CIVIL SERVANTS AND POLITICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16355, 3 October 1917, Page 7

CIVIL SERVANTS AND POLITICS.

yf "DEPUTATION TO PREMIER. Y~ REPROOF FROM MR MASSEY. „';-- ' (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 2, .. A deputation of Civil Servants Waited on the Prime Minister yesterday privately. Mr Allport, Secretary of Marine, acted as spokesman and read a long statement oriticising the Government for, what was described as its neglect to deal with the question of the cost of living, also outlining a series of suggestions, including one that civil servants who have gone to the front should have* their pay mado up to preenlistment pay. At this point Mr Massey cut short Mr Allport's statement with the reminder that the Government was responsible to the country for its legislation and administration. He indicated his strong disapproval of the tone of the deputation's statement. Civil servants could not be permitted to dictate a policy to the Government. Mr Massey also hinted that it might be necessary to further reduce some departmental staffs. In further discussion the deputation suggested that all primary products should be sold to the consumer at reduced prices and the balance made up from the Consolidated Fund. Mr Massey said it was impossible to grant all the concessions asked. The public could get meat from the_ Government stores at the same price as was being paid by the Imperial Government. The deputation complained that it had not had an adequate opportunity to place its views before the Cost of Livinec Committee, but it appears that the Civil Servants wanted not only to send representatives to give evidence, but asked for the special privilege of a i representative being allowed to attend I thi; committee's sittings and crossexamine all other witnesses. The committee declined to a.gree to this.