EFFICIENCY TESTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 19

EFFICIENCY TESTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR Sir,— Although what is amusingly termed “ the largest meeting of public servants ever held in Otago ” unanimously condemned the proposed institution of the efficiency tests, I have yet to see any of them take advantage of the medium of your column to express their disapproval. Is it that they are suffering from a fear complex, which appears to be a failing with their class; or is it that the resolution passed that evening was so much blah? Surely, if they had the intestinal fortitude f o express disapproval in camera, they are prepared to continue the campaign by ventilating their grievances in the open. It does not seem to me to be competent to leave such an all-important question .as this—that of the freedom of public servants to unfettered rights to promotion—to an association which appears to be stagnant. To cover myself from a charge of unfairness, I wish to point out that the mere fact that only 60 out of the large number of public servants of Otago attended such an important meeting does not call for congratulations for the efforts of the association on behalf of its_ members. Further, this is not an indictment levelled against the local section committee, but against the fount of wisdom which guides our destinies. The point which I am endeavouring to make. Sir, is that unless we all show a united front on the question, the Public Service Commissioner will be able to reply that apparently only a few malcontents are against his proposals. It is very necessary to disabuse his mind of that idea. Now is the time to pull together as never before, whether professional, clerical, or general division members, and leave no stone unturned to have this iniquitous and pernicious imposition unconditionally repealed.—l am, etc.. Public Servant, Dunedin, Aug. 11.