THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21643, 13 May 1932, Page 8

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The legislation recently passed regarding civil servants raises a very important question. Is the civil servant the employee of the State or of the party in power? Is government to be identified with the party in power? If so, it is evident that New Zealand is to become the theatre of a four years’ tyranny quite unparalleled in its history. And further, can it be proved that criticism of the action taken by the party in power involves either treason to the State or lack of fidelity in the performance of duties as a servant of the State? Is, for instance, the man who delivers the letters to be held guilty of dereliction of duty if he expresses disapproval of the policy of Messrs Coates, Forbes, and Stewart? It is his business as a public servant to deliver the letters and other postal matter; it is his privilege as a citizen to say what he thinks on the policy of any party; but evidently there are no rights or privileges of citizenship except those that have the power to back them. Might is right to-day in New Zealand. Finally, it would be interesting to know on what evidence Mr Downie Stewart alleged a boycott on the part of civil servants in Dunedin. It seems to have amounted to nothing but the vaguest assertion or rumour. Is it on such foundations that the case for the famous disloyalty clause rests?—l am, etc., Citizen, Not Civil Servant. Dunedin, May 12. [We refer to this letter in our leading columns. — Ed. O.D.T.]