PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER (SEVENTEENTH REPORT OF THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1929 Session I, H-14

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1929. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER (SEVENTEENTH REPORT OF THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

To His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson, Baronet, General on the Retired List in the Reserve of Officers of His Majesty's Army, Doctor of Laws, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— As Commissioner appointed under the Public Service Act, 1912, I have the honour to submit the following report, as required by section 15 of the Act.

REPORT The Public Service Act has been in operation in New Zealand for just over sixteen years, during which period the general standard of efficiency of the Service has steadily improved. The main principles underlying this Act can now be said to have stood the test of time, and, although the Dominion's administrative history cannot compare with that of the Mother-country or even with most of the older countries, there is no doubt that for integrity, efficiency, and faithful public service the New Zealand Public Service has established a tradition that will compare favourably with any country in the world. The basic principles underlying the Public Service Act may be set out briefly as follows : —- (1) The elimination of influence ; (2) The affording of equal opportunities for advancement of officers ; (3) The institution of a duties classification scheme from a central authority, with provision for periodical reviews ; and (4) The promotion of efficient and economical administration. The justice and desirability of working on the general principles enumerated above are too obvious to require elaboration. In the absence of a systematic basis of grading and paying officers in accordance with their relative responsibilities, or where preferment and advancement depend on patronage instead of upon merit, there can be neither efficiency nor contentment.

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This cardinal principle of open competition and promotion by merit lias long been recognized as the only satisfactory basis of working, and it is now embodied in the laws of the Dominion under the provisions of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927, which requires the Commissioner in making appointments to give preference to the most fitted and efficient officer. Regrading. The last regrading took place in 1924, and another general regrading is now engaging attention. In addition to the initial grading undertaken when the Act first came into operation there is statutory provision for a five-yearly regrading, the purpose of which is not only to bring the Service as far as possible into line with conditions and rates of pay prevailing outside the Service, but also to ensure that any officers who are found to be out of relation in the matter of salary and responsibility may be graded on a common basis with the rest of the Service. A duties classification must be based essentially on the systematic grading of all officers within certain definite divisions according to the nature of the duties performed. The Public Service Act provides for a grading of officers in five principal divisions —viz., Administrative, Professional, Clerical, General, and Educational —and the grading of all officers within these divisions is required to be based on the fitness of the officer and the character and importance of the work performed by him. The procedure adopted in connection with the 1924 regrading has to a great extent been followed this year. Visits of inspection have been made to the various district offices throughout the Dominion for the purpose of affording officers desiring it an opportunity of make personal representations to the Commissioners respecting their duties and grading. Prior arrangements had also been made for a more intensive investigation into the work of each officer by an Inspector from this office, while in addition towards the end of last year a comprehensive report on each officer was obtained from their respective Heads. In the actual process of regarding, an attempt is made to ensure that officers are placed in such a grade or class as will provide each a salary relatively commensurate with the responsibilities and the duties performed. There exists in some quarters the impression that each five-yearly regrading means a general raising of salary standards. This is entirely wrong. Such a practice would have most undesirable consequences, besides being quite unjustified. It should be apparent that with a systematic classification scheme which has been in vogue for a decade and a half there should be comparatively few officers whose salaries require material adjustment, particularly when it is borne in mind that a relatively large number of regradings take place in the intervals between the fiveyearly reviews. A general alteration of standards would be justified only in the event of some violent fluctuation in the cost of living causing a pronounced alteration in wage standards outside the Public Service. It is not proposed to suggest an alteration in the existing salary scales in connection with the present regrading. Efficiency oe the Service. The periodical surveys of the Service in connection with the regrading afford an excellent opportunity of gauging the general efficiency of the Service. The true test of efficiency is the promptitude, accuracy, and economy with which the public are served. The standard set to-day, when tests and comparisons can be made by means of balance-sheets and cost accounts on commercial lines, is much higher than it was before the advent of the Commissioner system and the introduction of more modern methods. Although, on account of the fundamental differences in policy between a State undertaking and private business, the relative efficiency cannot be judged entirely on a profit-and-loss basis, it can be claimed that the * standard of intelligence of the staffs and the efficiency of the methods employed in the Public Service compares very favourably with outside standards.

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Expansion of Service. Reference has been made in previous reports to the growth of the Public Service, and, in view of the present financial stringency and the consequent necessity to take careful stock of affairs, it is proposed briefly to review the various activities of Government, in order to show whether such have developed beyond the bounds of legitimate necessity, and, having due regard for the social and economic welfare of the Dominion, whether any of the services now provided could with wisdom be eliminated or curtailed. There is a tendency for " short-run " political considerations and the immediate effect from a fiscal point of view to eclipse all other considerations, entirely obscuring the far-reaching social and economic advantages of the services rendered. In order to understand intelligently the reasons for the expansion of the Public Service it is necessary to have some appreciation of the various functions of the State. The protection from foreign foes, the aiding of the development of the natural resources of the land, the maintenance of law and order, and a due regard for the social welfare of its citizens are the recognized functions of the State. These may be classified under the following main headings : Defence ; Transport; Development ; Justice (law and order) ; Social Service ; Administration and Trading. It will be seen from the very nature of these services that expansion is a necessary concomitant of the normal development of the Dominion. Omitting consideration of the first two services mentioned above —viz., Defence and Transport, embracing Naval, Military, Railways, and Post Office—the staffing of which does not come under the control of the Commissioner, it is interesting to note the development as reflected by increased staff that has taken place during the last decade and a half since the Commissioner system of control has been in operation. Taking first those Departments which may be grouped under the heading of Social Service —viz., Health, Mental Hospitals, Labour, Education and Child Welfare, National Provident and Friendly Societies—the following table illustrates the extent of the growth of the permanent staff : — Social Service. Department. 1913. 1923. 1928. Health .. .. .. .. .. .. 54 323 406 Mental Hospitals .. .. .. .. .. .. 413 671 857 Education and Child Welfare (excluding teachers) .. .. 237 287 338 National Provident and Friendly Societies .. .. 11 36 38 Pensions .. .. .. .. .. .. 26 97 112 Labour .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 90 102 It is obvious that unless there is a radical change in policy the staffs of the above Departments must expand with the increase of activities consequent upon the growth of population. A further analysis of the staffs relating to the Departments included in the above table indicates the direction in which the main increases have taken place. The two principal factors causing the enlargement of staffs as above, in addition to natural development in sympathy with the growth in population of the Dominion, are the increase in the number of patients in Mental Hospitals, and the extension of the activities of the Health Department relating to dental work and school hygiene, &c. The figures may be •summarized as follows : —- Expansion of Service causing Increase of Staff. Department. 1913. 1923. 1928. (1) HealthDental nurses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 155 School nurses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 30, Health Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. 6 52 49 Professional Division .. .. .. .. .. 7 46 47 (2) Mental Hospitals —Increase in number of patients .. .. 3,983 5,120 6,160 (3) Education and Child Welfare—lncrease due to extension of child-welfare activities, and nationalization of Inspectors of Schools—previously under Education Boards. (4) National Provident Fund and Friendly Societies—lncrease due to extension of facilities to public. (5) Pensions—lncrease due to war pensions and natural growth of population. (6) Labour Department—lncreased industrial development of Dominion necessitating increased inspectorial staff.

