H.—l4

10

third-year cadets. Cadets who have gained the degree of Bachelor of Science of the University of New Zealand or other recognized university will start as third-year cadets, provided that they have qualified in suitable subjects. Departmental Inspections and Reports. Considerable attention has been given to the necessity for regular and frequent departmental inspections by experienced officers. Copies of all such reports are now being furnished to this Office. The results so far obtained from this source of inspection indicate that improvements are being effected and that Departments are being kept in closer touch with outside conditions. The enlargement of the scope of the work of these Inspectors, especially in respect to accounts and systems of internal check, is under consideration. The position of Inspector of Departmental Accounts is held by an officer of the Treasury Department, which administers the Public Revenues Act, but, unfortunately, inspections by that officer outside Wellington have for several reasons not been actively pursued. The want of a frequent inspection from the point of view of the Public Revenues Act, and Treasury Regulations, is noticeable. On the grounds of economy the question of increasing the inspection staff attached to this Office is held over, but it is recognized that in some respects a closer link between this Office and the individual officers of Departments outside Wellington is desirable. Departmental Officers on Duty Abroad. The following officers proceeded abroad for the purposes stated : — Watt, M. Hi, Director, Division of Public Hygiene, Health Department. Wellington : To visit Australia to attend the Australasian Medical Congress. Millier, B. W., .Assistant Secretary and Chief Clerk, Marine Department: To visit Australia to make inquiries in connection with shipping, harbours, and Commonwealth Navigation Act. Mills, V. A., Chief Clerk and Accountant, Immigration Department, Wellington : To visit the United Kingdom to co-ordinate matters connected with immigration. Cull, J. E. L., Designing Engineer, Head Office, Public Works Department: To visit England in connection with contract for the electrification of the Otira Tunnel. Caughley, J., Director of Education : To visit Australia to make inquiries in connection with educational matters. Woodford, A. J. C, Machinist, Census and Statistics Office (Internal Affairs Department) : To proceed to America to gain information in regard to the use and maintenance of machines purchased in connection with statistical work. McKenzie, E. F., Public Works Department: Granted extended leave to enable him to gain experience in electrical undertakings in America. J. H. Chapman, Customs Department: Granted extended leave of absence to enable him to take up position in the office of the Secretariat, League of Nations. Ritchie, T. R., Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Dunedin : To visit Samoa to report on diseases endemic in the Samoan Group which may be regarded as tropical diseases, and the measures necessary to prevent their introduction into the Dominion. In addition to the foregoing, under reciprocal arrangement with the Canadian Government, Mr. N. R. McKenzie, Inspector of Schools, Hamilton, was granted leave of absence to enable him to temporarily exchange duties with an Inspector of Schools in Canada. DEPi_RTMENTAL OFFICERS ON LOAN TO OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS. In furthering the principle of staffing the Public Service of Samoa and other Administrations with officers from the New Zealand Public Service, the following