H.—l4

8

Senior and Entrance Examinations. The Public Service Senior Examination held between the. 4th and 17th January last was conducted under regulations which came into force on the Ist April, 1915. The only candidates admitted were returned soldiers who had previously obtained partial success at the examination. Of twenty candidates who presented themselves, ten completed the examination. The examination held afforded a final opportunity for returned soldiers to complete the Public Service Senior Examination, the Matriculation Examination having now been substituted for the Senior Examination for the purposes of the Public Service Regulations. The Public Service Entrance Examination was conducted at fifty-four centres between the 21st and 28th November, 1921. The number of candidates entered was 1,152, as compared with 1,076 for the previous year. Of the total number who presented themselves, 632 passed the examination. A special examination for Public Service entrance was conducted in June, 1921. There were 248 candidates distributed over eighteen centres, and of the number who presented themselves for examination 1.30 were successful in passing. Both the ordinary and special examinations were open, to all candidates, both boys and girls, who expressed their intention of entering the Public Service if successful. Stores. Since the last report a Stores Control Board has been established, the necessary regulations being gazetted on. the sth May, 1922. The Board consists of : The Minister of Public Works, who is Chairman ; the General Manager, New Zealand Railways ; the Secretary to the Treasury ; the Under-Secretary, Department of Public Works ; and the Secretary, Post and Telegraph Department. The function of the Board is, generally, to control and supervise the matter of stores requirements for all Government Departments, and to take such action as may ensure that stores are purchased to the best advantage. To assist the Board, an Advisory Committee Avas set up, consisting of : The Controller of Stores, Railways Department; the Stores Manager, Public Works Department; and the Stores Manager, Post and Telegraph. Department. The regulations provide that the purchasing of stores should be undertaken by the Railways Department, Public Works Department, and the Post and Telegraph Department, according to the class of stores required. District Supplies and Tenders Committees were also set up to deal with local purchases as directed by the Board. It is expected that with careful management the Service will benefit considerably by improved purchasing on economical lines. Publications and Publicity Committee. Following on the recommendation of the Economy Committee, Government during the year set up a Publications and Publicity Committee, consisting of : The Public Service Commissioner, who is Chairman ; the Secretary to the Treasury ; the Government Printer ; the Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs ; the Government Statistician ; and the General Manager, Tourist and Health Resorts Department. The Committee reviews all departmental publications and papers before beingprinted, the main object being to effect economy by reducing the volume of publications. It also deals with the preparation and issue of all State propaganda and advertising abroad. Suggestions for Improvements op Methods of Working. The Public Service Regulations indicate the Commissioner's desire to encourage suggestions having for their object increased efficiency and economy, and there is every reason for the conclusion that Heads of Departments are not lacking in the interest which should be taken to encourage the members of their staff to bring under notice improvements in methods which might result in economy coupled with increased efficiency.