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Dealing with the administration of justice and the maintenance of law and order, the largest increase has been in connection with the police, who do not come within the scope of the Public Service Act. In regard to Justice and Prisons, the growth has been no more pronounced than is justified by a normal expansion in sympathy with the increase in population. In connection with the developmental services, a fairly pronounced increase is to be observed, but this is to be expected in a comparatively young country as yet barely emerging from the primary to a stage of secondary development. Developmental Services. Department. 1913. 1923. 1928. Public Works .. .. .. .. .. 523 619 689 Agriculture .. .. .. .. .. 392 464 524 Lands .. .. .. .. .. .. 424 615 635 State Forests .. .. .. .. 17 92 109 Immigration .. .. .. ... 6 9 12 Industries and Commerce .. .. .. .... 13 12 Scientific and Industrial Research .. .. .. .. .. 44 The increase in the staff of the Public Works Department has been necessitated by the growth of activities in connection with railway-construction, roads and highways, and hydro-electric development. In the Department of Agriculture the expansion of activities gauged from the following analysis of staff growth, which is closely correlated with the growth of exports of primary produce :— 1913. 1923. 1928. Meat Inspectors .. .. .. .. 54 77 83 Stock Inspectors .. .. .. .. 40 92 91 Orchard Instructors .. .. .. .. 15 18 22 Dairy Inspectors .. .. .. .. 20 31 38 Professional Division .. .. .. 36 53 80 The position in the Lands Department can be attributed largely to the development of the soldier-settlers scheme. The number of field officers was increased from 28 in 1913 to 46 fifteen years later. In other Departments the increases have been due to normal development, while with the Departments of Industries and Commerce and Scientific and Industrial Research both of these are comparatively recent innovations for the promotion of the industrial development of the Dominion. In connection with the trading Departments, which may be grouped in the following table, the growth is also extensive, but, in common with other staff increases in the Public Service, these have been fully justified by the expansion of business. As the salary bills of these Departments are met from profits earned, the increase does not fall on the Consolidated Fund. Trading Departments. Department. 1913. 1923. 1928. State Fire Insurance .. .. ... 49 92 145 Government Life .. .. .. .. .. 149 131 113 Public Trust .. .. .. .. .. 180 511 555 State Advances .. _ ... 53 56 83 The apparent reduction in the staff of the Government Life Office is due to the transfer of the Accident Branch to the State Fire Office, which is compensatingly increased. The normal growth is also to some extent obscured owing to the transfer of the charing staff, messenger staff, and actuarial staff to the Internal Affairs Department. The staff of the Public Trust Office has shown phenomenal growth, but this has been in harmony with the enormous expansion of the business of that Office. The State Advances Office may be grouped under the heading of development, social service, or trading —as its functions may be so described, but its staff has of necessity been increased with the growth of business. After eliminating the above-mentioned Departments, the growth of which has been merely in accord with the normal progress of the Dominion, there are left the purely administrative Departments, under which head may be grouped

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the revenue and finance Departments and those under Internal Affairs. These Departments show only an expansion in staff in keeping with the increased population and the development of the Dominion : — Administrative . Department. 1913. 1923. 1928. Revenue —■ Customs .. .. .. .. .. 240 279 299 Land and Income Tax .. .. .. 72 145 153 Stamp Duties .. .. .. .. 37 74 77 Finance — Treasury .. .. .. .. 62 79 88 Audit .. .. .. .. .. 53 100 144 Miscellaneous — Internal Affairs .. .. .. .. 132 224 200 Census and Statistics .. .. .. 11 56 56 Registrar-General's .. .. .. 23 35 45 Land and Deeds .. .. .. 88 131 136 Native and Native Trust.. .. .. ..53 82 89 Apart from the foregoing particulars of essential and inevitable increase in staff in the last fifteen years, due to national development, it should be mentioned that staff comparisons with 1913 and earlier periods are obscured by reason of the fact that prior to the introduction of Commissioner control a large number of temporary employees were paid out of appropriations other than salaries. These now appear under that head, making the inflation of the salary charge appear greater than it actually is. Another factor which has tended to swell the salary bill, but which is merely a readjustment showing a compensating reduction of another item, has been the conversion of emoluments to salary, which hitherto were shown under the heading of free rations, lodgings, quarters, &c. Free issues in kind were abolished by the Commissioner because of the abuses associated with this practice. The salary bill appears to be heavier, whereas actually in this connection there has been an economy in the total expenditure. Where, as is clearly indicated by the foregoing review, the expansion of staff is the outcome of the normal development of the country coupled with the ever-increasing demand for additional services, ib is both erroneous and unfair to ascribe the increased burden to extravagant administration. The public services of this country are run efficiently and economically. There is a plain reason for the presence of every person employed, and any curtailment of expenditure is not a matter of organization but of Government policy, as it lies with Government to determine whether it will discontinue or curtail services which time and experience have shown to be essential for the full development of the Dominion on a broad national basis. A reference to Table 111 in the appendix hereto will show that, after making allowance for reductions and increases to staff, during the past financial year there has been a net addition of 228 in the personnel of the Public Service. In conformity with the policy outlined in the previous paragraphs, it will be noted that these increases have been mainly in Departments which are giving expression to Government policy by way of increased social services and the promotion of development of the country. The principal increases in staff during the past year were as follows : — Agriculture Department .. .. .. 18 Education Department .. .. . . .. .. 18 Health .. . . .. . . . . 19 Mental Hospitals .. .. . . . 81 Public Trust .. . . .. .. .. .. 44 Public Works .. . . .. .. .. . . 25 State Forest .. .. .. .. .. 10 which account for 215 of the 228 mentioned above.

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Cost of the Public Service. A review of the expansion of the Public Service from the staff point of view in itself is incomplete. It is interesting to note the distribution of the net expenditure from Consolidated Fund to the various purposes for which the taxpayer is burdened, as disclosed by the following comparative table, which has been compiled by Treasury : —

The figures have been adjusted to make them comparable, and it will be seen that the expenditure has increased by approximately 65 per cent, during the last decade and a half. The increase in debt charges and pensions, which are largely a legacy from the late war, accounts for nearly three-fourths of this expansion. In regard to public expenditure which may be attributed to the cost of administration and the giving-effect to Government policy, it will be observed that the greatest increase has been in connection with the extension of social services, the cost of which has increased from £2,123,815 in 1913-14 to £6,292,930 in 1928-29. The cost of administration has not increased to anything like the same extent as the expenditure under the other headings. In the fifteen years it has risen from £882,060 in 1913 to £1,287,917 for the last financial year, while on the adjusted figures it will be noted that actually there has been a decrease in the cost per capita, the charge for general administration per capita being £l 3s. 6d. in 1913-14 and 17s. Bd. in 1928-29. It will also be noted from the table that general administration costs have not increased in proportion to the expansion of the total burden, for in 1913-14 the expenditure under this head represented 15|- per cent, of the total expenditure from Consolidated Fund, whereas in 1928-29 general administration expenses amounted to only 7J per cent, of the total charges. These figures bear evidence of the care and economy exercised in matters pertaining to general administration, and in any criticism of the growing burden on Consolidated Fund it should be borne in mind that this is directly related to the ever-growing demand for increased governmental services, and that any curtailment is a matter of general policy rather than a question of " tightening up the slack " in the general administration of the Public Service. A comparative statement of the salaries and personnel of the Public Service shows that during the last decade the increase in permanent staff has been 1,428, while the increase in salaries has been £808,251. Considering the expansion of public business in recent years, the growth in staff in the Public Service proper has been kept down to a much closer degree than is generally realized. There has undoubtedly been a considerable growth in public expenditure when such term includes expenditure by local authorities ; but the inclusion of such figures in a criticism of the cost of the administration of the Public Service rather confuses the issue, as the control of such expenditure does not rest with Ministers in charge of Departments and other State officials who are responsible for the economical administration of the Public Service. The extent of the expansion of

-f.T , T . ,Rate per Head of Population, JNet -Expenditure. f , , r, , T1 r Adjusted to Comparable Basis. I | 1913-14. 1920-21. 1928-29. 1913-14. I 1920-21. 1928-29. £ £ £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. War pensions and war-debt .. 6,241,507 5,023,755 .. 4 19 8 3 8 10 charges Other debt charges .. 1,402,222 1,470,588 2,226,416 1 17 4 136 1 10 6 Social .. .. .. 2,123,815 4,876,319 6,292,930 2 16 7 3 17 11 4 6 2 Defence.. .. .. 538,373 581,485 1,043,622 0 14 4 093 0 14 3 Justice .. .. .. 400,030 537,719 544,976 0 10 8 087 076 Agriculture .. .. 171,833 604,401* 464,533 047 09.8 064 Roads .. .. .. 186,916 244,650 1,536,517 0 5 0 0 3 11 111 General administration .. 882,060 1,415,056 1,287,917 1 3 6 1 2 7 0 17 8 Totals .. .. 5,705,249 15,971,725 18,420,666 7 12 0 12 15 1 12 12 4 11 Increase due to butter subsidy.

