CIVIL SERVICE REQUESTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 October 1917, Page 8

CIVIL SERVICE REQUESTS.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Oct. 2. A deputation of civil servants waited on the Premier yesterday privately. Captain Allport, Secretary of Marine, as spokesman, read a long statement criticising the Government for what was described as its neglect to deal with the question of the cost of living, and also outlining a series of, suggestions, including one that civiV servants who have gone to the front should have their pay made up to pre-enlistment pay. At this point Mr Massey cut short Mr. fi. AHport's statement with a reminder that the Government was responsible to the country for legislation and administration. He indicated strong disapproval of the, tone of the deputation's statement, and said that civil servants could not he permitted to dictate a policy to the Government. Mr. Massey also hinted that it might be necessary to further reduce some departments' staft's.

In further discussion the deputation suggested that primary products should be sold to the consumer at reduced prices, and the balance made up from the Consolidated Fund.

Mr Miissey said it was impossible to grant all the concessions asked. The public could get meat from the stores at the same price that was being paid by the Imperial Government. The deputation complained that civil servants had not had adequate opportunity to place their views before the Cost of Living Committee, but it appears that civil servants wanted not only to send representatives to give evidence, but asked for the special privilege of a representative to attend the committee's sittings and crossexamine all other witnesses, ln.it iV committee declined to agree to th' l .