PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1922, Page 5

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.

“A PRICELESS LEGACY.” Some sound advice to postal officials was given by Mr. H. D. Grocott, chief postmaster, in . proposing the toast Qf the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department at the annual smoke concert of the Wellington G.P.O. Pastimes Club on Saturday night. The department, said the chief postmaster, was no abstract institution; it was a living organisation. Their very familiarity with it wa* apt to warp their conception of its importance and the immensity of its activities, which touched the very centre of public life. “Our pride,” he declared, “has always been to possess public confidence. This has not been begotten by us alone, but ha* been gradually built ( up by those who have passed off, and there have been many of late. Our predecessors have built up a priceless legacy, which the department enjoys to-day. I urge you not to lose that spirit which inspired the energies of those who have built up profound public confidence in the ability, reliability, and integrity of the post office It should be the aim bf every one of us to uphold and pass on untarnished the high traditions inherited. You are in turn forming public opinion—a thing of slow growth. I would counsel you to let any criticism of the administration be constructive. You will have the sympathy and support of the administration if you deserve them. The administration realises perhaps more than you do the need for mutual co-operation.”

Mr. Grocott said he believed the department was entering upon an era of unprecedented, prosperity. Times, however, were still hard, and there were financial and other restrictions, not only in the department, but in all phases of business life. “In any analysis,” advised the chief postmaster, ‘Strive to view the position from the point of the authorities, saddled with public interests, as well as your own. Base your staff representations in the light of the unfavorable conditions existing. This will save you froifi disappointments, and tend to secure sympathetic consideration of reasonable claims.”