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activities by local authorities may be gauged from the fact that in 1919 the amount paid in salaries and wages to employees of local authorities was £2,172,668, and in 1928 it had grown to £6,176,856. The amount paid in salaries to officers subject to the provisions of the Public Service Act was £1,431,720 in 1919, and £2,239,971 in 1929, a considerably lower ratio of increase. In recent years the complexity of modern life has created a whole new range of civic and national problems, chiefly in connection with health, education, and social amenities, and any criticism or review of the cost of public administration must take these considerations into account. Examinations. The regulations under the Public Service Act provide for a Public Service Entrance Examination for admission to cadetships in the Public Service. The syllabus for this examination is based on a two years' course at a secondary school. The regulations further provide that lads who have gained a higher leavingcertificate or who have matriculated take precedence over those who have passed only the Entrance Examination. A large number of matriculated lads have been offering for cadetship during the year, with the result that a smaller number of appointments are being made from the Entrance Examination pass-list. As indicative of the keen competition for cadetships, it is noteworthy that of the lads offered appointment fifty-one had gained a higher leaving-certificate and 216 had matriculated. To enable matriculated lads to be placed on a footing equal to Public Service candidates the entry age is extended to nineteen. It is recognized that fitness for advancement to the higher administrative and executive positions is enhanced by a continuance of study. Officers are therefore encouraged to qualify for the University and professional examinations. As an illustration of the extent to which officers have responded to the stimulus to improve their fitness for promotion by further study since the Commissioner system was inaugurated, it is to be noted that in 1913, when the Public Service Act first came into operation, the number of officers who had passed the Law Professional Examination, LL.B., or LL.M. was forty-three, whereas now there are 177 who have so qualified ; and similarly the number who have passed the Accountant's Professional Examination, 8.C0m., or M.Com. in the Public Service has increased from eighteen in 1913 to 228 at the present time. The number who held Engineering degrees or diplomas in 1913 was 159, as against 200 at the present time. The number who possess other University degrees has increased from twenty-one to 197. With few exceptions, the higher executive positions are now filled by officers whose merit and fitness are substantiated by appropriate examination qualification. It is not suggested that scholastic or professional examinations in themselves are instruments of scientific accuracy in estimating the calibre of an officer, as there are so many variable factors that influence examination results. The mere examination may not reveal all the special qualities that go to make up the ideal public servant —many a promising student in things practical often turns out a complete failure —but it can be said that the examination is a test impersonally and impartially directed to the estimation of merit, and in the administration of an Act which affirms the principle of selection for public appointments not by favour, not by chance, but by merit alone, the examination is of material assistance in the making of selections. An encouraging feature of this principle which induces officers to pursue their studies is the fact that the majority of younger officers now embark upon a course of study upon entering the Service. This has an added virtue in that not only is the officer thereby becoming better equipped to take his place in the higher ranks of the Service, but also, as many lads recruited for the Public Service come from country homes, the utilization of leisure hours in profitable study has other indirect advantages from a social-welfare point of view. Entrance Examinations. The usual annual Public Service Entrance Examination for admission to cadetships in the Public Service was held in November, 1928, when 2,462 candidates, including boys and girls, entered for the examination, as compared with 2,362 in the previous November. Of the number presented, 1,090 candidates passed the examination, 1,307 failed, and 65 absented themselves from the examination. The examination was conducted at sixty-nine centres, including Suva (Fiji).

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In addition, in November last Senior and Junior Entrance Examinations were held in thirty-one centres for shorthand-typists, for which there were 833 entries, an increase of 329 over the previous year : 470 of the candidates were successful in passing the examinations, 349 failed, and 14 did not present themselves. The Senior Examination consists of a speed test in shorthand at the rate of 110 words a minute, and in typewriting at the rate of forty words a minute ; and the Junior Examination is at the rate of eighty words a minute in shorthand and thirty words a minute in typewriting. Candidates are also required to pass a prescribed test in English. Owing to the need for girls with a greater speed to fill the higher positions, it is proposed in future to hold an Intermediate Examination with a speed test in shorthand at the rate of 130 words a minute and in typewriting at the rate of fifty words a minute ; and a Special Examination at a rate of 150 words a minute in shorthand and fifty words a minute in typewriting. Those who desire to qualify as Court reporters are enabled to sit for the examination held by the Justice Department in terms of regulations made under the Shorthand Reporters Act, 1908. The University and the Public Service. The Public Service Act provides that the Professional Division shall include officers whose offices or duties require in the persons holding or performing them some special skill or technical knowledge usually acquired in some profession or occupation different from the 'ordinary 'routine of (the public 'Public Service Regulation 161 (b) provides that holders of University degrees, or jof approved certificates tfrom any University college [that the candidate has attained any special knowledge in any scientific subject, may be admitted in such subdivision and class of the Professional Division as the Commissioner thinks fit. Regulation 217 provides that the Professional Division shall include actuaries, analysts, architects, bacteriologists, barristers, chemists, draughtsmen (if qualified as civil engineers, surveyors, or 'architects), engineers, land surveyors, medical practitioners, [solicitors, veterinarians, and 'others who, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, are classified or admitted to the Public Service as such. In addition to these positions referred to in the Professional Division, it is highly desirable that vacancies in administrative positions should as far as possible be filled by the holders of University degrees. In so far as members of the Professional Division are concerned, every facility is afforded officers to keep terms at a University college, and special regulations have been made applying to the staffs of the various laboratories, Public Works civil-engineering and electrical-engineering cadets, and various professional positions in the Department of Agriculture and in other Departments. Tn addition to the leave which is granted to enable the officer to attend college, the Department makes arrangement for the payment of college fees, unless such fees are covered by bursary, and the officer is required to enter into an agreement with the Department to refund all such fees paid by the Department should he, within three years after completion of his college course, leave the Department for any reason save sickness or injury, or dismissal through no fault of his own. This system has resulted in officers being much better equipped to carry out their respective duties, with corresponding benefit to the Department and to the country generally. No provision exists, however, for the payment of college fees in the cases of officers who wish to graduate in economics, professional accountancy, or law. It is essential that the future administrative officers of the Service should possess sound administrative training, and, while the practical training which all public servants receive in greater or lesser degree is of high value as well as in itself indispensable, a sound course of academic training would give a valuable background of knowledge and thought to the more practical qualities. In the United Kingdom there are interesting examples of what can be done in this direction, such as the course in Army administration at the London School of Economics for Army officers, and the course in railway and administration for railway officials in the various University centres. What is required in this country are similar facilities at our Universities enabling selected promising officers to take a specialized course of training. In Victoria, under the provisions of the University Act, 1923, awards may be made annually of five free places to officers of the Public Service, in addition to free places' 5 " awarded to teachers engaged in the teaching service. The five free places open to the Public

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Service are tenable for the full length of a course for any degree, diploma, or license —except the degree of Bachelor of Dental Science. Officers who are awarded free places are admitted without fee to all lectures and examinations in the subjects of their course, and are granted the leave of absence necessary for that purpose. Successful applicants are required to enter into an agreement that they will continue in the employment of the Government for a period of at least three years immediately following the termination of the course for which they have been nominated. To ensure the selection of the most suitable candidates a Board was appointed, of which the Public Service Commissioner is Chairman. The matter is one of Government policy, but 1 am confident that every encouragement in this direction should be given to selected officers. Salary- adjustments. Reference continues to be made from time to time to the question of the restoration of the salary cuts. In view of the lapse of time since the salary cuts were introduced, and the subsequent appointments and changes of personnel, and also the fact that two general regradings have since taken place, it is difficult to conceive upon what logical basis any reasonable claim at this stage can exist. In order to set out the matter in its proper perspective, it is proposed to recount briefly the actual steps that were taken to afford relief to public servants to meet the abnormal economic conditions arising out of the war and post-war price fluctuations. The following is a review of the adjustment in remuneration paid to officers to meet the variation in the cost of living since 1916 : — Up to £315 per annum — From Ist April, 1916, bonus granted as under:— Per Annum. Married officers and widowers or widows with dependent £ s. d. children under fourteen years of age .. .. 15 0 0 Single officers and widowers or widows with no children dependent .. .. .. .. .. 7 10 0 Juveniles (under eighteen years of age) .. . . 3 0 0 From Ist April, 1917, bonus renewed as under Married officers and widowers or widows with dependent children under fourteen years of age .. .. 15 0 0 Single officers and widowers or widows with no children dependent .. .. .. .. .. 7 10 0 Juveniles (under eighteen years of age)—If living at home .. .. . . .. 3 0 0 If living away from home .. . . . . 710 0 From Ist October, 1918, bonus increased as under : — Married officers and widowers or widows with dependent children under fourteen years of age .. .. 30 0 0 Single officers and widowers or widows with no children dependent .. .. .. .. 15 0 0 Juveniles (under eighteen years of age) — If living at home .. .. .. .. 6 0 0 If living away from home .. .. 15 0 0 From Ist April, 1919, a general regrading of the Service was carried out, and the amount previously paid by way of bonus was incorporated with salary. From Ist January, 1920, bonus granted as under : — Up to £500 per annum — Married officers and widowers and others with children or £ s. d. others entirely dependent on them .. .. 15 0 0 Single officers and widowers or widows without dependants 710 0 Ist April, 1920 : Bonus granted Ist January, 1920, dropped, and salaries of all officers increased as follows : — p er Annum. £ s. d. Officers receiving £145 and under .. .. .. . . 20 0 0 Officers receiving over £145 .. .. . . . . 50 0 0 When this latter adjustment in remuneration was made there was an understanding that the salary would be adjusted in the event of the cost of living falling.

