THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1926, Page 4

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

COMM ISSIONEU’S REPORT. „ WELLINGTON, September 7. The Public Service Commissioner, Mr P. Yerschaffelt, reports to Parliament t at the service has been maintaint il at a high slambml during the tear, the duties on the whole being tarried out with boon intelligence, integrity and ability. The system ot administration during the past few years has undergone a gradual process of development and improvement. It has been strengthened by the appointment To positions of responsibility of officers of proved efficiency. It is realised throughout the service that “merit and efficiency ” are the important factors in considering promolion and advancement, and that individual effort/ in this respect is the only certain means to secure recognition. The senior officer was appointed in thirty-seven instances, and iu these eases only because seniority was coupled with the necessary efficiency. The general rule followed in respect of retirements is that an officer with, forty years’ service should, on reaching sixty years of age, be retired. '1 be question of retirement is closely associated with the matters of promotion. In the cases of officers who have qualified for retirement on superannuation, the. policy followed lias heen not to promote an officer who is within a few years of retirement. .Air S. J. Collett, chief clerk, Tourist Department. Wellington, submitted a proposal which was adopted in regal'd to the issuing of coupons on hotels and boardinghouses. It is estimated that this will be of advantage to the Do*' nartment. and also a Convenience to tlie travelling public. Mr Collett lias been awarded a cash bonus.

A noticeable feature is the high quality of applicants for entry into the service. Lads who have matriculated (alee precedence over those who have passed the entrance examination only. For the first time in several years more candidates are available for appointment than are immediately required.