THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 110, 15 June 1914, Page 3

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

I CANTERBURY BRANCH OF i ASSOCIATION. ' SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. The seventh annual meeting of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Public Service Association, will be held in the office of the Tourist Department, Hereford Street, on Wednesday evening, at 7.45 o'clock. The annual report records that the year has been the most successful since the formation of the branch. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Undoubtedly the most important event of the year was the conference of the association held in Wellington towards the close of last year. It is satisfactory to note that out of the large number of remits submitted by the Canterbury branch the majority werre carried, and eventually placed before the Public Service Commissioner, who favourably received the suggestions. In most instances they have been given effect to. The next conference will be held in Wellington on July 7. "It will be remembered," the report continues, "that in the last annual report a suggestion was made that a "Journal" representative of the service should be instituted locally. However, the advent of the "Public Service Journal" has rendered this unnecessary, and we are glad to say that the Wellington production is proving a useful means of disseminating information of interest to the service, and also a meaus through which members can voice their opinions." QUESTION OF OVERTIME.

After referring to the question of the acquisition of social rooms for the use of the association, and advocating continued vigilance in the matter, the report goes on to say: "The amount of overtime required in the service in Christchurch is a vexed question. Several departments have been required to do an abnormal amount of night work during the year, while others have had very little work after hours. From what can be gathered, the departments whose overtime work is spasmodic are allowed remuneration, whilst other departments, whose officers are heavily taxed in this respect, receive no remuneration. This is a matter "which should be strongly taken up, not only by this branch, but also by the executive, and strenuous endeavours should be made to get the Commissioher to agree to all overtime being paid for. This is a matter which should not be left to individual officers to light, nor should it be. entirely in the hands of heads of departments." THE SOCIAL SIDE.

"The social side of the branch has not been lost sight of - during the year. Probably the most successful function in the annals of the association was the annual dinner which took place on April 4. The function was unique in the fact that practically all branches of the State service were represented. The Hon. Mr Herdmau represented the Ministry, the Public, Service Commissioner was a gues-tt, as were also the presidents of the New Zealand Public Service Association, the Canterbury delegate on the executive (Mr G. Allport)> as well as several local members of Parliament. The re-uniou gave the association an opportunity of bringing matters of moment to the members under the notice of both the Minister and the--Commis-sioner, which was not lost sight of. From a social point of view also the gathering was a pronounced success. The committee entrusted with the arrangements are deserving of the best thanks of the association. The annual dance, held on August 15, was the most successful ever held by the association, both socially and financially, and it is to be hoped that the one to be held on August 11'. next will be equally well supported. Hearty thanks are due to the ladies, who were untiring in their efforts. Two very enjoyable social evenings were held, and it is hoped that the incoming committee will see its way to hold such reunions at more frequent intervals. The service acquitted itself well at football, tennis, cricket, and swimming, not suffering a single defeat. The trip of the cricket team to the Burnham Industrial School on St. Patrick's Day was an especially enjoyable outing." OTHER MATTERS. It is reported that the Cash Purchase Association has steadily had its membership augmented, and is in a very satisfactory position. The hope is expressed that members will endeavour to eucourage others to join and make use of it.

"Considering the unsatisfactory state of affairs when the present secretary (Mr Ceo. J. Russell) took charge, the present splendid position is_a matter for congratulation. The membership has increased greatly, about 350 per cent.., but in this connection the first- duty of the incoming committee will be to undertake the complete organisation of this branch. If, instead of overloading the secretary with other work and at the same time expecting hint to wait on every officer to Secure his enrolment, each member of the committee would canvas has own department every local officer would be a financial member within a week or two. They are keen to join, realising the benefits of the association. Starting with a debit balance of about £6 10/-, the balance-sheet now discloses a credit balance of £8 .15/8, which reflects great credit on the secretary and treasurer."