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In January, 1922, the Public Expenditure Adjustment Act was passed, the following portion of the recital to which gives an indication of the reason for its introduction: — " Whereas the rates of remuneration of certain persons employed, whether permanently or temporarily, in the Government Service . . . have from time to time since the first day of April, nineteen hundred and sixteen, been increased, firstly by way of a bonus or grant, and afterwards by way of an increase in the rates of salaries or wages, such increase of remuneration being given partly in respect of special services and partly on account of the increased cost of living due to conditions arising out of the war with Germany . . . And whereas the increased rates of remuneration continue to be paid notwithstanding that a state of war no longer exists, and notwithstanding also that the cost of living has decreased and is likely further to decrease : And whereas it is essential in the public interest, having regard to the decreasing amount of revenue derivable from the usual and ordinary sources, that such increases as were made in the permanent charges on the public revenues by reason of the increased rates of remuneration aforesaid should be diminished. . . The Act applied to practically every employee in receipt of remuneration from the Government, with the exception of His Excellency the Governor-General; the Judges of the Supreme Court; the Judge of the Court of Arbitration ; the High Commissioner for New Zealand ; any person employed by the Government or by any other authority for a specific limited term of office pursuant to a contract made out of New Zealand ; any person who was remunerated by fees or commission, and not by wages or salary ; and any person who at the time of the passing of the Act was on leave of absence prior to retirement. The Act provided for the reduction in remuneration to be made by three instalments, the first cut to take effect as from the Ist January, 1922, the rate of reduction being as follows: Over £1,250, 10 per cent. ; £1,001 to £1,250, 9 per cent. ; £901 to £1,000, 8 per cent. ; £801 to £900, 7 per cent. ; £501 to £800, £25 ; £321 to £500, £20 ; £191 to £320, £15 ; £190 and under, £10. The Act further provided that, except in the case of officers in receipt of a salary in excess of £800 per annum, in which case only one cut was made, subsequent reductions should be applied on the Ist July, 1922, and the Ist January, 1923, as might be determined by the Minister of Finance and notified by notice published in the Gazette. In accordance with this provision a reduction in salaries was made from the Ist July, 1922, as follows : £191 to £800, £10 ; £190 and under, £5. It will be seen that adjustments by way of bonus were made in 1916, 1917, and 1918, and in 1919 the first adjustment by way of salary-increase was effected when the general regrading of the Service took place that year. In 1920, on account of the cost of living showing an increase of 62-4 per cent, over July, 1914, a further increase in salary was granted, making in the case of all lower-salaried officers, who were presumed to feel most keenly the increased cost of living, a total increase of £95. In 1922, when the cost of living had fallen to 47-1 per cent, above 1914, the Public Expenditure Adjustment Act was passed, bringing about the first salary cut, which, though general in application, affected officers receiving less than £320 to the extent of £15 only. The second cut was brought into effect in July, .1922, when the cost-of-living percentage had fallen to 43-6, and this cut resulted in a further £10 reduction, making a total reduction of £35, as against the total increase granted of £95. The cost-of-living figures continued to fall until towards the end of 1923, when they took an upward turn, giving rise to further requests for restoration of the cuts. In 1925 the cost-of-living figures reached their peak, although still considerably below the percentage upon which the increases had been made, and in 1926 they again showed a declining tendency, for some time past ranging round about the percentage that obtained when the first cut was made, some months being a point or two higher and others a few points lower. In 1924 there was another general regrading of the Public Service, which took into consideration the relative salaries paid outside the Service, and adjustments were made to assess rates of remuneration commensurate with the actual worth of the services rendered to the State and in conformity with salaries paid outside. Any general restoration of cuts at the present stage, apart from a reassessment of the value of individual positions, would create an entirely wrong standard of values, which would have a far-reaching general effect. Every officer in 1924 had a statutory right of appeal against his or her regrading. Full advantage was taken of this privilege, and a liberal comparison was made by officers with rates

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paid outside the Service; hence it cannot reasonably be contended that the Classification List as published in 1924 did not show a scale of salaries commensurate with the responsibilities and duties pertaining to each position. As such regrading may be regarded as an individualized classification, a general readjustment is not warranted. A comparison of the average rates of salary prior to the bringing into effect of the cuts, with the average prevailing at present, shows quite clearly that officers are not in a worse position than they were, thus substantiating the contention that all necessary adjustments have been made by way of the general regradings. Immediately prior to the cut being put into operation the average classified salary was £283-9 per annum. The effect of the cut was to reduce this average to £275-6, whereas the average salary paid last year was £291-7. In the general regrading of the Service now being undertaken an effort will be made, as on previous occasions, to provide a classification that will do justice both to the taxpayer and to each individual officer. Ketirement op Officers. Except in a few isolated and special cases, the policy of retiring officers in conformity with the provisions of the Public Service Act on attaining sixty-five years of age has been continued. In a limited number of cases younger officers who have qualified by virtue of having forty years' service and officers who have less service but who are sixty years of age have exercised their right to retire on superannuation. The matter of the retirement of officers before sixty-five years of age has excited comment in some directions. On the one hand, it is considered that early retirements involve an undue strain on the Superannuation Funds, and in some cases a loss of valuable services to the State. Experience shows that, except in rare cases, the advantage lies in the practice of retiring officers after forty years' service on reaching sixty years of age. After forty years' service there is rarely that keenness of ambition with which the younger officer is imbued, and there is a tendency for officers nearing the statutory retiring-age to adopt a laissez-faire attitude in situations which are likely to become embarrassing or involved. On the other hand, in a few cases officers who are drawing superannuation are also filling fairly remunerative positions outside the Service, allegedly on an unfair basis competitively, because of the fact that they are on superannuation. Such an attitude entirely overlooks that every unit of society is perfectly justified in remaining a producing unit so long as he is physically capable of so doing, and that in the long-run it is an economic advantage for him to do so. The superannuation is an officer's " surplus of production —in other words, his accumulated excess of income over expenditure. The amount contributed by the State is in the nature of a deferred payment for services rendered by him, whilst the major portion is bought by the officer himself as an annuity. The officer in taking up private business is practically in no way dissimilar to the private citizen who from the store of his savings embarks upon a new venture towards the evening of his career. It may be suggested, if the officer is physically fit to take up private work on retirement, that he should not be retired ; but it must be borne in mind that these are exceptional cases. The general experience, as stated above, is that it is an advantage to retire officers in conformity with the statute, both in the interests of the Service and in the interests of the staff. It would be impracticable and undesirable to institute any proposal that would involve differential treatment for these odd cases. Superannuation Privileges to Temporary Employees. In the Finance Act, 1928, provision is made that, with the concurrence of the Public Service Commissioner, a person who is temporarily employed in the Public Service may elect to become a contributor to the Public Service Superannuation Fund, either from the date of his election or from the date of his temporary appointment to the Public Service. In the event of the employee electing to become a contributor to the Fund as from the date of his appointment, he is required to pay arrears of contributions to the Superannuation Fund within such time and in such manner as the Public Service Superannuation Board may determine. The salary contribution is fixed by reference to his age on the date from which his election to become a contributor to the Fund takes effect.

