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Any movement which has for its object the improvement of the public administration generally of this country is likely to be of benefit to the Government and the people. Appointments to Cadetships. As a measure of economy, the Public Service Entrance Examination for Cadetships was discontinued in *1932 and the University Entrance Examination has taken its place. Preference, however, is given to candidates with_ higher educational qualifications. After consultation with the Director of Education, it was decided that the order of merit list should be arranged on the following basis : — (a) First on the list: Those with a portion of a Degree or a pass in two or more subjects of the Law Professional or Accountants' Professional Examination according to the number of subjects in which they have passed : (b) Second on the list: Those passing the University Entrance Scholarship Examination with credit: (c) Third on the list: Those wi£h higher-leaving certificates : (d) Fourth on the list: Those who have passed the University Entrance Examination. The order of merit is arranged according to the marks obtained. As a result of the policy of rigid economy the number of appointments to cadetships during the past few years has been considerably less than in normal years. In 1931 no appointments were made ; in 1932 only two were appointed ; in 1933, 137 were appointed ; while this year to date 176 have been appointed. Legislation affecting the Public Service. Finance Act (No. 2), 1933. Section 27 contains special power for the alteration of the date of the general regrading of the Public Service. Section 54 provides for the payment of a fee of 10s. 6d. in respect of every appeal other than an appeal against dismissal lodged against any decision of the Commissioner. Section 55 contains special provision for the transfer of an officer employed in the Samoan or Cook Islands Public Services to any position in the New Zealand Public Service. Finance Act (No. 2), 1934. This section makes provision for the rate of salary or wages of State employees being increased by 5 per cent, as from the 31st March, 1934. Administrative Changes. Since the last report was issued the following Administrative changes have taken place:— Mines Department: Mr. A. H. Kimbell retired on 30th November, 1933, and was succeeded by Mr. A. Tyndall, A.M.I.C.E. Native Department: Mr. P. 6. Pearce assumed the duties of Under-Secretary and Native Trustee on 28th November, 1933, vice Judge R. N. Jones, C.B.E. Public Trust Department: Mr. E. 0. Hales, formerly Superintendent, State Advances Department, was appointed Public Trustee on Ist October, 1934, vice the late Mr. J. W. Macdonald, C.M.G. Valuation Department: Mr. T. Brook retired from the position of Valuer-General on 30th June, 1934. He was succeeded by Mr. W. Stewart, who was previously Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor at Christ-church. Departmental Officers on Duty Abroad. During the year the following officers proceeded abroad for the purposes named : — Campbell, J. A., Director, Horticulture Division, Agriculture Department, Wellington: To investigate and report upon various matters relating to the marketing of New Zealand apples and pears in the United States, and also marketing problems in the United Kingdom. Cunningham, Dr. G-. H., Mycologist, Agriculture Department, Palmerston North : To visit Australia to discuss plant quarantine matters with Commonwealth officers. Neill, J. C., Field Mycologist, Agriculture Department, Palmerston North : To visit Great Britain to complete investigations on fungi causing deterioration of New Zealand fruits, meats, butter, and cheese, and also to attend the Third Imperial Mycological Conference. Sutherland, R., Cool Storage Officer, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To investigate Cook Island orange industry. Clinkard, G. W., General Manager, Industries and Commerce, Tourist, and Publicity Department : To visit Australia on departmental business.

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