PUBLIC SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 228, 21 June 1921, Page 6

PUBLIC SERVICE

ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENED BY SIR FRANCIS BELL RETENTION OF “SUPERFLUOUS OFFICERS ” The annual conference of the Public Service Association was opened by the Acting-Prime Minister (Sir Francis Bell) in Wellington yesterday morning. Mr. W. M. Wright presided. Sir Francis Bell described the council of the association as a "fellow-govern-ment.” He said that he had been Minister of Internal Affairs when the Public Service Act was passed, and the Act had come into operation under the nominal charge of the Department of which be was the head. Great changes such as those made by the Act necessarily caused a certain amount of friction at the commencement, but gradually an understanding had been reached that had brought the Government of the country and the government of the association into amicable relations. He hoped sincerely that these amicable relations would continue and increase, because if either party adopted a dictatorial attitude friction would ensue, and there would be something like a strike, because there was no other means of settling questions which arose between the Government and the public servants working under the Act than co-operation in what was just as much the duty of the one party as of the other, namely, the conservation of the public interest. (Applause.) The main question that must arise was that of the remuneration of the Public Service and its right of advancement in remuneration. So far, excep-; in one or two instances, mutual discussion and co-operation had avoided any serious dispute. Increase in Charges.

The Government and, he thought, tho publio also, were becoming alarmed at the tremendous increase in the charges of the administration. Ho would pause for a moment to say that the tremendous increrse was largely in labour, and not in the special work that the executive of the association represented; but the charge was growing already alarming. It had grown largely by reason of the war, and not merely through the increase in individual remuneration on account of the cost of living, but through the largo increase in the numbers of the public servants, caused by the additional services created either directly or indirectly as a consequence of the war. New Zealand had to make a pause. Since 1914 it had been almost disregarding economy, by which he meant the relation between tho taxation and the public charge.’- The Government asked for, and believed it would have, the assistance of the Public 'Service not in reduction of the official remuneration, but in tho reduction of the number. The Government’s Example. Ho referred to the matter principally because of the financial difficulty due to the fall in tho value of some of this country’s products, and the possible largo increase of unemployment. The Government had thought it necessary to set an example of retaining, during the present winter at all events, even superfluous officers of the Public Service. But to do that the Government had no power except by’ requesting the Public Service Commissioner, who had appreciated the difficulty, and had agreed as far as possible to meet the wishes of the Government in that respect. This was the converse of what might be the position—the desire on the part of the Government to retain in the Public Service a number of employees who it was’ thought by the Commissioner and the heads of Departs meats could at this lime be dispensed with largely in consequence of the cessation of numerous functions created during the war and terminating gradually with the termination of the war. This had brought the Government into conflict with some of the heads of Departments who desired to begin the process of duo regulation and economy within the service because they wished their estimates to show that they had carried out retrenchment which was obviously essential. In these remarks ho was ..confining himself to the special services excrescent and redundant in ordinary times. They aro managed, he hoped, by forbearance on both sides —certainly with every intention of forbearance on the part of the Government—to avoid friction in that case. It had not been made the subject of public, comment or discussion. 'l’lrose bends of Departments to whom ho had alluded had agreed to fall into line, with the result that the Government had given a lead, with the concurrence of tho Public Service in this particular instance, to what would In ordinary times be extravagance.

To Avoid Creating Distress.

He hoped that most of his hearers, at nil events, would understand why the Government had set that example, and sought thereby to avoid the creation of distress in these times—a distress which was existent, though not to an alarming extent so far. The Government might easily have increased it, and set an example which would have been most unfortunate, because people who had practically no other means would have l>een thrown out of employment when there was no possibility of finding other employment. It was possible in the converse case for a Government policy to be adopted by the Public Service Commissioner and beads of Departments without in the least infringing upon the privileges of tho Public Service Commissioner under the Act. He would leave tho converse cas" without comment, except to say that if it arose, he believed—al nil events ho hoped—Hint the nolicy of Parliament (for. after all. Parliament found the monev'l mi"hf he met w’Hi equal consideration by the great Public Service that the conference represented. Safeguarding Public Moneys. There had l>een discussion on the question of providing stronger safeguards for the protection of public property, and a further discussion had arisen on tho

point whether the Finance Act imposed on the Audit Department the duty of prosecuting in every case where there had been defalcation in accounting for public moneys. In the case of defalcations there ought to he no room for argument. There had been some misapprehension on the question whether the duty of prosecution was limited to discoveries made by the Audit itself. That point hnd been settled by legal interpretation of the statute, and the position was now what ho felt sure the association would desire-flint no public servant who was actually guilty of the misappropriation of public money could nspnpo prn«?ecnfion. Hp fplf. sure rnnt this would be rroo’ved by tho members of tho Public Service ns a safeguard of the honour and credit of the service. Co-opfl-ation. In conclusion, Sir Francis Bell cxpiessed his conviction that nothing but cooperation between the association and the Government could lend to the benefit and advantage of the country, which was the com mon object of the association and the Government. The chairman of the conference said with reference to the remarks of-the Acting-Prime Minister about the safety of public stores and moneys, that the association at. a previous conference had made representations with the object of ’ ensuring adequate protection. Tho war,

