MR. FRASER ANNOYED

Chronicle (Levin), 21 August 1947, Page 6

MR. FRASER ANNOYED

REMARKS OF PUBLIC SERYICE PRESIDENT . WELLINGTON, Aug. 20. Heated objection was taken by the Prime Minister to remarks made by Mr. J. P. Lewin in his presidential address to the Public Service Association's conference today. Mr. Lewin said the service, was awaiti ng the long-promised Superannu,ation Consolidation Bill. Although the association was somewhat encburaged by reeommendations . . made by the special committee set . up on- Mr. Fraser's instructions, the problem of housing members remained as acute as ever. Mr. Lewin criticised the commission for refusing to continue the consultative committee system and said the association regarded the attitude of the commission to the mental hospitals dispute earlier in the year as unfair. He also criticised the commission for not entertaining the association 's modest overtime and speeial rate claims and of its attempt to deny the association right of access to the Government on matters in which the commission had already ruled adversely to the association. "We are left with the impression that the merits of the commission in matters of , adiuinistration are deserted' in eonnection with questions of l.s.d., ' ' said Mr. Lewin. ' ' This is not the atmosphere in which the association wishes to carry on with the commission, We have good relations with the Government and we have had good relations with the commissioners. It is from such good relations that the biggest dividends will be paid in the long run. " Mr. Lewin said there was some concern among members regarding the attitude and decisions of Mr. A. H. O'lveefe, the association 's representative on tlie commission, and suggested that tliat aspect might be a matter for conference discussion. Mr. Fraser opened his replv with some licat. He said lie was sorry Mr. Lewin had struck such a liote, particularly with reference to Mr. O'Keefe. That sort of thing would not do with the Government. If it made a bargain it would be kept, but the spirit of Mr. Lewin 's address Was not helpful to harmonious relations. "We did not appoint the commission to be a football to be. kicked around by the association," said Mr. Fraser. ' ' We appointed it to do a job. There has never been an attempt to keep the association from coiuing to me or 'to the Government. • If there is to be eooperation it must be cooperation in word and spirit and I want to express my disappointment that this conference has started in the manner it has. ' ' He thouglit the commission which was appointed at tlie- request of the association had worked well, though no oue had ever bclieved there would be agreement on everything. Neither the Government nor the association was going to be engaged in a

continuous wrangle . in the present difficult times. People could not talk lightly about sweeping readjustmeut and visionary increases in remuneration, but the elfect of the Arbitration Court's decision upon Public Service salaries would be fully considered and salaries and wages would be adjusted accordingly. Britain had to curtail her imports and asked New Zealand to curtail hers from Britain. He did not want to attack ti'', association and (lid not want the association to attack* either the Government or the commission. The Public Service had given a great service and would continue to do so. After Mr. Fraser had retired, it was moved that the conference congratulate the president on his reasoned and unimpassioned address as spokesman of the executive officers of the association and assured him and the executive officers of wholehearted support. After some discussion, during which Mr. .J. M. O'Connell, Auckland, said he - , th.ought it most unf qrtunate that. the . resolution had eome forward at that stage and that the conference had opened on such a di'scordant note, the resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. L. G. Anderson, senior vicepresident, who temporarily took tiie cliair on the discussion of the motion, said hlr. Lewin 's remarks had the full support of the executive officers. Mr. Lewin fesumed the chair amidst applause.