THE P. AND T. DEPARTMENT

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 6

THE P. AND T. DEPARTMENT

APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS CONTROL TRANSFERRED TO HEAD (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 20. New proposals for the administration of the Post and Telegraph Department are contained in the Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Governor-General’s Message tonight. The Bill provides for the appointment of a Deputy Director-General to act as permanent head of the department in the absence at any time of the Director-General. Previously the appointment of a Deputy DirectorGeneral was not covered by law. Final authority for appointments and promotions within the service is transferred from the Public Service Commissioner to the permanent head of the department. These matters are at present dealt with on the recommendation of a Promotion Board of four senior officers, with one additional member elected by the staff, and the decisions of the board have been subject to formal approval by the Public Service Commissioner. Under the new provisions only the Director-General will be required to give approval. The functions of the Promotion Board in making appointments are outlined, and where promotion is at stake in cases of equal merit it is provided that seniority shall be the determining factor. Inquiry into Regulations. Authority is given for the setting-up of a tribunal, at the decision of the Postmaster-General, to inquire into and report to him on matters concerning regulations actually in existence or proposed to be made. The chairman of the tribunal may be a Judge of the Supreme Court, a Stipendiary Magistrate or any other person not interested in the subject matter of the inquiry. His appointment must be approved by the Minister and the organization concerned. At least two members of the tribunal are to be appointed on the recommendation of the organization representing the officers concerned in tho inquiry and at least two are to be appointed to represent the Minister. A tribunal may be appointed either for a specific inquiry or to hold office for a period not exceeding three years. Any attempt to influence improperly the decisions of the tribunal is declared to be an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of £5O. When the Bill was introduced, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Nat., Kaipara) said that there was a danger in having watertight departments of State. Promotion in any department or appointment to a higher rank should be available on merit to all members of the Government service.

The Bill was read a first time.