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SECTION V—CIVILIAN STAFF AND DOCKYARD WORKMEN 33. The. Public Service staff required to implement the peacetime policy of the Royal New Zealand Navy has now been determined in the majority of cases. Investigations by Public Service Commission Inspectors have resulted in permanent complements being established for Navy Office, the Dockyard, and the Armament Depot,. Kauri Point. A number of posts have been regraded, advertised, in most cases filled. This has resulted in a much better balanced staff, with a clearer picture of promotion prospects in the Department. 34. The difficulty in maintaining suitably trained staff, both in the clerical and trades group, continues to cause concern ; particularly is this so with trades and labourer groups, where, although there has been a small increase in numbers, there has not been a corresponding increase in efficiency and output. A number of the better class-tradesmen have left Dockyard employment. 35. Backyard Workers Order. —Following upon conciliation proceedings, the Government Services Tribunal issued Principal Order No. 8, governing conditions of employment for trades and labourer groups (Registered 150 employees) in the Dockyard. This Order, effective from Ist April, 1949, replaced the previous Dockyard Workers' agreement, and effected a great improvement in the procedure of dealing with claims for pay and allowances by the workmen. The terms of the Order were accepted by the workmen in a co-operative spirit, and the absence of major disputes has been gratifying. 36. Apprentices. —During the year, 13 apprentices were entered in the various trades ; 11 vacancies were not filled. Twenty-four completed their apprenticeship during the year and qualified for journeyman status. Half of these resigned from the Public Service staff and either reverted to the casual staff or took outside employment. 37. Comparative figures for civilian staffs at Wellington and Auckland are shown in Appendix IV. SECTION VI—H.M.N.Z. DOCKYARD AND NAVAL BASE DOCKYARD WORK 38. The Dockyard has had an exceptionally busy year and a major amount of overtime has been worked in order to maintain the year's programme of work. 39. Naval Vessels. —A biennial refit of H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona," a major refit of " Hawea," and a refit of " Lachlan " to enable her to undertake her surveying duties, in addition to the normal refit periods and dockings of all H.M.N.Z. ships, launches, and miscellaneous craft, has been undertaken during the year. In addition, " Kaniere," the second frigate to undergo long refit, was taken in hand in February, 1950. The yard craft " Tuatu " was converted to a Diesel-oil tanker for fuelling small ships. On the defeat of Germany a number of German naval yachts were taken as reparations, and from these the 30 square metre " Leuchtafer " was offered by the Admiralty to the R.N.Z.N. Acceptance was made conditional on free delivery at Auckland, and freight arrangements were made and paid for by the Royal Naval Sailing Association, to whom the Naval Board are duly grateful. This yacht arrived at Auckland in July, 1949, has been refitted at the Dockyard, and renamed " Tangaika " (Maori for "spoils of war"). She is administered by ''Philomel" and in regulai use for yachting and sail training. 40. Vessels Belonging to other Government Departments. —Vessels refitted on behalf of other Government Departments included : " Matai " : Marine Department. " Maui Pomare," " Ranui " : Island Territories Department. " Alpha " : State Forest Service. " Duchess," " Golden Hind " : Works Department. " Lady Roberts II," " Bombardier " : Army Department, Control launches ; Civil Aviation.

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