THE LETTER-CARRIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8357, 18 February 1913, Page 6

THE LETTER-CARRIERS

When attention was drawn in these columns a few days ago to certain grievances complained of by Wellington -letter-carriers, it was promptly asserted that no grounds for complaint existed, but that inquiries would be made. Unfortunately, a questionable method of investigation was adopted. The men concerned—several of them married and none too well circumstanced—were 1 asked to state in writing if they had grievances and their nature. Wo are now told that 59 out of 67 employees asserted that they had no cause for complaint. This will surprise very few people who know anything about human nature, for it obviously requires considerable independence ana backbone to contest an official edict of the kind under notice. Only very credulous persons can take tb© denial of grievances by the majority at face value. However, some of those who stood to their complaints aro to have their rounds reduced, and it is fair to expect that some readjustments will ho made in respect of many others. Tho whole staff, too, has obtained an assurance that they may obtain redress in respect of legitimate complaints at any time on application to tho department—a very proper stand to take, and one of which it is sincerely .to ho hoped the men will take fair advantage. The discussion htis evidently produced some good results, for which we desire to compliment tho authorities and congratulate the carriers, though, unfortunately, we cannot commend the former for the rather intimidating method in which their inquiries were commenced.