THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 284, 28 November 1914, Page 4

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

The phrase "seething with discontent" as applied to the Public Service has been used so long and so often that it may be classified as an "ancient gag" (states the Public Service Journal). So far as we know its meaning has never been defined by those who have used it. Taking the words in their literal sense we may construct a picture representing a mass of humanity in an excited state of mind produced by the tyranny of its masters, or we might easily imagine groups of Public servants talking excitedly in loud tones and gesticulating freeiy as they discuss a new law such as that prohibiting the wearing of blue ties. . . Public servants, like any other class of workers, have difficulties to surmount in connection with the conditions of their employment. Matters of interest to the general body, or to any class or division, are discussed at an annual conference of representatives, promoted by the Service organisation, and the conclusions of the conference are placed beI fore the proper authorities. Individuals who have grievances may seek the assistance of their association, or appear before the Appeal Board if the nature of the case permits that being done. These are the means, to; redress which the public servant prefers to use, and he rather resents being represented to the public in a manner that suggests a wildly excited individual with a crimson face and disordered clothing. We do not wish to deny that feeling is running pretty strongly against one phase of the ad. ministration of the Public Service Act and that the Service is resolved to have justice done to it. The Service is not "seething" but instead there is a calm but dogged determination to have the injustice righted by all constitutional means available."