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12

It is the practice of the Public Service to retain shorthand-typists, typists, and female office assistants on the temporary staff, and the amending legislation was provided in order that such employees might be afforded the opportunity of becoming contributors to the Public Service Superannuation Fund. It is pleasing to note that a large number of applications to join the fund has been received from this class of employee. So far the privilege has been given only to the class of employee already referred to. Public Service Amendment Act, 1927. In last year's report reference was made to the amendment to the Public Service Act, 1912, by the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927, and details of the main alterations were given. It is satisfactory to note that the amendments have considerably facilitated the administration of the Service, particularly in the matter of promotions, appeals by officers, and complaints and charges against officers. Defalcations. It is satisfactory to note that the number of defalcations and misappropriations in the Service is steadily diminishing. At the same time, it is with a measure of regret that several officers have required to be dealt with in this connection during the past year. The publicity given to these matters to some extent conveys the impression that lapses are more frequent in the Public Service than in private employ. The fact that under the Public Revenues Act the Auditor-Genera is obliged to prosecute in every case tends to magnify the extent of the improprieties in the Service. It is well known that many private employers, either from u dislike of the publicity and the association of their firm's name with criminal proceedings, or from a misplaced sense of sympathy, hush up these unfortunate incidents. The improved methods of accounting and system of internal check undoubtedly contribute in no small degree to the detection of improper practices, and at the same time the greater certainty of detection no doubt acts as a deterrent in many cases. When one considers the extremely wide ramifications of the Service, extending to remote localities where close supervision and check are difficult to maintain, it is indeed surprising that the number of lapses is not greater. Offences by officers are dealt with as prescribed by sections 12 and 13 of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927. Minor offences may be dealt with by the head of the Department, but must be reported to the Public Service Commissioner. All the more serious cases are required to be referred to the Commissioner, who may conduct an inquiry himself or delegate his powers to others. In all cases the officer must be specifically charged in writing and is required to answer the charge in writing. In the case of the more serious charges the officer has a right of appeal to the Public Service Board of Appeal against both the finding of the Commissioner and the penalty inflicted. Three such appeals were made last year, and all were disallowed by the Appeal Board. The principal classes of cases dealt with, and the decisions arrived at, are as follows : — (a) Misappropriations (3) : Forfeited office. (b) Irregularities in connection with stores (3) : Disrated. (c) Unsatisfactory conduct and work (4) : Appointments annulled, 2; dismissed, 2. (d) Breaches of discipline (4) : Fined. (e) Breach of Regulations (1) : Dismissed. (f) Making false statements at inquiry (4) : Dismissed, 3; resignation accepted, 1. (g) Unsatisfactory conduct (6): Dismissed, 3; services terminated, 1 ; fined, 2. (h) Falsifying records (1) : Transferred and disrated. (i) Neglect of duty (3) : Fined, 1; censured, 2. (j) Unsatisfactory work (1) : Transferred. Evasions of the Act. There is nothing to report under this heading.

13

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Probation. In terms of the Public Service Act, all appointments to the Public Service are on probation only, subject to confirmation on the officer proving his fitness for permanent appointment. This is a very necessary provision to ensure that only officers likely to turn out satisfactory are appointed to the Public Service. It has been found in some cases that controlling officers have not exercised sufficient discretion in dealing with probationers who show little promise of becoming suitable for appointment. In England an experiment was tried by means of psychological tests to determine the fitness of prospective appointees. This has not yet been brought down to a practical working basis, but it is clear that if the social waste arising from economic misfits is to be prevented it is desirable that " square pegs in round holes " should be discovered as early as possible, in order that a more suitable and congenial avenue of employment may be sought. This principle is confirmed by the 1912 Commission dealing with the Public Service of New Zealand. In many instances, owing to the existing economic conditions, although the appointee may be quite well aware that he is not suited to the task at which he is engaged, he will be influenced by the difficulty of finding alternative employment, and unless definite action is taken by those in authority over him he drifts on, ultimately becoming more or less of a dead-weight and an unproductive overhead burden. In order to minimize this possibility arrangements have been made for progress probation reports to be sent to the Commissioner at frequent intervals —in some cases three-monthly reports are required, and prospective appointees are required to be advised of their deficiencies or inaptitude at an early stage. During the year ended 31st March, 1929, thirty-seven appointments were annulled for various reasons, the number in the previous year being thirtyeight. In addition, several appointees have had their period of probation extended until such time as the Commissioner is satisfied that they are likely to become efficient officers. Stores and Accounts. Close attention has been given to the matter of the more efficient control of stores and the improvement of methods of departmental accounting. The close co-operation of Audit and Treasury with departmental accounting officers is steadily bringing forward to practical fruition the idea for each Department to produce a departmental balance-sheet on commercial lines for incorporation in a national balance-sheet, thereby enabling the administration to be reviewed on a profit-and-loss basis as well as from a policy point of view. The benefits of the improved methods are already being reflected in greater economy, due to the facilitation of the analysis and scrutiny of all expenditure and a closer check on the use and consumption of stores. Suggestions for Improvements. Under Public Service Regulation 17 officers are invited to forward, for the consideration of the Commissioner, any suggestions having for their object increased efficiency and economy. Even if these suggestions are not considered by the Commissioner to be suitable for adoption, the submission of an intelligent suggestion is regarded as an evidence of zeal, and it is duly noted on the personal file of the officer concerned. Several suggestions were made during the year, and, although none was considered of sufficient novelty and merit to warrant monetary recognition, the following are deserving of mention herein : —

Name. Department. Suggestion. Nestor, M. S. .. Lands and Survey .. Standardization of the various leases and licenses used by the Department. Watson, J. H. .. Lands and Survey .. Amended Current Account Ledger-sheet.

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14

Leave of Absence for Education and Training Purposes. During the year the following officers were granted special leave of absence, in some cases to permit them to proceed abroad for the purpose of extending their knowledge and experience, and in others to enable them to pursue their studies : — Arnold, E. H., Clerk, Agriculture Department, Auckland : To take course at Hawkesbury Agricultural College. Waters, D. F., Assistant Analyst, Agriculture Department, Wellington: To prepare thesis for Honours degree in science. Calder, R. A., Instructor in Agriculture, Agriculture Department, Timaru : To proceed to Edinburgh to take Ph.D. degree in animal genetics. Wylie, Miss C. E., Organizing Teacher, Special School, Education Department, Otekaike ; and Fraser, Miss A. S., Teacher, Special School for Girls, Education Department, Richmond : To visit United States of America, Canada, and Great Britain to study latest methods adopted in dealing with subnormal children. Campbell, R. M., Private Secretary, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To take up Commonwealth Fund Service Fellowship (America). Harrison, S. S., Engineer's Assistant, Public Works Department, Auckland : To gain further engineering experience abroad. In addition to the foregoing, the following officers were granted leave of absence for the purpose stated : — Cunningham, I. J., Clerk, Chemical Laboratory, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To exchange with officer of the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen. Simmers, R. G., Meteorological Assistant, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Wellington : To join Mawson Antarctic Expedition. Young, M. W., Marine Biologist, Marine Department, Wellington : To accompany Danish Scientific Fisheries Expedition. Departmental Officers on Loan to other Administrations. The following officers have been granted leave of absence from the New Zealand Public Service to enable them to take up duty with the Administrations named: —

Administration. Name. Department from which loaned. High Commissioner's Office .. .. Steel, R. W. .. .. Agriculture. Wright, W. .. .. „ Ross, A. C. .. „ Steere, H. C. .. .. Audit. Lawrence, F. W. .. Customs. Mitchell, T. .. „ Sandford, F. T. .. Immigration. Jervis, D. M. .. .. Internal Affairs. Wilson, Miss P. C. Mitchinson, Miss E. .. Public Trust. Ferguson, W. S. .. Public Works. Lishman, G. W. .. Tourist. Samoa .. .. .. .. Scott, L. C. .. .. Agriculture. Gapes, H. .. .. Audit. Johnson, J. R. .. Customs. McKay, C. G. R. .. External Affairs. Partridge, L. B. .. Health. Henry, F. J. W. .. ,, Clinkard, G. W. .. Industries and Commerce. Millar, T. H. .. .. Internal Affairs. Carroll, J. M. .. Justice. Murphy, E. F. .. Labour. Peck, E. .. .. Native. Hardy, J. H. .. .. Public Works. Lofley, W. G. Cook Islands .. .. .. .. Binfield, R. E. . . Agriculture. Conway, T. .. „ Nottage, I. L. .. ,, Reid, E. A. .. .. „ McMahon-Box, J. P. .. Customs. Luckham, A. A. .. Prisons. Secretariat to League of Nations .. Chapman, J. H. .. Customs. Falkland Islands .. .. .. Carter, R. W... .. Agriculture.

