service will ,noi come into operation until April 1. 1913, the commissioner and his two assistants will probably be appointed soon after the close of the session, in order that they may make themselves fully acquainted with the various branches of the service to be administered fsily one of the Public. Service Commissioners in New South Wales was appointed from the service, the other two being prominent business men.

The three commissioucrs for the New Zealand service will probably all be chosen from among the present chief departmental officers. The oflice of Chief Commissioner, for which a salary of £1300 is fixed, will, it is generally believed, bo offered to Mr D. Robertson, Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department, who is understood to have given much valuable assistance lo the Hon. Mr Herdman in the preparation of the scheme for submission to Parliament. In the event of his declining the position, it will probably he offered to Mr W, H. Morris (as&istont-Secrctary of the Post and Telegraph Department). For the two offices of assistant commissioners the salary is £1000 a year. 'Die selection for these positions cannot \k so definitely forecasted, but it is generally believed in official circles that Mr W. B. Hudson (deputy Commissioner of the Government Insurance Department) will be appointed to one of them.