THE CIVIL SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 18964, 11 June 1923, Page 5

THE CIVIL SERVICE

RETIRING COMMISSIONER HONOURED. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 9. The lately retiring Public Service Commissioner, Mr W. R. Morris, was yesterday met by the administrative heads of Government departments in the old Cabinet room, Government Buildings, and presented with a very fine Queen Mary crystal suite and suitably engraved silver salver as a their esteem. The presentation was made by Colonel Esson (secretary of the Treasury), who expressed the great regret felt by administrative officers at the severance of a long and highly valued association. The SolicitorGeneral, Mr MacGregor and Dr Valintine, endorsed the sentiments expressed by Colonel Esson. Replying, Mr Morris returned his deepest thanks for the presentation. He spoke of the happy recollections he had of over half a century’s association with the State employ. As the result of experience he had no hesitation in expressing the highest opinion of the very capable manner in which the different departments were managed by the respective heads. New Zealand had reason to be proud of the calibre and standing of the heads of her public service and of the service generally. Those controlling affairs had an honest desire to run their departments as economically at possible. Occasion was taken to offer a warm welcome to Mr Verschaffelt, the new Commissioner and assure him of the hearty co-operation of the heads of departments. THE RETIRING AGE. DUNEDIN, June 9 The Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association unanimously carried a resolution:—• “That this branch desires to bring before the notice of the Postmaster-General our protest at the continuance in office of officers who have completed forty years’ service and are now debarring younger men from their just right to promotion. We would point out that many cf the past avenues to promotion were closed during the retrenchment period by cutting out certain executive positions and that hundreds of qualified officers in Class VII. who are now held up have no reasonable chance of advancement and are becoming discontented with their prospects.”