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15

Departmental Officers on Duty Abroad. During the year the following officers proceeded abroad for the purposes stated:— Campbell, J. A., Director of Horticulture Division, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To visit Australia to inquire into various matters affecting Department's activities. Cunningham, G. EL, Mycologist, Agriculture Department, Palmerston North : To visit United States and Europe to make inquiries in connection with various plant-disease problems, and also to attend the Imperial Mycological Conference in Great Britain. Singleton, W. M., Director, Dairy Division, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To visit United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, and Denmark to inquire into matters in connection with the dairy-produce export trade. Gill, D. A., Assistant Officer in Charge, Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture Department, Wallaceville : To visit United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa to investigate and study matters in connection with veterinary research. Fisher, W. H., Examining Officer, Customs Department, Wellington : To make inquiries in South Africa concerning certain goods exported to New Zealand. Garrard, C. W., Senior Inspector, Education Department, Auckland : To attend Conference of Australasian Inspectorate in Sydney. Dyer, Miss M., Inspector, Domestic Science Subjects, Education Department, Wellington : While visiting England, to study the latest methods adopted in the teaching of domestic subjects. Taylor, E. D., Supervisor of Vocal Music, Education Department, Wellington : To attend Summer Holiday Music Conference at Lausanne, and while visiting England and Continent to inquire into latest developments in school music. Fenton, R. W., Clerk, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To visit Australia to inquire into publicity matters. Fraser, M., Government Statistician, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To attend Conference of Statisticians at Canberra. Hodgkins, G. C., Chief Electoral Officer, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To visit Australia to inquire into electoral matters. Butcher, R. M., Deputy Chief Inspector of Explosives, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To attend Conference of Harbour and Explosives Authorities in Australia. Bicknell, Miss J., Director, Division of Nursing, Health Department, Wellington : To attend Conference of International Council of Nurses at Montreal. Kimbell, A. H., Under-Secretary of Mines, Wellington : To investigate and report upon various matters relating to mining industry in Australia. Maclaurin, Dr. J. S., Dominion Analyst, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Wellington : To attend Pan-Pacific Conference at Batavia, Java. Marshall, Dr. P., Testing Officer, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Wellington : To attend Pan-Pacific Conference at Batavia, Java. Henderson, Dr. J., Director, Geological Survey Branch, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Wellington: To attend International Geological Conference at South Africa. Firth, R. M., Clerk, Tourist Department, Melbourne : To assist Pacific Tours Company in the United States in encouraging tourist traffic to New Zealand. Turner, E. Phillips, Director of Forestry, Wellington : To join British Empire Forestry Conference in Australia. Morrison, W. T., Conservator of Forests, Whakarewarewa : To join British Empire Forestry Conference in Australia. Hansson, A., Chief Inspector of Forestry, State Forest Service, Wellington : To join British Empire Forestry Conference in Australia. Amendments to the General Regulations. During the year the principal amendments were as follows : — Regulation 24 : Altering the method of collecting fees payable to officers attending Court in their official capacity. Regulation 110 : Amending the allowance payable to officers using a railway sleeping-berth when travelling on public service. Regulation 111 : Amending the conditions under which relieving-allow-ances may be granted to officers.

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16

Administrative Changes. Since the last report the following changes have taken place in the Administrative Division : —• Agriculture Department: On the 31st March, 1929, Mr. F. S. Pope, Assistant Director-General, retired on superannuation. He was replaced by Dr. A. H. Cockayne, Director of Fields Division, Palmerston North, who was in turn replaced by Mr. J. W. Deem, Fields Superintendent, Palmerston North. Pensions Department: On the 30th June, 1929, Mr. G. C. Fache, 0.8. F., Commissioner of Pensions, retired on superannuation. He was succeeded by Mr. J. H. Boyes, Assistant Commissioner, who was in turn replaced by Mr. H. D. Smith, Registrar of Pensions, Auckland. Mr. W. T. Neill, Surveyor-General, also retired on superannuation on the 31st December, 1928. He was succeeded by Mr. H. E. Walshe, Chief Draughtsman. Mr. G. N. Morris, Official Assignee, Justice Department, Auckland, was selected for a vacancy arising for a Stipendiary Magistrate. His resignation from the Public Service took effect as from the 9th June, 1929. Public Service Board of Appeal. On the 15th May, 1929, Mr. G. N. Morris, one of the elected Service representatives on the Board of Appeal, received notice of his appointment as a Stipendiary Magistrate, and he tendered his resignation as a member of the Board of Appeal. To fill the vacancy, an extraordinary election was held on the Btli July, 1929. Only one nomination was received, that of Mr. C. de R. Andrews, who had been unseated at the triennial election in May, 1928. Mr. Andrews was duly declared elected. The constitution of the Board at the present time is : — Chairman : Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G. Government appointee : Mr. J. H. Jerram. Elected Service representatives: Messrs. A. S. Houston (Agriculture Department) and C. de R. Andrews (Valuation Department). There were two sittings of Appeal Board for the year ended 31st March, 1929. Sixty-two appeals were dealt with. The result of the appeals was as follows : Allowed, 1 ; disallowed, 42 ; did not lie, 12; withdrawn, 7. Of these appeals 4 were classification appeals ; 54 were promotion appeals ; 1 was against decision to reduce the status of the officer ; and 3 were against the decision to dismiss the officer. Conclusion. During November and December of last year, at the request of Government, the Public Service Commissioner, the Assistant Secretary to Treasury, and the Secretary, External Affairs Department, visited Western Samoa for the purpose of investigating the staffing and financial arrangements of the various Departments of the Mandated Territory. During the absence of the Commissioner, Mr. A. D. Thomson, formerly Assistant Public Service Commissioner, was appointed Deputy Commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act. The Commissioner is indebted to Government for agreeing to recommend the appointment of Mr. B. L. Dallard, Controller-General of Prisons, as Assistant Commissioner to facilitate the quinquennial regrading of the Service, which is being effected this year. Mr. Dallard's wide experience of the Service as a whole, obtained during his previous association with this Office, has proved of valuable assistance in this connection. I desire again to place on record my appreciation of the hearty co-operation and generous support accorded me by the Permanent Heads and by officers throughout the Service in maintaining the efficiency and the high traditions of the Service. Thanks are especially due to the members of my own staff for their loyal and devoted assistance. All of which is humbly submitted for Your Excellency's gracious consideration. P. Verschaffelt, Commissioner. B. L. Dallard, Assistant Commissioner. Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Wellington, 29th October, 1929.

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TABLES.

Table I. —Public Service List, 31/3/29. —General Summary of Classification by Departments

3—H. 14.

17

(excluding Officers in Administrative Division). Number Salary, | Salary, „ , Department. of Year ending I Year ending T Officers. 31/3/29. 31/3/30. increase. £ £ £ Agriculture .. .. .. .. .. .. 542 186,339 189,654 3,315 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 5 (On leave) .. .. .. .. .. 2 Audit .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 156 47,550 49,660 2,110 Crown Law .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 3,915 3,935 20 Customs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 302 94,545 97,130 2,585 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 2 (On Iea,ve) .. .. .. .. .. 1 Defence .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49 12,490 12,705 215 Education .. .. ..' .. .. .. 292 104,300 105,950 1,650 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 2 525 .. (Appointed 1/4/29) •• •• .. .. 1 .. 288 (On leave) . . .. .. .. .. 3 External Affairs ,. .. .. .. .. .. 7 2,405 2,495. 90 Government Insurance .. .. .. .. .. Ill 32,770 33,775 1,005 Health .. .. .. .. .. .. 425 110,366 112,036 1,670 (Appointed 1/4/29) .. .. .. .. 1 .. 490 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 (On leave) ., . . .. .. .. 1 Immigration .. .. .. .. .. 11 3,295 3,315 20 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 Industries and Commerce .. .. .. .. .. 10 3,TC0 3,805 85 (On loan) . . .. .. .. .. 1 Internal Affairs .. .. .. .. .. .. 373 97,383 99,703 2,320 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 2 410 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. (On leave) .. .. .. .. .. 2 Justice .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 264 71,530 2,625 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 Labour .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 107 31,895 32,515 620 Land and Deeds .. .. .. .. .. .. 134 37,405 39,285 1,880 Land and Income Tax .. .. .. .. .. 159 38,070 40,415 2,345 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 135 Lands and Survey .. .. .. .. .. .. 628 | 177,300 184,045 6,745 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. I 450 Marine .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 188 63,845 64,680 835 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 175 Mental Hospitals .. .. .. .. .. .. 937 210,275 212,463 2,188 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 130 (Appointed 1/4/29) .. .. .. .. 2 .. 320 (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 Mines .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 51 16,625 16,995 370 National Provident and Friendly Societies .. .. .. 34 8,665 9,020 355 Native .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 67 19,270 19,700 430 Native Trust .. .. .. .. .. ... 27 8,025 8,245 220 Pensions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 25,635 26,945 1,310 Police .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 1,920 1,975 55 Prime Minister's .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 825 825 Printing and Stationery .. .. .. .. .. 319 89,313 89,882 568 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 338 Prisons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 235 63,780 64,520 740 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 270 < .. (On loan) .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. ... Public Service Commissioner's . . .. .. .. 9 3,825 3,850 25 Public Service Superannuation .. .. .. .. 10 2,805 2,885 80 Public Trust .. .. .. .. .. .. 599 174,410 180,145 5,735 (On loan) .. .. .. . . .. 1 Public Works .. .. .. .. .. .. 714 224,720 230,280 5,560 (On loan) .. .. .. . . .. 2 (On leave) .. . . .. .. .. 2 Scientific and Industrial Research .. .. .. .. 51 | 19,355 19,705 350 Stamp Duties .. .. .. .. .. .. 75 20,260 21,110 850 State Advances .. .. .. .. .. . . 87 21,650 22,685 1.035 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. 1 295 State Fire Insurance .. .. .. .. .. 142 36,620 38,200 1,580 State Forest Service .. .. .. .. .. 119 36,930 37,860 930 Tourist .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 105 26,012 26,742 730 (Resigned 31/3/29) .. . . .. .. 1 135 Treasury.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 89 24,590 25,595 1,005 Valuation .. .. .. .. .. 83 ! 29,565 29,985 420 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 7,634 2,184,201 2,238,873 54,671 Resigned 31/3/29 .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 2,863 Appointed 1/4/29 .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. 1,098 On loan .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 On leave .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 Totals, 31/3/29* .. .. .. .. 7,646 2,187,064 Totals, 1/4/29* .. .. .. .. 7,638 .. 2,239,971 Native-schoolteachers .. .. .. .. .. 281 j .. 59,490 Vacant, 1/4/29 .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 * Excluding 17 officers on loan and 11 on leave. Note.—Fractions of £1 are not taken into consideration in totals.

