P. AND T. SALARIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40020, 7 November 1929, Page 2

P. AND T. SALARIES.

“HOPES ABSOLUTELY

DASHED.”

The following statement was made by the officials of the 1 Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association to a “Post” reporter yesterday: —

“The members of the P. and T. service throughout the Dominion have already expressed feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction at the decision arrived at in the House to withhold any salary increases from the lower paid members of the service. 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 the I inter paid officers in the P. and T. Department. Despite the assurances given in this direction, both inside and outside' the House, the claims of these men, which are unassailable, have evidently been sacrificed on the altar of party politics and political expediency. It is also iclear that members of the Public Service will never be in the position of receiving a wage which is commensurate with the value of the services rendered, so long as conditions such as these prevail. As far as the members of the P. and T. Department are concerned, they feel that; their case is such a strong one, and one that so obviously needs adjustment in the near future, that they are prepared to have the merits of their case adjudicated upon an arbitration basis. “It is impossible at the present juncture to given an indication of what, action will he taken by the P. and T. servants throughout the Dominion until the matter has been fully discussed at section meetings, which will be held at a very early date. “One fact which definitely emerges is that the high hopes held by the servants when the United Party came Into* office, of receiving some measure of justice after seven years of fruitless representations to the previous Government, have been absolutely dashed.”

“CODLINGS YOUR FRIEND NOT

SHORT.”

“The Labour Party has rarely appeared dn a worse light than it did on Monday, when making its hid for Public Service votes,” (says the Post Obviously the motion could achieve nothing. It was just for show —an effort to put something in “Hansard” that could toe quoted afterwards. Evidently Labour opinion of the public servant and the public Is not high when it believes that both can be so easily beguiled. .'The whole aim of the motion was to put either the Government or the Reform Party or tooth in an awkward position. The disturbing fact of the debate is that both these parties appeared anxious. They were concerned lest they should appear unwilling to bid. This is alarming. Public servants in all grades have the right to press for the best conditions, tout, if politicians prove too sensitive to such pressure —if public service satisfaction is put. up for •'auction —'thaj result will,‘mot be,beneficial to the Service' or the country. We trust that the level-headed employees of the 'State will see the perils, and will recognise as their best friends those who try to keep the Service clear of party. If the pay and conditions of Government employees are to toe the subject of bidding, the public cannot look on unconcerned.