WELLINGTON TOPICS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1933, Page 3

WELLINGTON TOPICS

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

COMMISSIONER. CLAIMS

ECONOMIES,

(Special to “Guardian.”)

WELLINGTON, March 30.

In his .annual report upon the Public Seivice of the Dominion the Commissioner, Mr Verschaffelt, after indicating the various economies that have been effected during the ’ financial year, points out that there is a margin at which savings are procured at the expense of ’efficiency. “Frequent reviews of staffing arrangements have been made to meet the altered conditions,” '■ the, Cofhmissioiier says, “Vacancies have been filled only when absolutely essential, and, wherever possible, ' amalgamation of positions and co-ordination of' .activities have Been effected. As far as practicable departmental staffs have been required to carry on without assistance during the absence of officers-on leave, and only in exceptional circumstances has leave been approved where relief has been necessary.” To this the Commissioner is- able to add that notwithstanding the restrictions and curtailments that have been imposed through the demands of economy the general efficiency of the service lias been well maintained.

OVER, BURDENED

The Commissioner, having reviewed the whole position states.frankly that the present state of affairs cannot be maintained indefinitely.. “There is a marginal point,” he says, “beyond whicho&Mrjjigs .are procured at the expense, oT efficiency. It is a matter of no-siiKplY/eoneern to see ti e dorr closed, to a large number of. lads who have qualified by examination for entrance to the Public Service. From a departmental point of view also it is desirable in order to maintain continuity and a proper balance of staff that there should be a reasonable proportion of juniors coming on and undergoing' training for the normal replacement of those who retire through effluxion of time.” The spectacle, of course, is one'that would touch any sympathetic observer; hut it has boon suggested that many boys preparing for officers might in these days'be better employed upon the land where a career is not less ■ available than :it is upon a stool.

BY WAY OF SUGGESTION

The “Dominion” in a brief review of iVT-ii' Verschaffelt-s report touches but lightly upon tlie“ conclusions of the author. “In the'light of present eircitmsianees,” it says, “the points made by the Puh'lic Service Commissioner in- his annual report are worthy of 'attention. In the'main he defends present expenditure’ on' the S>tate services on the ground.that It is determined by ’Ofttehinieht--polii , y. t'o a point that is trine. At the same time it is within his. province., so to reorganise the fe* tv fee that essential ecpn>omies may bo effected. This may be granted" but after all it is a .questtion of cutting the oeat to the. cloth. If the means are not to hand it becomes, a question of making shift 'with what is available.” The point the morning „papew makes, i n., effect, lis that the .Commissioner must, do the best he. can with the material at his disposal. •