PUBLIC SERVANTS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1929, Page 3

PUBLIC SERVANTS

GRAVE DISSATISFACTION

B.v Telegraph—Press Association)*

WELLINGTON, Nov. 5

The following statement has been made to an “Evening Post” reporter

-y the officials of the P. and T. Officers’ Association with regard to the dissatisfaction and disappointment at the decision of the House to withhold, any salary increases:— “From the debate which took place, it was made quite clear that members generally were of the opinion that improvements in salary were due to tne lower-paid officers. Despite the assurances given in this direction, both inside and outside the house, the claims of these men, which are unas-

sailable have evidently been sacrificed on tlie altar, of Party politics and political expediency.”

The statement continued that it was clear that the members of the. Public Service would never be in the position of receiving a wage commensurate with the value of the services they rendered while conditions such as these prevail. As far as. the members of the P. and T. Department are concerned they were prepared to have the merits of their case adjudicated upon on arbitration basis.

It was impossible at the present juncture to give an indication of what action will be taken till the matter has been fully discussed at the section meetings. One ' fact had definitely emerged: That tlie high hopes held by the public servants when the United Party came into office of receiving some measure of justice, after seven years of fruitless- representations, had been absolutely dashed.