A DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 3003, 15 December 1896, Page 2

A DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRY.

By Telegraph. —Press Association . — Copyright. * Received December 14, 7 p.m. Melbourne, December 14. The Board appointed several months ago to enquire into the charges of alleged extravagant and improper, expenditure in connection with the telegraphic and telephonic branches of the Postal Department, as well as personal charged of ineffioiencyaud want of proper control against certain officers, has submitted its report. The Board reports that many of the charges have not been proved, and finds that tho weight of evidence points to the fact that the general system of the electrical branch is fairly satisfactory, but adds that tho supervision and management is oa.pa.blo of considerable improvement It says that tin chief fault appears to bo that'the principal officers who aro rosponsiblo for the management of tho branch have too many duties to perform, and have been Working in an atmosphere of intrigue and departmental disloyalty, In regard to tho telephones tho Board finds that tho complaints as to unsatisfactory working aro fully justified, and that this is mainly due to the .lack of practical supervision and.-ovor-o<jonomy. It rftoommends the appointment ol a competent manager who should have sole control of the telephones, and that the staff be better manned and equipped, Tho member’s of the Board consider that tho question of reduction in fees for the use of the telephone requires immediate consideration. One officer of the telegraphic branch against Whom certain charges woiß held to bo partially proved has resigned from the servico;