POSTAL OFFICERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 224, 16 June 1920, Page 8

POSTAL OFFICERS

—♦ VISITING DELEGATES ENTERTAINED

SPEECHES BY OFFICIALS

Delegates to the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' Association were entertained in the Masonic Hall last evening by memMrs of tho Wellington branch of tho association. Sir. If. Cummins, chairman of the conference, presided over an exceptionally large attendance, which included Dr. A. K. Newman, M.P., and Messrs. R. A. Wright, G. A. Mitchell, and P. Fraser, M.P.'s, W. R. Morris, 1.5.0. (late Secretary to the P. and T. Department), and If. B. Morris (present Secretary to tho Department). Apologies wero received frm the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W7 F. Mafisey) and the Postmaster-General (Hon. J: G. Contes). Proposing the itoast of "The Department," Dr. Newman said every private citizen realised that the Postal and Telegraph Service was very efficient. JTo dwelt on the great; courtesy of postal officials throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion. Members of the service had had their troubles, bu£ he hoped that shortly they would havo peace with honour nnd great happine ; B. Tho Department had grown enormously, and its growth -would continue on similar liues, so great was the public appreciation of its accuracy and usefulness. Second to None. Responding to the toast. Mr. R. B. Morris said that he believed the service was recognised as second' to nono in tho world. It was a big thing to say, but it was the opinion of men who had seen' other postal services in (the world. Ho did not profess to say that it was perfeet, but to make it ns efficient as possible was the aim of the Department and those officers associated with lum. R would be his constant endeavour to contime tho good work dono by tho late secretary, and in ; 'this connection ho realised that he had a difficult row to hoc. They could rest assured that he would leave no stono unturned to remedy any grievances itliat came under his notice. In view of the present negotiations lie would refrain from any comment on the men's claims. He was, however, looking forward very anxiously to the result, and if the salaries' question was, settled to "their satisfaction lie had every confidence they would attack their duties with greaiter vim than they had undor the present circumstances. | Conditions Reviewed. Mt A. T. Jlarkman (First Assistant Secretary) also made response. The question of pay required to be dealt with on the present cost of living absolutely. He had no hesitation in saying that taking that cost as it was to-day, and had been for some considerable time, some increase of income was necessary to permit of tho members of the association and their families living in reasonable comfort, and at the samo time ■patting a little by to meet contingencies. He had little doubt that when a decision was arrived at they would be satisfied, and if they were fortunate enough to receive what they asked for, or something Qqual, he looked forward to contentment, and naturally a higher standard of work from all concerned.

The toast of "Parliament" was honoured at the call of Mr. H. Huggins, and response was made by Messrs. K. A. Wright, G. Mitchell, and P. Fraser. Mr. (J. M'Namara proposed the toast of "The Association," eulogising the valuable services of the energetic secretary, Mr. H. E. Combs. Kesponse was made by Messrs. J. H. M'Kenzie and Combs.

During the evening good entertainment ivas provided by Messrs. A. C. P. Charles, Loftus, P. Thompson, J. Carr ( J. ConBell, Len. Power, uud V. Harris.