THE POST-OFFICE.

Evening Star, Issue 3505, 18 May 1874, Page 3

THE POST-OFFICE.

To the Editor. • *' lß ’ nf lefc *F. a PP eare d in last Thursday’s issue of tbe ‘ Daily Times ’ having reference to an appointment in the Dunedin Post-office, which, if true, demands, I think, some little inquiry from some one. It would appear that the earners have been employed in the Jrost-omce for many years past, some more and some less, and that recently an opportunity occurred for promotion. ■ In such a as this, all other things being equal, it is customary to promote the officer who has been longest in the service. But on this occasion this practice has been departed fi om, and a junior appointed over the heads of his seniors, and, from inquiries 1 have made, I have reason to believe they were his equal in all requisites for the post. This is not right, because if it became the custom there is no incentive on the part of employes to labor zealously. In connection with the Post-office letter-carriers, there is another thing that requires, I think, attention from the authorities, and it is this : Some years • ago, when the work was not nearly bo much. as it is now, these men received a salary of one hundred aud fifty pounds per annum, and there were six men employed. Now that the work is greatly increased, the number is reduced to four, and, what is still harder for them, the salary is decreased to Ll3O per annum. I think there cannot be two opinions about this sum being too 8 “ all ‘ „. Tjlese meQ squire a certain amount ot intelligence, and rhusu be of the strictest integrity, and they hav» frequently to work cany and late, aud often on Sundays also, and get for this barely laborer’s wages. It is true they have a permanency ; but look at others m a similar position—the Corporation messenger, for instance, whose work is light in comparison to theirs, aud who receives Ll5O per annum; aud other cases could be easily cited, J Jn conclusion, sir, I trust that some member of Parliament will bring these men’s case under the notice of the “ powers that be, and that it will be favorably considered. —1 am, &c., t, ~ Citizen. Dunedin, May 18.