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Table II.—Public Service List, 31/3/29. —General Summary of Classification by Classes

18

(excluding Officers in Administrative Division). Class (excluding Administrative). ™ ° f | | sT/3/?0. Increte. Professional — £ £ £ Over scale .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 77,021 77,281 260 A .. .. .. .. .. .. 112 73,745 74,395 650 A (on loan) .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 B .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 128 70,085 70,580 495 C .. .. .. .. .. .. 122 57,010 58,055 1.045 C (appointed 1/4/29) .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 490 C (on leave) .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 D •• •• .. 107 41,365 42,150 785 D (on leave) . . .. .. .. .. .. 1 E .. .. .. .. .. .. 43 12,540 12,735 195 F .. .. •• .. .. .. 41 6,495 7,200 705 F (on leave) .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Clerical— Special .. .. .. .. .. .. 72 50,970 51,020 50 I .. •• .. .. .. .. .. 80 46,525 46,825 300 II .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 74 37,560 37,835 275 II (on loan).. .. .. .. .. .. 2 III .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 115 52,860 53,305 445 III (on leave).. .. .. .. .. .. 1 IV .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 261 108,655 109,460 805 IV (on leave).. .. .. .. .. 1 V .. .. .. .. .. .. .. i 229 85,335 86,110 775 VI .. .. .. .. .. .. 473 156,695 157,900 1,205 VII (£275-£295) .. .. .. .. .. 686 192,695 199,330 6,635 VII (resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. .. 2 590 VII (on loan) .. . . .. . . .. .. 5 VII (£210-£250) .. .. .. .. .. j 440 90,745 99,220 8,475 VII (£80-£l?0) .. .. .. .. .. 1,150 136,700 161,725 25,025 VII (resigned 31/3/29) . . .. .. .. .. 2 250 General — I(£320 and over) .. .. .. .. .. 763 292,890 294,519 1,629 I (resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. .. 2 788 I (on loan) .. . . .. .. .. .. 4 I (on leave).. .. .. .. .. .. 2 II(£191-£319) .. .. .. .. .. 1,953 489,329 492,838 3,508 II (resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. .. 2 570 II (appointed 1/4/29).. .. .. .. .. j 1 .. 200 II (on loan) .. .. .. . . .. .. 4 II (on leave).. .. .. .. .. .. 1 III (£190 and under) .. .. .. .. .. 646 90,535 91,769 1,234 III (resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. .. 3 440 III (appointed 1/4/29).. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 120 III (on loan) .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Educational— I (£320 and over) .. .. .. .. .. 24 8,780 8,800 20 IT (£191-£319) .. .. .. .. .. 22 5,165 5,305 140 II (resigned 31/3/29) .. .. .. .. .. 1 225 II (appointed 1/4/29).. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 288 II (on leave).. .. .. .. .. .. 3 III (£190 and under) .. . . .. .. .. 3 500 515 15 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 7,634 2,184,201 2,238,873 54,671 Resigned 31/3/29 .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 2,863 Appointed 1/4/29 . . .. .. .. .. .. 5 .. 1,098 On loan .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 On teave .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 Totals, 31/3/29* .. .. .. .. 7.646 2,187,064 Totals, 1/4/29* .. .. .. .. 7,639 .. 2,239,971 Native-schoolteachers .. .. .. .. .. 281 .. 59,490 Vacant, 1/4/29 .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 * Excluding 17 officers on loan and 11 on leave. Note.—Fractions of £1 are not taken into consideration in totals.

19

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Table III.—Showing Alterations in Staffs and Salaries of Departments between Classified List for 1928-29 and 31st March, 1929.

