Pioneer Computer User; Losing Staff

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 3

Pioneer Computer User; Losing Staff

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 15. The Public Service pioneered the use of electronic computers in New Zealand—but it also lost some of its most experienced staff to private organisations which later installed computers, said the annual report of the State Services Commission tabled in Parliament today.

“Very rapid expansion in the use of computers has placed a great strain on the Public Service, which is matched by a very difficult and unstable staffing situation for private users,” the report said. “The Commission suggests that this problem will only be solved if potential users of electronic data processing (E.D.P.) select and train their own staff well before delivery of the equipment. “For nearly three years the State Services have promoted and been the principal users of E.D.P. training facilities at the Wellington Polytechnic.” Capable officers were being promoted faster than ever

before in the Public Service, the report said. “They are filling responsible positions after relatively short service, and accelerated training is the only possible way to offset lack of experience,” it said. The reasons for faster promotion were the quickening tempo of modern administration, increases in the volume and complexity of departmental activities, staffing difficulties resulting from a national shortage of labour and retirement, or pending retirement, of many senior or middle-rank officers. A high rate of transfer between departments increased the problem of maintaining a core of experience in a section or division. Because many Government departments still occupy unsatisfactory and scattered accommodation in Wellington, new building projects are being developed as quickly as possible, the report said. Departments under State Services Commission control occupied 428,000 sq ft of temporary or wooden buildings “Survey has confirmed that it is advisable to quit, if possible, buildings that are obsolescent, that do not provide good working conditions or have insufficient resistance to fire or earthquakes,” said the report.