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Cook Islands Public Service The Cook Islands Public Service remains under the control of this Commission. In November last an Assistant Commissioner visited Rarotonga to investigate conditions and see as many public servants as possible. There are thirteen Departments, employing the following staff:—

The Assistant Commissioner stayed a fortnight, in which period he held meetings of seven different staff groups ; visited all Departments (13), schools (5), hospitals (2); and heard 109 personal cases. Though unable to make a tour of the outer islands, he had the benefit of discussions with five of their Resident Agents who happened to be in Rarotonga for the annual session of the Legislative Council. The opportunity to talk with some one from the Commission was appreciated by the staff and enabled individual claims to be adjusted. As a result of the impressions gained at first hand, many questions of policy and practice in the Cook Islands Public Service have been or are being reviewed. A classification list for employees in the Cook Islands Public Service has now been prepared. Chatham Islands Administration There was formerly no one official presiding over Government activities in the Chatham Islands, but last year the Government decided it was time to establish a Resident Commissioner there. After advertising in the press as well as within the Public Service, the Commission appointed Mr. G. Nevill, Farm Appraiser of the State Advances Corporation, Auckland, from a large number of applicants. The Resident Commissioner was also appointed Resident Magistrate by the Minister of Justice, and took up his duties in the islands on 23rd March, 1950. His function has been defined as " primarily to further the development of the islands and to raise the living standards of the people." The appointment is for a term of five years. Fiji Further progress has been made by the Air Department and the Ministry of Works in the development and manning of the international airports at Nandi, Fiji, and other landing-grounds in the South Pacific area to meet New Zealand's obligations to the South Pacific Air Transport Council. The manning of these facilities has presented problems in recruitment, the provision of amenities, and the revision of scales of remuneration and allowances for the staff. A committee representing the Treasury, the Public Service Commission, and the Public Service Association visited Fiji in March, 1949, and reached agreement on amended scales of allowances and conditions of service which have been approved by the Commission. The improvements effected have been received with satisfaction by the staff in Fiji.

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— Europeans. Maoris. Total. Rarotonga 52 213 265 Outer islands (9) .. .. 11 145 156 63 358 421 Nine 13 21 34