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work was to cease. The closing of Government offices on Saturday mornings is now general, and officers should be able to benefit by the two full days of relaxation each week-end. (c) Mileage-allowances for Officers using their Own Cars on Official Business. —The suggestion that mileage-allowances were not fully compensating officers for the use of their own cars on official business was investigated, and it was agreed to grant an increase in mileage rates. (d) Payment of Admission and Practicing Fees for Barristers and Solicitors. —It was agreed to refund the admission fees and practicing fees of qualified officers as barristers and/or solicitors where it could be shown that their admission was essential for departmental purposes. (e) Leave cm Retirement to Officers resigning for their Own Purposes.— In 1941 it was decided to withdraw in most cases the provisions of Public Service Regulation 65a (c) and (d), providing for the granting of leave of absence to officers resigning for their own purposes. This concession was reinstated as from Ist March, 1946. Consultative Committee The Consultative Committee, set up by decision of the Eight Hon. the Prime Minister in February, 1945, held meetings for many months during the year. Evidence was taken from a wide range of groups of employees of the Public Service and from departmental heads. The Committee subsequently presented a unanimous report to Government. Apart from recommendations for group salary scales, the Committee placed on record its recommendations on many matters of principle. The main recommendations dealt with:— (a) The basis of fixing salaries in the Public Service: (b) The proposed universal salary scale and its application: (c) Scope of the Public Service Commissioner's power in fixing salaries: (d) The forty-hour week: (e) Payment of allowances in addition to salary: (/) An adult minimum wage: (g) A minimum salary for a married man: (h) Remuneration of women: (i) Employment of a class of workers to be known as " Clerical Assistants ": (j) Long-service increments: (1c) The general regrading of the Public Service. The recommendations were placed before Government, and approval was given to increased scales of remuneration which could be used as a basis for the general regrading. Relations with Public Service Association Whatever differences of opinion, exist between the Public Service Association and the Public Service Commissioner's Office, and they always will exist, the manner in which negotiations are carried out has been most satisfactory. The Association advocate their case in a reasoned manner, and have also shown an appreciation of the official viewpoint. This relationship has developed over the years and was in evidence throughout the deliberations of the Consultative Committee. It is gratifying to record that the method of conciliation is continuing to prove successful in matters of pay and conditions in the Public Service.

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