A REGULAR HOROSCOPE

Evening Star, Issue 20058, 26 December 1928, Page 10

A REGULAR HOROSCOPE

PUBLIC SERVICE INQUISITION [Special to tee ‘ Star.'] WELLINGTON, December 20. There is a flavour of the horoscope about the forms which have just been sent from tho Public Service Commissioner’s Office, and which are arousing resentment throughout the service. These forms, distinctly American in method, are now in the hands of departmental heads, and each one constitutes a personal report upon an officer under their (onlrol. They must he filled in for each member of the service who is iu rcceqil of T 295 per year. The five-yearly survey - of the service, in fact, is being made as from December 31. A dozen headings concerning the officer are arranged down one side of the sheet, and departmental heads are roqucsled to underline the words supplied by the Public Service Cnmralssionor’s office to meet any and all contingencies. If they cae think of a better word, however, they are permitted to use it. Some specimens arc: ‘‘Address. Consider the impression which his appearance makes upon the people who meet him. —Distinctly good; favourable; indifferent ; unfavourable; untidy; ostentatious. “ Manner of address and temperament. Consider tho tactfulness, etc., that ho shows in Ids dealings with ethers; does ids manner of speech impress favourably or otherwise (in person and by telephone) ?—Convincing; polished - courteous; irritates ; overbearing, nervous; reserved; opinionative; offhand, temperamental; phlegmatic, impetuous; argumentative; confident ; even ; resentful; cheerful; uncouth, “ Education Consider his - ability to conduct correspondence and make reports. Consider the manner of Iris speech and power of expression Refer to any special examination qualification.—Education; Superior; moderate; satisfactory good; inferior; well-read. Speech; Ungrammatical; fluent; slangy ; uses correct English ; good vocabulary; poo- vocabulary. Correspondence ; Lucid r lacks finish ; poor ; businesslike ; superior; unintelligible; concise; verbose.” ,Tho departmental head is urged, also, to “ Consider how he applies himself to his work. Does he make his daily task his main concern? Does ho give hi" best and continuous effort to his workr Docs he stick to his work until it is cleared up? What supervision is required?” Here his range of adjectives is particularly choice. He is invited to underline some of the following - ‘‘Attentive; industrious; earnest; interested; persevering; disinterested ; easily distracted; does not put in full weight; lazy; energy misdirected; good work under sujierviskm ; gives best always ; able to concentrate ; watches the clock; good memory; poor memory.” The heading “Knowledge of duties and related duties ” is also curious. An 'officer may bo _ “ Completely _ informed , well informed; lacking; meagre; moderate; experienced; keej) abreast of the times; not keep abreast of the times; inexperienced; -well equipped; or proficient ” When ids adaptability is being weighed, the senior officer is exhorted to consider his junior’s “ability to learn, Can ho adapt himself quickly and effectively to new tasks, understand complicated explanations, see the reason for things? Is lie capable only of routine work? Is lie niontu'ly alert, enquiring and original, or dull and slow? _ls ho quick to see the significance of information and occurrences? Can ho readily comprehend and follow instructions P” ' Leadership, organising ability, general suitability, and special characteristics are all reduced to a - formula., But the two phases which are arousing annoyance are the items “Health.— < Hefei; to any physical disability”; and “ Gehcral Suitability.—Does lie possess ' the essential personal, social, and work qualifications for tho position which he holds ? ” What, it is being asked, is tho “social” qualification for a Civil Service post?