OFFICERS NOT IMPRESSED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20007, 4 August 1939, Page 11

OFFICERS NOT IMPRESSED

NECESSITY FOR TESTS PUBLIC SERVICE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. According to opinions -expressed today, the statement by the Public Service Commissioner yesterday, in explanation of (the introduction of. efficiency tests in the public service, has not bad the effect of impressing upon officers that the tests are desirable and necessary. One official Stated that 'it merely added fuel to the fire, and indignation meetings continued- to be held. He said it was confidently felt within the service that it was a matter for Government intervention, with a view to the withdrawal of the tests in the present form. The service in Wellington keenly resented the remarks about relaxing after degree -examinations, whidh is claimed to be a loose statement and not in accord with the actual .position. Attention is directed to reports in the past testifying to the efficiency of .he public service, the general tone ■>f Ithes-e reports indicating a satisfactory standard. Permanent heads and controlling officers would be amused to read the suggestion 'that heir methods of assessing relative efficiency were by rule-of-thumb. If taken seriously, this was a challenge to their judgment and integrity, and ?. reflection- on the inspection system now in operation. It was not the policy of the Govern ment, said an official, to permit such far-reaching changes to be introduced withouit giving accredited representatives the opportunity of studying the proposals and .making known their views.