SOLDIER CLERKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1918, Page 4

SOLDIER CLERKS.

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT'S V fEAV POINT. AVETJJXGTOX, August 12. One of the points which the Rolen; e Commission was at some pains to make was that it wars not good business to dress in khaki clerks in war branches of the Defence Department and pay them according to rank. The contention of the Department is that this is. necessary for disciplinary rea-.|-)iis. This ■ may 'not appeal to the private employer of labour as good or sufficient reason, especially as the clerks arc not generally- ot good quality, but tlic alternative facing the Department is not that between Soldier clerks and civilian clerks under, conditions shell as those which might obtain in private employ. If these nu n were not classed as soldiers, they would he under Hie ’Public Service Commissioners, and the control of Hie Goman issionors over Hie .service is for too easy for real discipline. A man en>.not he “sacked” by the Commissioner for inability to do his work unless it can ho shown that his inability was due to Iris own fault— due for instance to drunkenness. While a mail refrain-: from getting very drunk quite often and refrains from coinmiU.iiig a crime he cannot, be discharged from the service. There is also the question of overtime. The soldiers are not 'paid overtin;,- but clerics under civilian control would he entitled to it.

The question is now being considered by the Department, hut it is improbable til at any change will he made from military fo civil control.