8.—9

STAFF. 33. The following are the principal staff changes for the year ended 31st March, 1925 : — (a.) The appointment of legal clerks at Wanganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, and Napier. (b.) The transfer of Mr. C. J. Playne, First Assistant District Public Trustee, Christchurch, to the position of Assistant Controller, Estates Administration Division, Head Office. (c.) The abolition of the position " Secretary to the Public Trust Office Board." 34. The following statement indicates the number of staff engaged in the work of the Department on the 31st March, 1924 and 1925, at the Head Office and at the District Offices HEAD OFFICE. On 31st March, 1924. On 31st March, 1925. Male. Female. Total. I Male. Female. Total. Permanent .. JOl 34 135 Permanent .. 10(5 35 14] Temporary .. 8 2 10 1 Temporary . . 15 4 19 145 " J (50 DISTRICT OFFICES. On 31st March, 1924. On 31st March, 1925. Male. Female. Total. | Male. Female. Total. Permanent .. 32(5 (52 388 Permanent . . 35(5 54 410 Temporary .. 2 22 24 Temporary .. 12 40 52 412 " 4(52 557 022 35. It will be observed from the table printed above that the staff increased by sixty-five during the past year. This increase, though a considerable one, is not disproportionate to the large growth in the value of the Office business during that period. As a matter of fact, the staff is still less than it was in 1920 and 192], though there has been a marked expansion of the Office business since those dates. The staff is now at bedrock, and it is urgently necessary that due provision should be made for the future expansion of the Office work. Accordingly during each of the past few years fifty cadets have been appointed for training in order to replace the inevitable wastage of staff through deaths, resignations, &c. Notwithstanding this fact it has been necessary during the past year to recruit additional staff from outside the Service by inviting applications for the position of Administration and Accounts Clerks. The response to the advertisements has not, however, been very encouraging, and it is becoming clear that the Office must make its own plans for building up an adequate staff for the future. 1 had occasion last year to refer to the unsatisfactory standard of education of some of the new appointees to the Office. lam pleased to report that during the year now under review the class of boy obtained has been, generally speaking, very satisfactory. The system which has now existed for some years of training the junior staff in the theoretical and practical routine of the Office has been continued with excellent results. Courses of lectures on the various matters of law and accountancy affecting the Office work are delivered in the Head Office, whilst in the Wellington District Office there is established a training section in which those lads who show promise are trained in the practical work of administration and accounts. The results of the examinations are carefully recorded, and the progress of the boys through the classes is closely watched. The Controlling Officers give individual attention to each lad in order that his capabilities may be determined and that his services may be utilized to the best advantage in the Office. Those boys who show the most promise are placed on administration or accounting duties where

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