PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13825, 21 July 1915, Page 7

PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION.

[United Press Association.]

Wellington, July 20

The annual meeting of the executivcof the Public Service Association began to-day, Mr J. W. McDonald., of the "Public Trust Office, presiding. A sub- committee consisting of Messrs Ailport, Cook, Wright, and the general secretary, was set tip to revise i the rules of the association.

The report for the year ended March 31st last disclosed a membership of 3920, an increase of about 1000 in the twelve months. The balance of assets over liabilities was £429. The report set out a number of matters of importance to public servants in which the representations of the association were Brought to a- successful issue, and also a number of matters requiring further consideration.

The agenda paper contains 98 remits from the various section committees dealing wi"th questions relating to the Appeal Board, appointments, vacancies, etc., classification examinations, covrcspondeJice* with" the- Public Service Commissioner, leave, mental hospital employees, records of and reports on officers' retirements from the service, superannuation, insurance, etc., salaries, overtime allowances, and general.

The following resolutions were carried to-day:—

"That an amendment of section 32 of the Act should be made to provide for the appointment of an alternative member of the Public Service to the Appeal Board." '•'That appellants should bo given a statutory right "to bo heard m person or by solicitor, or by agent." "That the proceedings of the Appeal Board should bo open to a reporter on behalf of the 'Public Service Journal.' "..

"That all evidence before the Appeal Board should be taken on oath." "That statutory power should bo given to the Appeal Board to summon anyone' (whether in the Public Service or not) as a witness:" "That power should be- given to the Appeal Board to- allow the payment of the expenses of witnesses other than public servants who may be called before the board." "That section 51 of the Public Service Act. 1912, giving the Public Service Commissioner power, to dispense with the services of any officer on three months' notice without reasons, be so amended as to allow an officer so dismissed the right of appeal." "That the- Appeal Board should be required, to supply appellants with the reasons for the dismissal of their appeals."