LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICERS’ DISABILITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19761, 12 April 1926, Page 3

LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICERS’ DISABILITIES.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib, — I have lately followed the unfortunate affair at Port Chalmers Borough, and, with out desiring to hold any side, there is an aspect which in such affairs is often over looked. The town clerk is an officer of experience, trained and qualified in his work by years of study, hard work, and experience. His work is a distinct profession requiring special knowledge and experience. It often happens fhit a councillor with a grouch makes it his business to adopt a policy of pin-pricking, making the clerk’s life a burden and his work difficult instead of a pleasure. The fact that he is a public servant, controlled locally, often makes him the butt of ail criticism unjustly until his position becomes untenable, and he has to give it up, either of his own will or because he is forced' Imagine a solicitor or doctor being compelled to give up bis practice, because -;i .1 difference of opinion. It is tantamount to striking a man off the professional toll. We employ a doctor, not an accountant, for medical attention. We require a dentist, and not a blacksmith for dental treatment, or a watchmaker instead of a plumber to repair a watch, because they are respectively skilled men in their work. Councillors may be genuine, zealous men for the good of tfceir borough, but they very seldom have the experience which would fit them as a town clerk, engineer, or other member of the staff which has to carry out the worn. When one finds a mayor, chairman, 01 councillor who is experienced, he is broadminded, fair and just, and relies upon the assistance of his clerk or other officer rather than pinpricking him because of some petty, trifling difference of opinion. There Lave been during the past two or three years several cases in which officers, clerks, or engineers have been deprived of their living, their careers broken, by such methods It is unfortunate that such men have no organisation which will assist them in such times, without being antagonistic to the councils. The medical profession has its British Medical Association, the solicitor hia Law Society, the mechanic his union, etc., but amongst those who work for the public as public servants in local affairs there is no such body which will protect or advance their interests. Such an organisation in other countries would investigate the present case importially. If the council were wrong steps would be taken to quietly show it the injustice If the clerk, on the other hand, should be in error, be would have to recognise that fact. It is shameful, however, that any coun cillors or body of councillors should be able to deprive a man of his profession, when ho is especially trained and experienced in his work, and when they have less practical experience or knowledge and come and go as ratepayers shall decide at each election At Hamilton, a few years ago the election was fought on the question of the clerk's dismissal, and the new council that was elected promptly reinstated him, knowing his experience and wisdom. But why should any man be subjected to such indigmtes and publicity when he does his duty for his ratepayers, simply because he is in public service controlled by local men? It takes years to make a good mayor, arid anyone, may be a councillor so long as he is a ratepayer, whatever his abilities, but the clerk must have his training, experience, and practical for the position The present affair should stir up the clerks and others employed in such work to organise themselves into a strong body for selfprotection, not necessarily in opposition to the councils, but for their own and the public safety. Surely the time is ready for such a class of men to have their own association. In Austiulia, no town or county clerk is allowed to hold office unless certificated by his association, and no council may appoint an uncertificated man to any such position. He must qualify by examination and obtain his certificate. —I am, etc., One or Them.