Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954)(about) |
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Friday 6 April 1917
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APPRECIATION OF MR. JULL.
THE SERVICE AND THE FUTUBE.
Concluding a critical, but fully appreci-
ative reference to the work of the late Public Service Commissioner (Mr. M. E. Juli) who died recently the "Civil Service Journal" in its latest issue remarks :—
"Officially the late Commissioner may be described as a medley of contradictions. Fearful to a degree of relaxing in the slight- est the strict literal interpretation of a regu- lation, lest a precedent should be established, in some trivial manner wherein an officer sought a favour, he at the same time on occasion set aside regulations, precedents and the Public Service Act itself even, when in some matter of the highest im-
portance the rights of public servants were challenged or concerned. The proverbial 'coach and four' was driven through the Public Service Act more than once during his term at the suggestion, if not the be- hest, of Ministers. And yet in minor matters he was steadfast to the point of obstinacy to see that the regulations or the Act was not infringed. Looking back over Mr Jull's 12 years control of the Service, however, the difficulties of his post
stand out; and the prevailing sentiment in the Service to-day is that he 'blazed the track' of a difficult and onerous position with not a little success, that his decisions
were arrived at on strictly impersonal grounds, and that his veto, when exercised was conveyed with marked courtesy, and the kindliness of a benevolent disposition.
"Looking now to the future, the most pressing concern of the Service is as to
the intentions of the Government. This is a matter upon which the Service must be permitted to express a respectful opinion. Our official lives are entirely wrapped up in the decision of the Government as to who shall be Mr. Jull's successor. And
the unanimous wish of the Service is that the man to be appointed shall be selected
from within the Service. Apart entirely
from the aspect that the Public Service Commissioner should have a first-hand
knowledge of Service conditions and be familiar with the problems with which he
will be called on to deal, the Service has a clear recollection of a period when it was subject to control by a gentleman from outside—and no one desires a repetition of that experience. Unquestionably, the Ser- vice is entitled to ask that the new Commis- sioner shall be chosen from within; and,
so far as indications are apparent, there is little cause for fear that the Government will not realise the fairness of that pro- position. The new Commissioner will enter upon his duties in the most happy circum- stances conceivable. With the experience of a dozen years to guide him, he will not have the same problems to face; he will assume office untrammelled by precedents of his own making, and though it may be he will meet awkward positions by reason of some of his predecessor's characteristic decisions, this is inseparable from the posi- tion, and the remedy lies in his own hands; he will have the loyal support of the Ser- vice, and the fault will lie with himself
if that support is withdrawn. The time is opportune for giving consideration to the appointment of three Commissioners, and the only thing necessary to be added at this juncture is to express the hope that if it be decided to do so, the Service shall be permitted to elect one of the Commis-
sioners.''