Classified List, 1928-29. Increase. Decrease. q) By Transfer from other By New Entrants. . from uK'sTffeTpwitlons. Appointments from Outeide the Temporary Employees By Transfer to By Retirement „ JP>, , Net Increase or At 31st March 1929 Salary on Service. made Permanent. .. other , 1ft v J nn no \ By Dismissal Decrease. lommaan, imv, Promotion, Ac. — Total Urease. By Reduction Departments or Bv ( J£L h SuDerannua Bv Resignation (including Cases Total Decrease. r»onartment. « Total (within (2) | (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) in Salary. to Unclassified By Death * »uperannua- By Resignation. where Services P je Classified Department). To fill As Additions To fill As Additions To fill As Additions Positions. or p PT1 oj nn dispensed with). Department. § Salaries. Vacancies. to Staff. Vacancies. to Staff. Vacancies. to Staff. tension. o ... I .......... I . . I I - 0M IH I ' l ■ -> L_ . *• • -• . • . .1. . . . , • m O. • £ £ o> C a> q a> c 4> - OJ "c qj "c aS "S fe I-. "if h> fc. ® _ u £ •S 3- 2 3, 2 =3 ' Q s^s^s^s-fi3^Q§^S ( S2S2^ a Sa £ a & c £« « «.22 _____ i i i II j i i i i i i i i n i i i i i i i i i i I i j i i i i i i i§ gl :: 8 >8:8 8 '« J S i S *5 '« 1 6 C :: :: . 3 r 8 l lk :: : f , 8 4° , 2 efo , 3 lj?5 f !« .! f 1 I;K $S *85 S "SB » tnre - Crown Law . • • • • • • • • • • .. . • .. .. .. .. .. .. # # .. .. .. -1- 102 6 3,915 Crown Law. Customs •• •• 299 95 'J, 55 2 o!n- J 2, ~™ 5 3 ' 115 2 265 1 116 8 3,495 + 3 - 610 302 94,545 Customs. Defence •• oq ha\ 77 07$ 1 iQr. 1 9qk 99 7 1 coa o 1 97A o< </..) '* ** ock " ** '' ** •• •• 1 1L5 + 1 + 215 49 12,490 Defence. Education •; •• " 1( ° J °' 741 9 V70 I I " " ' o *f2« " " " " 3 1 ' 536 12 2 ' 580 •• •• 16 4 ' 380 + 18 +6,083 294 104,825 Education. External Affairs 5 l'*™ 2 170 ■ ■ " 1 135 •• •• 1 500 2 805 + 2 + 805 7 2,405 External Affairs. Government Insurance lid 33,570 .. .. 2 160 .. .. . .. .. - 160 .. . 1 470 3 490 .. .. 4 960 - 2 - 800 111 32,770 Government Insurance. Health " ,3 i!'*™ " " ' 335 • 2 760 3 840 20 4,155 3 355 29 6,575 +19 + 2,143 425 110,366 Health. MSsandCommeree 12 "2 " 7 0 " " !! " 'i " 8 0 !! " " !! " " 'i "i 5 0 " " 2 750 " i ]85 I Tt ~ I ~ }„ *•** J™ mi f ation ' „ , Industries _ pq Q9A i an 1 qsa a Airk 1 qa 11 o inrk * oer o rt rwrvc o ■. AArt ** * * ** * * 93o 2 78o 10 3,720 tndustnes and Com erce. Internal Affairs •• 334 90,6.8 29 J O 80 1 380 8 640 1 80 11 2,100 1 35 8 2,005 3 1,280 4 1,540 8 1,595 .. .. 23 6,455 -12 - 4,355 322 86,273 Internal Affairs. Internal Affairs (Reliev- 59 12,598 4 8- .. .. 4 870 3 -40 4 490 11 1,682 .. .. 10 1,740 7 i >0 20 .. .. 17 2,760 - 6 - 1,078 53 11,520 Internal Affairs (ReJustice (also Patents).. 262 72,975 12 310 1 155 1 295 14 1,120 1 SO .. .. 17 1,960 .... 3 995 2 450 3 770 6 975 1 215 15 3,405 + 2 - 1,445 264 71,530 Patente). ■rabour •• " 2 360 - •• ® 1 80 1 270 .. .. 12 1,985 .. .. 4 555 2 370 1 335 7 1,260 + 5 + 725 107 31,895 Labour. LandandDeeds 136 38,655 5 105 .. .. 3 240 1 80 4 425 .. .. 1 295 1 425 .. .. 4 955 .. .. 6 1,675 - 2 - 1,250 134 37,405 Land and Deeds. Land and Income Tax 153 38,575 14 530 80 .. .. 17 1,360 1 80 " ;• 2 .. •• 6 1,230 1 295 1 225 4 670 .. .. 12 2,420 + 7 - 370 160 38,205 Land and Income Tax. Lands and Survey •• 63o 183,850 43 1,0.5 11 1,395 .. .. 19 1,745 1 80 2 590 33 4,835 8 265 12 2,630 1 135 8 3,940 16 3,420 2 545 39 10,935 - 6 - 6,100 629 177,750 Lands and Survey. \r~i„ e ■■ •• 19 y 63 ' { 275 1 80 1 590 1 295 1 345 4 1,585 1 420 1 425 1 185 2 390 5 1 420 - 1 4- 165 189 64 0"0 Marin* Mental Hospitals •• 8o7 1 94,530 291 4,585 .. .. 233 35,010 31 7,890 .. 1 264 265 47,750 1 20 4 985 5 1,054 5 1,525 144 23,964 26 4,326 184 +81 +15,875 938 2UM05 MentalHospitals. Zies „ Jh S "Am 2 30 1 135 " •• 3 t " •• 2 540 •• •• 2 835 1 540 •• •• 6 i' 915 " 2 - 565 51 16,625 Mines. National Provident^ and 35 9,265 3 240 3 240 .. 2 305 .. .. 1 380 1 155 .. .. 4 840 - 1 - 600 34 8,665 National Provident and Friendly Socic . ... Friendly Societies. SS«-" " ,S • -Z ' 1 700 2 1 8 :: " :: :: S » " • • " :: " •' 295 "i « :: :: I 8» 11 t S S l l:S US^. Pensions •• ;; 112 I'gao 650 .. .. 2 195 .. .. 2 700 4 685 .. .. 8 1,580 - 2 - 930 110 25,635 Pensions. poli° e • ter's •• 1 *750 1 75 .. .. .. "" " " ]' *75 * "* * " " " " ** *' •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ® 1,920 Police. 1 wd Stationery 328 91,126 20 313 5 1,235 7 1,630 12 3,178 .. .. 3 591 3 956 4 1,241 8 2 '599 20 -*8 - 1,474 320 89,651 Printing and Stationery. Prisons • i'?on " " ' * " 6,400 2 640 •• •• 10 2 ,325 4 990 16 3,955 +13 + 2,445 236 64,050 Prisons. public Ser^ 06 C° mnus " 10 4,120 1 295 X 295 - 1 - 295 9 3,825 PubUc Service CommisPublic er Se rvioe Su P® r " 9 2,725 1 80 1 SO + 1 + 80 10 2,805 PuWkf Super- ' aI l" U rr r u8t.. •• 168,385 166 3,925 3 535 2 355 17 1,360 46 3,760 .. .. 6 2,220 74 12,155 10 205 2 535 3 605 3 610 21 4 040 1 135 30 6 130 + 44 + 6 025 599 174 410 Public Trust Public Works •• 689 220,752 258 4,716 4 820 3 515 29 3,260 15 ' 2,250 3 830 12 3,465 66 15,856 5 235 4 1,180 4 1,260 7 2,053 23 3 940 41 11 *888 +25 + 3i968 714 Public Works. £entiflca ndIndUStna 44 17,325 8 295 " • • 2 250 2 400 4 1,200 8 2,145 1 i 15 .. .. l 115 + 7 + 2,030 51 19,355 Scientific and Industrial Research __ qak q ca 9 iaa n Research. STiSS. :: J H : i | " :: 'i « « » ™ » " '■ » » » » "i « .» \ Jg :: :: i ,.J8 ;S ; £ S 5f;SS tS?£SL state F'r® Insuran 06 145 37,305 8 155 7 560 .. 7 715 .. .. 2 345 .. 8 1,055 .. .. 10 1,400 - 3 - 685 142 36,620 State Fire Insurance. fsr-.. « » s« i 5 ' ® i a I S J s :: :: • s :: - ■ -i k. •« r i ss « t '•% s ss? sa?— ■■ 83 !8 - 715 3 " 8,5 ■■ 1 80 1 " m 4 i-"» :: :: » - i 380 'i as 1 :: :: I i,S + .' 1 ??S U fl:££ vSS. Valna llu Totals *• 7 > 418 2,158,283 1,168 28,258 47 8,430 29 7,070 468 66,630 199 31,780 15 3,770 38 11,569, 796 157,508 28 930 84 18,666 33 10,076 60 22,444 343 67,094 48 9,516 568 128,727 +228 +28,780 7,646 2,187,064 Totals. Note.—This return does not include administrative officers, 17 officers on loan, 11 on leave, and Native-school teachers (281, £59,490). jjjget. Fractions of £1 are not taken into consideration in totals.

H.—l4.

Table IV.—Temporary Employees other than Workmen, etc., as at 1st April, 1929.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (650 copies), £26 10s.

By Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price 9d.]

19

3*2 -o • ,2 § fl fl £ oo a? J2 3. . °5 . 2 • C t® <3 « | fsf II I g 1 II 1 I I £ I © » „§ I Department. o « Jg 3 | f .|| 8 § J I g ° S § ® 15 jS o g •£. 2 » .fra I* +3 ,* g "3 o Pn & © I § jm fl | - I & i I i | o | - a | * s n a o | a Agriculture .. .. .. 7 16 21 33 7 27 2 1 19 Audit .. .. .. .. 4 1 Crown Law .. .. .. ! .. .. 1 Customs .. .. .. ! 1 .. 7 | .. Defence .. .. .. 5 .. 5 6 .. .. .. 1 Education .. .. .. j 2 13 18 8 .. j .. .. 2 .. 21 External Affairs .. .. i .. .. 1 [ Government Life Insurance 8 11 ..j Health .. .. .. 13 .. 12 3 .. 7 2 8 .. 1 17 1 .. 27 Immigration .. .. 1 .. 1 j Industries and Commerce .. 2 .. 3 3 j Internal Affairs .. .. 8 .. 86 1 .. 11 .. j .. .. 1 .. 14 Justice .. .. .. 2 1 12 1 .. I 4 Labour .. .. .. 3 .. 13 1 .. 3 .. 1 Land and Deeds .. .. 14 .. 24 .. 16 2 .. Land and Income Tax 5 11 2 Lands and Survey .. .. 7 .. 51 11 1 4 5 6 Marine .. .. .. 5 .. 11 1 1 .. 1 Mental Hospitals .. .. 1 7 1 1 4.. 1 4 .. 3 Mines .. .. .. 2 2 2 2 National Provident and Friendly .. .. 4 16 Societies Native .. .. .. 11 .. 15 1 2 Native Trust .. 4 1 Pensions .. .. .. 18 .. 20 19 I .. 1 Printing and Stationery .. 2 .. 4 1 Prisons .. .. .. 5 .. 5 6 Public Service Superannuation 2 Public Trust .. .. 50 .. 115 2 .. 3 5 .. 3 Public Works .. .. 101 .. 75 72 .. .. 4 54 3 .. 3 .. 68 .. 4 .. 112 Scientific and Industrial Research .. .. 5 29 Stamp Duties .. .. 1 .. 9 1 1 State Advances .. 10 .. 16 6 12 State Fire Insurance .. 2 .. 25 13 State Forest Service .. .. 2 .. 17 5 4 1 .. 7 Tourist .. .. .. 3.. 9 3 3 .. 1 4 Treasury .. .. 4 10 1 Valuation .. .. .. 7.. 27 1 2 4 1 3 Totals .. ..285 20 638 90 17 2 12 55 38 35 158 27 72 22 37 5 266