PROMOTION FOR GIRLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 220, 6 December 1927, Page 9

PROMOTION FOR GIRLS

IS THERE EQUALITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE? LABOUR MEMBER’S QUESTION (THE Sb'X'S Parliamcntarj Reporter) WELLINGTON, Monday. Do girls entering the public service have the same opportunities for advancement as are afforded men? The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J« G. Coates, told Mr. P. Fraser, Well** ington Central, in the House of Representatives to-day, that at all events girls should have equal chances. Heis going to make inquiries about it. Mr. Fraser said that serious representations had been made to him. to the effect that discrimination was being exercised against girls in the public service. “Surely, if they show that they are qualified, they should bo given the same opportunities as young men,” said Mr. Fraser. He added that he was making these statements on representations that had been made to him, and he was n%t sure as to their accuracy. “I cannot speak for the Public Service Commissioner,” said Mr. Coates. “The general principle is that a girl has the same opportunities as a man, though possibly there are positions in the public service where possibly a woman could not carry out the work as well as a man could do. I have as well as a man could do. I have no missioner’s views, more than that there is, or should be, equal opportunity far men and women. That is the country’s point of view, and I trust it is that of the Public Service Commissioner. However, I shall be glad to inquire into the position, and make a reply during the recess or when Parliament meets again.”