H.—l4

6

P. G. Morgan, Director of Geological Surveys ; Dr. P. H. Buck, Director of Maori Hygiene ; and A. H. Cockayne, Agriculture Department, have been granted leave to enable them to attend as Government delegates at the Pan-Pacific Congress in Sydney and Melbourne in August. Dr. E. S. Baker, School Medical Officer, Christchurch : To visit Europe for the purpose of broadening her knowledge of school medical work. During the year the Government decided to appoint an Official Representative of the Customs Department in the Dominion of Canada and in the United States of America, and Mr. W. J. Stevenson was appointed to the position. Retirement of Principal Officers. A number of important changes has occurred in Departments owing to the retirement of administrative and departmental heads. Mr. W. B. Montgomery, Comptroller of Customs, retired on the 30th June, 1923, after forty-two years' service. Tie was succeeded by Mr. G. Craig, L.L.M., Assistant Comptroller, who has in turn been succeeded by Mr. T. R. Herd, Inquiry Agent, London. Mr. J. H. Richardson, C.M.G., Commissioner, Government Life Insurance, and also Permanent Head, State Fire Insurance Department, National Provident and Friendly Societies Department, and Public Service Superannuation Office, retired on the 31st May, 1923, after having completed forty years' service, for thirty-three years of which he was Permanent Head of the Government Insurance Department. On the retirement of Mr. J. H. Richardson from the above positions, Government decided to again separate the State Fire Insurance Office from the Government Life Insurance Department, the Accident Branch of the Government Insurance Department to be transferred to the control of the State Fire Insurance Office when the necessary legislation was provided. Mr. A. T. Traversi was appointed Commissioner, Government Life Insurance Department, and Mr. J. H. Jerram General Manager of the State Fire Insurance Office. Mr G. W. Barltrop, Secretary and Deputy Commissioner, Government Insurance Department, retired on the 31st March, 1923, after having completed fortytwo years' service. His successor has not yet been appointed. Mr. P. G. Withers, Deputy Commissioner, Stamp Duties Department, Wellington, retired on the 31st March, 1923, after having completed forty-two years' service. He was succeeded by Mr. J. Murray, Deputy Commissioner of Stamp Duties, &c, Christchurch. Appendices. The following appendices accompany this report:— Table I. —Public Service List, 31/3/23 : General Summary of Classification by Departments (excluding Officers in Administrative Division). Table ll.—Public Service List, 31/3/23 : General Summary of Classification by Classes (excluding Officers in Administrative Division). Table lll.—Showing Alterations in Staffs and Salaries of Departments between Classified List for 1922-23 and 31st March, 1923. Table IV.—Temporary Employees other than Workmen, &c, as at ." Ist April, 1923. The report this year is as brief as possible, due largely to the fact that I have just assumed office. Many important matters have to be dealt with during the coming year, notably among these being the reclassification of the Service as from the Ist April, 1924. I look forward to the support and co-operation of all officers in these matters. I desire to place on record my appreciation of the loyal assistance and co-operation which have been extended to me by Permanent Heads and officers generally. Without their support my task would be difficult —well-nigh impossible. All of which is humbly submitted for Your Excellency's gracious consideration. P. Verschaffelt, Commissioner. Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Ist August, 1923.