HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 May 1939, Page 2

HOUSING DEPARTMENT

“INCIDENTS” IN AUCKLAND. PUBLIC SERVICE INQUIRY ORDERED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 18. As a result of certain incidents, involving the staff of the Housing Construction Department in Auckland, an inquiry was held today by the Public Service Commissioner, Mr T. Mark, who said that disciplinary action will be taken against certain employees. The nature of the action and the number concerned has not been revealed. The inquiry was a sequel 'to stop- J work meetings held by members of the staff, who criticised the organisation of the department. Telegrams were dispatched to the Minister of Housing, Mr Aimstrong, on the subject, and he was requested to come to Auckland and make an investigation. The action of the men was described as “highly irregular’ by the Minister when interviewed several days ago. He said that a serious breach of the Public Service regulations had been committed. and that the whole matter was being handed over to the Public Service Commissioner. Subpoenas to attend the inquiry were served on members of the staff. Mr Mark said the entire matter was of a domestic nature, and he would not disclose the specific grounds on which disciplinary action was to be taken. After a tour of the northern districts, Mr Armstrong returned to Auckland tonight. He made no further comment upon the matter, as he had had no opportunity for consultation.