however, had prevented the mailer from receiving very definite consideration. It would arise again in tho course o 4 tho business of the present conference, and the conference would, he hoped, be given an opportunity of discussing with Sir Francis Bell himself all points that might arise. Chairman’s Remarks. Mr. Wright moved the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet (excerpts" from which are given elsewhere). ’Speaking to tho report, Mr. Wright stressed the importance of organisation and membership. Mr. Wright referred to tho Post and Telegraph Commission now sitting. From the remarks of the Acting-Prime Minister it would appear that no reduction in salaries was contemplated during tho present financial year, but it was quite likely memliers would have to face a reduction next year unless the financial position improved. They hoped to obtain from the Government the publication of the report of the Commission, or such iwrtion as would disclose what members might expect in the future. With regard to the Post and Telegraph Appeal Board, reference was made to the election now taking place. It was tho duty of the executive committee to see that the most suitable, man was nom’inated for the position. This duty was performed in the nomination of Mr. B. F. Hawthorne, who was in every respect fully qualified to fill the position satisfactorily. Mr. Wright stated in regard to retirement at the age of 65 that it was understood that all except four would retire at an early date. Mr. Wright concluded by paying a tribute to the efforts of section committees and departmental representatives on behalf of tho association during the past' year. Remits Passed. The following remits were adopted:— That the Government bo requested so to amend the Public Service Act to provide for the appointment of an additional member of the Board of Appeal, three members of tho board to form a quorum; that in case of an appeal by an officer of a Department to which any member of the Board of Appeal belongs, such member shall not ait on the hearing of that appeal; that in case of the illness or other unavoidable absence of the chairman of the board, one of the other members of the board .shall be elected by the board to act as chairman for the time being. That the Government be asked to amend the Public Service Act, 1912, eo as to confer jurisdiction on tho Public Service Appeal Board to adjudicate upon questions relating to rates of allowances, seniority, length of service for the purposes of seniority, designation and validity of appointments. That the Government lie asked to amend section 51 of the Public Service Act, 1912, so as to provide for the right of appeal against dismissal without reasons being given. That appellants coining before the Public Service Appeal Board have tho indisputable right to he assisted by counsel. That tho Government be requested to provide for payment of honoraria to the elected members of the Board of Appeal equal in amount to the payments now made to tho nominated members. That the Cook Islands Act, 1914, lie amended to grant the same privileges io officers who are supernumerary officers of the New Zealand Government ns are granted to officers under the Public Service Act, 1912, in regard to dismissals and rights of appeal. That tho Government he requested to repeal subsection (2) of section 31 of tho Public Service Act, 1912, and to substituto the following;—"That the hoard shall have jurisdiction to make such order ns it thinks just either for the payment of the costs of the appeal by the Crown to tho appellant or by the appellant to the Grown." That the Government be requested to make provision that non-promotion appeals be heard within 31 days of tho day up to which appeals enn ’b« lodged: and (hat in all eases where delay occurs in the hearing of an appeal, if tho appellant is successful, his increase in salary’ should date back to the data of the original appointment. That in considering seniority by lengtlt of service of members of the General Division, the terra of unbroken service as a. temporary officer be added to the length of permanent service. That the Public Service Commissioner be asked to repeal Regulation 32 (relating to participation in polities). That the Commissioner be asked to amend Regulation 27 by striking out the words "no officer” to the words "provided that,” and inserting after the word "office,” in the fourth line, "of Mayor, president, or chairman of the council or board of any local authority or board of education.” That tho Government provide for the statutory recognition of the association. That tho Government bo requested to provide by legislation that membership of the Public Service Association Ire made a necessary qualification for permanent employment in the Public Serviee. That the Government be requested to repeal section 10 of the Publio Revenues Act, 1910. , , That the Minister of Justice be asked to amend section 2 (b) of the Magistrate’s Courts Amendment Act, 1913. to read—“He has been continually employed as a clerk in the Magistrate's Court for a period of at least ten and is a barrister or solicitor.” ■That tho Public Service Act be amended. to provide that merit, being fitness as defined by the Public Service Act, 1912, sec. 48 (3), bo the first consideration for promotion, seniority not to be taken into account unless other things are equal, this to extend also to officers appointed under the Temporary Employees’ Act, 1913. That section 29 of the Publio Service Act 1912, die amended so that any office assigned a higher grade shall ho declared vacant, and the appointment, if conferred on present occupant, shall be published and thus enable an appeal to be made. That no officer be transferred or promoted from the general to the clerical or professional division unless he be qualified in accordance with (he regulations or unless there be no officer already in tho two latter divisions fit and qualified and available for transfer or appointment to the vacancy. ' That all officers, including any future Public Service Commissioners or the members of a board set up in their place, Im? compulsorily retired on completing 40 veers’ service, provided they, have reached the age of 60 years, or on reaching tho age of 65 years. That the Government provide for the furlough privileges recommended in the | Public Service Commissioners report tor , Sunerannuatcd Public Servants. j

Captain Barclay, president , of the Superannuated Public Servants Association attended with a delegation and pointed out that local associations had been formed. Their desire was to protect the interests of all Public ■ eman >. The chief point at. tho present time w the. cost of living, nnd efforts were- bein,, made to obtain improved condition. . At an interview, Mr. Massey had promised that although the bonus was ent off’ in March last, the widows nt any rate, would he provided for. but lah n circular was issued stating t’mt ill individual eases would he considered and decided bv tho Treasury. As representinr the Federated Associations, he naked the moral support of all members o f the Public Service, also tor a financial grant to assist in defraying th necessary expenditure in connection with the work of the organisation. Mr Gilbert stated that most of them wprP reecivi’m supe.rannnation on smn I salaries and had not received anv .m--rrP„ro to meet the high cost of living. He asked for the assistance of the association in bringing tho whole question before Parliament, with the object of getting an amendment made to the Act. Mr Girlfng-Butcher appealed to all

members for their support, jiointing out that the Public Servant of to-day would be the superannuitant of to-morrow.