SERVANTS OF THE STATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15262, 28 March 1913, Page 9

SERVANTS OF THE STATE.

NEW SYSTEM OF CONTROL.

EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY.

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Tax full operation of the Public Service Act will commence on April 1. The purpose of this statute is to ensure the establishment and continuance of a proper standard of efficiency and economy in the Public Service. ! •

Certain clauses of the Act came into operation upon its passing, in order that the Commissioner and his two assistants might be appointed and proceed with the preliminary arrangements for the revolutionary change from control by Ministerial authority to that by commissioners, subject only to Parliament. The clause which is designed to prevent political influence in regard to the appointment of any person to the service, of the promotion of any officer in it, has been, m operation since the passing of the Act..; At ..present the Commissioner, has no actual authority over "the members of the; service, . but when the Act comtes into full operation he will have power to transfer officers from one department to another, where the staff of the former is .too large, and. to , dispense with the services of any who cannot be usefully and profitably employed. A report is to be .furnished! annually, by the Commissioner to the Governor, and presented to Parliament within 21 days after the beginning of the; session, describing the condition and efficiency, of the Public Service and indicating, the changes and measures recommended by him for its improved working. Certain officers are exempted from the provisions of the Act, which also does not apply to the defence force, the police force, or the Government railway service. The officers employed in all other State deportments are to be graded into four principal divisions, and this classification— which is to be revised at least r every five Sears— will be completed, the Commissioner as announced, by June 1. Any officer dissatisfied with his classification may appeal against the decision of the Commissioner, by giving notice within 30 days after be has been notified of it. The Board of Appeal will be constituted of three members.- Two' of them will be appointed by the Governor, and.the third will, be one of four persons elected by departments of the service, and selected to sit with the other two members, according to the directions of the Act.

The subject of examinations has been given the same, prominence recently. Provision is made for entrance examinations into the service, and the power to conduct examinations of members of the service is given in a clause providing that the Commissioner may hold examinations for promotions in the professional and clerical divisions from time to time, as may appear necessary, y V <.