P. & T. Officers.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1922, Page 4

P. & T. Officers.

AFFILIATION WITH ALLIANCE OF

LABOUR,

SECRETARY’S REPLY TO AINTSTER. WELLINGTON, March 29

Replying o the remarks of the Post-master-General (the Hon. J. G. Coates) on the affiliation of the Post and Telegraph Association with the Alliance of Labour, Mr R. E. Combs, secretary of the Association, said that, on the general question, he bought it best to say nothing, ns th e decision now lay in the hands of members. They had already the fullest possible information regarding the Alliance of Labour, Ik)tb through their own newspaper and through the special general meetings called for the purpose. “The officials of the Association,” he said, are just as seen as Mr Coates to have a cleancut and definite expression of opinion from the service and to make sure that no vote shall be cut out through delays in the post, they have postponed the count from March 30th until April 4th and have urged all members, to exercise their right of voting, whether they arc for or against affiliation.” On the subject of the Post and Telegraph employees continuing to hold sacred the oath of secrecy, Mr Combs said: “I am surprised to see that the Postmaster-General has given a second thought to the printed suggestions in that direction Surely, he has overlooked the unfairness, to say nothing more, of such an inference. All the officers of the Department hold sacred this oath of secrecy, and the officials of the Association realise how vital their doing so is to the efficiency and popularity of the Department. 1 hope that those members of the public who have not friends or relations employed by. the Department, and, there fore, no direct means of gauging the standard of honour prevailing in the Department on this point, will immediately dismiss any apprehensions they might have on such a vital point.” As to juniors having the right to vote, Mr Combs says the Association is accepting subscriptfions from them, and must in fairness given them the full privileges of membership. It should not be overlooked that many of these so-called juniors are called upon to perform duties equal in weight and importance to those required of seniors. It seems rather strange for anyone to challenge their ability to cast aln intelligent and responsible vote because of their age, when no such misgiving operates when allotting them important and confidential duties. Moreover, to carry the ballot to affiliate requires a majority of three-fifths of the recorded votes. This should show, in view of the 7000 membership of the organisation, that a substantial check is placed on any possible irresponsibles.