THE PUBLIC SERVICE’

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16547, 23 September 1919, Page 7

THE PUBLIC SERVICE’

APPROVAL OF COMMISSIONER

SYSTEM,

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 28. A deputation from the Public Service Association met the Prime Minister to-day and discussed various matters related to the control of tho service. Mr. AV. M. AVright, vice-president, said that Public Servants generally were in favour of the present system of control, but suggested an improvement. The association felt satisfied that the now system had suppressed and chocked many abuses, and if the. Act was amended to provide: for the improvements which time had shown to ho necessary, centralised and independent, as apart from political control of tho Public Service, promised to produce even bettor results in future.

Tho association proposed the establishment of a Public Service Board of three members, to include member elected by tho service. Mr. AATight insisted on the continuation of the right of appeal, and asked tho Government to give an indication as to when it was likmv to introduce an amendment to the Public Service Act. The association desired a payment of £45 to all Public Servants ns tho increase in the cost of living a.s from April 1 last. The Public Service Commissioner had stated definitely that ho would have no objection to a £45 all round increase, provided a way was found. The association believed that the Government, having conceded to railway officers _ that £43 all round increase, it was equitable it should do likewise to tho general Public Service. Mr. Massey, replying, said ho was glad to hear that the great majority of members of the Public Service had no desire to go back to tho old system. “If it is possible to prevent it, we shall never go back to the old system,” said the Prime Minister.

If time permitted an amendment to the Public Service Act would bo placed on the Statute Book. Ho would ho pleased to put the association’s suggestions before Cabinet. The term of office of tho present Commissioners had nearly come to an end, but it was not intended that they should go out of office at the end of the year, or for some months afterwards. He was inclined to think tho proposed Board of Control would work this; and the proposal for the £45 all round increase would bo considered by tho Cabinet.