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OFFICE ACCOMMODATION We still have the problem of inadequate office accommodation. This will not be solved until large new buildings are erected, particularly in Wellington and Auckland. In many offices, conditions are detrimental to good work. Everything possible is being done to improve those conditions by redesigning and renovating the offices, installing better lighting, ventilation, and heating. However, only a limited amount of work can be done in premises held on short-term, leases from private landlords. During the year some urgent demands have been met by converting old buildings to offices, erecting temporary offices, and to a small degree by acquiring privately owned space. It is becoming more difficult, however, to arrange new leases in view of strong competing demands. Plans have been prepared for extensions to existing buildings and the conversion of other buildings which will provide relief in Auckland, Hamilton, Gisborne,NNapie r Hastings, Wellington, Nelson, and Dunedin. The need for permanent new buildings in the four main cities and in some smaller towns cannot be too strongly stressed if the work of Departments is to be carried out economically and efficiently. HOUSING OF PUBLIC SERVANTS ON TRANSFER During the year the Housing Bureau in the Public Service Commission's Office arranged houses for some 370 officers on transfer. Multiple exchange of houses has been the chief means at its disposal in solving the housing problem of transferred public servants. As a general rule, it can be said that an officer who makes his former tenancy available to the Bureau has good prospects of obtaining a home as a result of a multiple exchange. At present 237 public servants throughout New Zealand have their applications for assistance recorded with the Bureau ; 156 of these cases are unable to secure their former private tenancy for a successor nominated by the Bureau, which renders their settlement much more difficult. HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION More hostel accommodation in Wellington for young public servants is being constantly sought. A property at Tinakori Road, Wellington, was purchased during the year. . This will provide room for- 26 girls. Another property in Boulcott Street, Wellington, has been bought and will accommodate 40 boys. However, there are many young people still on the waiting-lists, and many more could be recruited to Wellington if accommodation were assured. Plans are being prepared for the erection of a new hostel. RIGHTS OF APPEAL Last year the Commission recommended amending legislation to provide a changed procedure for appointments and appeals. Two points are at issue ; firstly, we feel there should be no right of appeal against appointments to jobs graded above £BOO per annum ; secondly, that the " in a great degree more suitable " clause, which operates too much in favour of the public servant as against an outsider, should be abolished. While appreciating that public servants generally are loath to forgo rights they have gained over the years, the Commission feels bound to press for amending legislation to enable it to discharge fully its responsibility for the efficient administration of the Public Service.

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