H—44

SECTION 2—ORGANIZATION Consolidation of the Department in accordance with organization plans previously prepared was facilitated during the year when its Wellington staff was transferred into quarters on a single floor designed for its requirements in the Departmental Building in Stout Street. • Branch offices in New Zealand are maintained at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Representation overseas is provided at the points and in the manner described in Section sof Part 111 herein. The Office of the Food Controller is no longer necessary and such functions as are required of the Rationing Controller are carried on by the officer of the Department who also acts as the Factory Controller. The Price Control Division, the Wheat and Flour Committee (whose General Manager is also Wheat and Flour Controller), the Tobacco Board, the New Zealand Standards Institute, and the Shipping Controller are associated with the Department, but each carries on his or its functions in his or its own right. The report of the New Zealand Standards Institute, is published separately from this report. SECTION 3—STAFF The vacancy as Assistant Secretary of the Department caused by the retirement of Mr. F. Johnson was filled by the appointment to that office of Mr. J. E. Stokes, who was previously in charge of the Commerce Division (now the Overseas Trade Division). From the following table it will be noted that the numbers in the employ of the Department have decreased substantially as between 31st March, 1948 and 1949. In the Price Control Division, however, further increases in staff have had to be made.

Table Showing Staff at 31st March, 1948 and 1949, and Their Locations at 31st March, 1949

Again I wish to record my appreciation of the splendid co-operation and assistance given by all officers throughout the year.

4

— Overseas. Head Office, Wellington. Auckland. Christchurch. Dunedin. Total, 1949. Total, 1948. Department of Industries 20* 149 19 7 7 202 220 and Commerce Price Control Division 143 57 22 18 240 206 Standards Institute 45 45 53 Food and Rationing Control 63 20 337 76 29 25 487 542 * Staff engaged locally at various offices are not included.