THE NEW RECIME.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1849, 8 September 1913, Page 11

THE NEW RECIME.

CHRISTCHURCH OPINION. ' (By Telezraph.—Press Association.) Chrlstcliurch, September 5. A largely attended meeting of members of t'ho Canterbury branch of the Civil Sorvico Association was held last evening for the purpose of discussing the provisional classification scheme formulated by tlio Commissioners, and to give final instructions to delegates who arc to attend the conferenco of the Civil Service Association to be held in Wellington on Soptember 15. Tlio first question discussed _ was in connection with appeals against the classification list. It was pointed out that under the regulations when an officer appealed a copy of the appeal had to be sent to tlio Commissioner as well as to the Appeal Board, and this was sent on -to the board with any remarks that tho Commissioner chose to make. No provision was made for tho officor appealing knowing what was brought against him. Several members spoke stiongly upon tho injustice of sucii a mode of procedure, and it was resolved to -ask that in all cases applicants should be furnished with a copy of these statements.' It was also resolved that in cases whore ovidenco was given verbally by heads of Departments the appellant should be allowed to be present. It was decided to forward a request to this effect to the Commissioner. ■ Tho question was raised as to why solicitors should bo classed in tho professional section, and qualified accountants, surveyors, and engineers omitted,, and it was decided that all, officers holding professional appointments should be included in this section. A statement was made that in the classification schemo some officers had not been given credit for having passed certain examinations, while others, who had ouly_ partial passes, were credited with having passed in full. After discussion it was resolved to ask tho Commissioners to make careful inquiries as to examinations passed by officers, with ' tho object of verifying same, and giving | credit for either full or partial passes. • In tho courso of a general discussion it was pointed out that the provisional classification really meant a minimum wago, and that 110 power was given to tho Commjssioners to give increases for extra merit, tlio only provision for increases being an extra £10 for passing certain examinations. It was docidcd to request the Civil Service Conference to 1 draw attention to this matter, and to endeavour to securo special consideration for merit outside of examinations. The matter of officers handling largo sums of cash, and having to be responsible for losses, was mentioned, and it was resolved to ask that in such cases counter or tellers' allowance should be mado as is dono in i'ho Post Offico and Savings Bank Department. The opinion was expressed that in the past officers or outside branches had not received the same consideration as tlioso in tho head office, although in many instances their responsibilities were greater, and this was perpetuated in the new classifies- . tion. ■ It was decided to ask that in cases where adverse reports were made against, officers that they should have an opportunity of seeing these and replying thereto before tliese cases Were finally adjudicated upon. It was resolved to ask that when any senior officer was passed over by a junior lie should be entitled to receive reasons for this in writing. After further discussion on matters of dotail, it was resolved, "That in spito of the many anomalies which still exist, members of this branch appreciate tho benefits of th« provisions! clasnifiaation