PUBLIC SERVICE.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16852, 4 June 1920, Page 6

PUBLIC SERVICE.

* NON-POLITICAL CONTROL TO EE STRENGTHENED. (special to "the pkess.") WELLINGTON", Juno 3. One of the Wellington newspapers lias stated that the Prime Minister is in favour of political control of the Public Service. "Such a statement," said Mr Mnssey this afternoon, in answer to. a question, "is entirely contrary to fact. A Bill is at present being drafted by the Law Drafting Office, and will be submitted to Parliament during the coining session, which will .strengthen the existing law with regnrd to non-political control, and which will remedy certain defects in the Public Service" Act itself. In saying that I stand by what I said to tho deputation which waited on me some six weeks ago, to tho cffcct that the Government should be consulted ia regnrd to_ appointments to the adminis-j tractive division of the Public Service, J which is practically restricted to permanent heads of departments." The oucstion now arises whether the post office and one oti'cr Department should not be brought under' the Public Service A?t. There seems to be a genoral consensus of outside opinion in favour of this idea, though it is premature to forecast, what new principles the new Bill will contain.