PUBLIC SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1922, Page 1

PUBLIC SERVICE

‘ RETRENCHMENT 'AND AMALGAMATIONS.

'MR MASSEY’S STATEMENTS

WELLINGTON, Feb 17. 'Tlie 1 Kline 'MfmV&r mt'ifnnted that ■ he Nad 1 received a return’ from the Public Service Commissioner giving a comparison of' fffe k'aff eiAplo^ed 1 in the PVililic 'S£W6e 'on April Ist 1921, and the staff employed on January . 3st, 1922. Tlie return showed that owing to the falling off of activities there had been reductions in the permanent staff in most Departments. The services of 947 officers had been terminated and their positions not filled. These figures stated the Prime Minister, showed that the Commissioner and the permanent .heads of Departments were fully alive to- the urgent necessity for economising wherever possible. , Reduction in stuff, it is understood, are continuing. Where reduced activities justify such a step being taken, the staff is accordingly reduced. Against this reduction only two Departments show any increase of staff, the Mental Hospitals’ Departments, where the hours and conditions of employees have been improved, and the Health Department, where a number of inspectors have, in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act, been taken over from the local author.ties The additional expenditure m this a a case is not wholly a charge on the Consolidated Fund. Tlie figures above quoted do no elude the Postal or Railway or Defence Departments. Dealing with the amalgamation of Departments the Prime Minister intimated that the amalgamation of the Government Insurance, State Fire Insurance and National Provident and Friend lv Societies Departments will he effected at an early date, preliminary steps having already been taken Arrangements have also been completed for the Corfiissioner of Taxes to assume control of the Stamp Duties and Land and Deeds Department, and the combined Department will he known as the Inland Revenue Department. The Housing branch of tho Labour Department will he closed down immediately. Other amalgamations of Departments are in train and when carried into effect will secure considerable economy, which will he reflected in the Departmntal estimates of expenditure for the ensuing vear.

There are still a number of recommendations from the Economies Com mittee to he given effect to. They will he attended to as opportunities offer. Pie full effect of the retrenchment which has already been arranged will not he felt for nearly another year, hut much good work has been done. The finances are gradually getting into a sound position and it is intended to have the whole of the details ready for Parliament when it meets in June.