H.—l4

10

Retirement of Principal Officers. A number of important changes has occurred in Departments owing to the retirement of administrative and departmental heads. Colonel R. J. Collins, C.M.G., 1.5.0., Controller and Auditor-General, retired on the 31st December, 1921. He was succeeded by Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, C.M.G., Secretary to the Treasury, who was in turn succeeded by Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., Assistant Secretary. Mr. P. Muter, Actuary and Deputy Commissioner, Government Insurance Department, retired on the 31st January, 1.922, after having completed forty-two years' service. He was succeeded by Mr. A. T. Traversi, Assistant Actuary, who also became Actuary of the combined Departments —Government Insurance and National Provident and Friendly Societies. Mr. G, C. B. Jordan, Under-Secretary for Justice (also Under-Secretary, Native Department, and Secretary for the Cook Islands), retired on superannuation on the 31st December, 1921, after having completed thirty-six years' service. He was succeeded by Mr. C. E. Matthews, Inspector-General of Prisons. Mr. T. N. Brodrick, 0.8. E., 1.5.0., Under-Secretary, Lands and Survey Department, retired on superannuation on the 18th June, 1922, after having completed forty-five years' service. He was replaced by Mr. J. B. Thompson, Chief Drainage Engineer. Mr. M. F. Marks, Government Printer, retired on superannuation on the 31st May, 1922, after having completed forty-three years' service, and was succeeded by Mr. W. A. G. Skinner, Superintendent. The Service also suffered a further loss in the death of Mr. P. C. Corliss, Commissioner of Stamp Duties. He was succeeded by Mr. D. G. Clark, 0.8. E., Commissioner of Taxes,, the Stamp Duties and Land and Deeds Department being amalgamated with the Land and Income Tax Department, under the title of " Inland Revenue Department." Mr. C. R. C. Robieson, General Manager, State Fire Insurance Department, retired on superannuation on the 30th April, 1922. His retirement was due to the amalgamation of the State Fire Insurance Department with the Government Insurance Department, the Commissioner of which, Mr. J. H. Richardson, C.M.G., became General Manager, State Fire Insurance Department. Conclusion. In conclusion the Commissioners wish to record their appreciation of the great assistance which, has been rendered by Permanent Heads and other principal officers during the past year, which, owing to the necessity for rigid economy and retrenchment, has been an exceedingly trying one. The Commissioners feel sure that this loyal co-operation, without which their work would be even more difficult than it is, will continue to be extended to them. All of which is humbly submitted for Your Excellency's gracious consideration. W. R. Morris, Commissioner. P. Verschaffelt, Assistant Commissioner. Office of the Public Service Commissioner, 2nd October, 1922.