PRIVILEGES WITHDRAWN

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 226, 18 May 1932, Page 5

PRIVILEGES WITHDRAWN

("Post" Special Commisisoner) .

P. AND T. ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTIVITIES HELD TO BE AGAINST 1NTERESTS OF SERVICE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. It is learned that definite steps have been taken by the Government to curtail very considerably the activities of the Post and Telegraph Employees' Asociation. A number of concessions have I been withdrawn, the most important 1 of which is the right hitherto possessed by the Association to represent officers before the Department or the Ministry. The Assoc-iation was formed many years ago, but was for a long time not given official status. Something like twenty years ago, however, the Association was formally recognised, which meant that it became of good service to the rank and file of the Department in regard to the adjustment of the various anomalies bound to oceur where large staffs are concerned. About that time the Association reorganised itself and a paid secretary was appointed, an ex-departmental officer being given the position. Since then the paid staff has been increased, also by ex-officers of the Department. Shortly after this reorganisation the Association took on a definitely political atmosphere and it is held that that atmosphere which was never intended when the original body was formed, has been intensified, largely as a result of the tone of the Association journal, the Katipo. This tone, it has been contended, is subversive to the discipline and morale of the service. Many references to this aspect were made during the past session of Parliament and apparently inquiries made have resulted in the present decision to withdraiy concessions gained by the Association in the past. The most important and valued, as suggested above, vwas the right of the Association to represent officers, but others now withdrawn are the colleetion of subscriptions by the Department; (for which a charge was made by the Department) le'ave on full pay for delegates to attend Association meetings up to ten days per year, the right of paid offieials of the Association to visit post offices to discuss staff matters and conditions with postal officers, the placing of Association noti.ces in post office premises. The Katipo will no longer be permitted in post office premises. The Association claims a membership of 7000. It was ascertained to-day that the Government is watching the position very elosely with regard to other civil service orgahisations and that it will not hesitate to take action should circumstances warrant it. In the case of the Post and Telegraph Employees' Association, it was felt by the Government that an intolerable position had arisen. "It was absolutely impossible to carry on under such conditions," said one member of the Government.