ALLEGED INTIMIDATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12758, 30 September 1919, Page 8

ALLEGED INTIMIDATION.

POST AND TELEGRAPH OFFICERS’ COMPLAINT. [FbOM Ora CoaSMPONDEKT.] WELLINGTON, September 29. Sir John Findlay presented a petition to the House to-night from officers of Hie Post and Telegraph Department, m which the petitioners sought Parliament’s protection from alleged intimidation. Petitioners set forth that in March last the association had reason to complain of the conduct of one of the district telegraph engineers who, it was alleged, made certain statements to one of his subordinate officers (Mr L. E. Coliins) to the effect that the interest Collins had taken in association matters had detrimentally affected Ids career as an officer of the Post and telegraph Department, and that cessation of association activity was only needed to ensure him a better official future. The association also took s Y°. n g exception to the attitude adoptt vx \r samc . district engineer to Mr 9. H. M’Kenzie, vice-president of the association, in connection with association matters, the engineer’s attitude showing, in the opinion of the Executive Council of the association, hostility to the association, not calculated io assist m the efficient working of the Department’s business. The petition continues:—“ The association regards anything in the nature of a threat or statement by a senior officer of the Department to an officer under his control, that the career of the lastimentioned officer is imperilled by reason of taking an interest in association matters as a serious matter, which is calculated to prejudice the good relationship which has existed in tho past m the Departmental service.” The association therefore asked for a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances, pointing out that unless an impartial inquiry were made into them tho feelings of uneasiness engendered must >o increased, and could ultimately result in loss of confidence as between officers holding a senior position and those junior to them. The association’s request for a magisterial inquiry was however, refused, and tho House was therefore petitioned to order an inquiry into the matter and take such other steps ‘ as will prevent a recurrence of any such intimidation as is alleged m this petition.”