THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18954, 30 August 1923, Page 9

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER. INCREASED EFFICIENCY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 29. The report of the new Public Service Commissioner (Mr P. Yerschaffelt) begins with a complimentary reference to the retired commissioner (Mr W. R. Morris, 0. 1.5.0.). who was in office from May, 1920, until February, 1923, It runs: ‘‘During Mr Morris’s term as commissioner it was his unpleasant duty to carry out a policy of retrenchment, and to this difficult matter, and in fact Ip all matters which came under his direction, he brought ability of a high administrative order.” REDUCTION IN CLASSIFIED STAFF. The number of permanent classified officers in the service on April 1, 1922. was 6789, and the total annual salaries £1,871,256. On March 31, 1923, the number was 6686, and the total annual salaries £1,764,848. thus showing a reduction in the classified staff during the year of 103, and in salaries of £106,406. There were 465 temporary employees on the staff in April, 1922 (salaries £102,637). ’There are now 487 employees Isalaries £100,420). EFFICIENCY. The Commissioner states that the Act has been in operation for 10 years, and during •his period the efficiency of the service has considerably increased, due principally to the method of recruitment and to recognition of merit In considering the claims of an officer for promotion, not only is the manner m which bo performs his duties taken into consideration, but also his educational attainments. No officer is appointed to the clerical division unless he has parsed the Public' Service Entrance or a higher examination. Every encouragement has been afforded officers to continue their studies, and it is pleasing to .note that while in 1913, when the Public Service Act came into operation, there were only 537 officers who had passed the public service senior or matriculation examination, now there are 1231 such officers. Similarly the number of officers who have passed the solicitors examination has increased in that period from 43 to 121. The number who have, passed the accountants’ professional examination has increased from 18 to 151, and the number who possess university degrees has increased from 21 to 92. The officers of. the nervice generally, and the, younger members in particular, are all keen to improve' their positions, and quite a considerable number are at present studying for one or other of the examinations" previously referred to. PROMOTION OF OFFICERS. The report contains an extract from the commonwealth report regarding the ehmjnation of the old ovils of political, official, and social influence, and the' defects ot any system of promotion in which seniority is regarded as the determining factor. A British report of a Royal Commission as far back as 1853 is also quoted, showing the evils of promotion by seniority, and the advisability of promotion by merit only. The New Zealand Commissioner points out that the Act requires that both fitness and seniority shall bo talien into account in considering the promotion of an officer, and adds that fitness is the more, necessary qualification , , It is of interest to note that of 100 positions in the service in which promotion was involved immediately subsequent to April 1, ' 1922, in only 18 cases was the senior officer appointed.

CADETSHIPS. Difficulty is again being experienced m obtaining the services of suitable lads tor appointment to. cadetships in the public service. During the period of the war and immediately thereafter the position was particularly acute. Last year sufficient lads were available to fill the existing vacancies, but during the current year it has been difficult to fill vacancies, for cadets, especially in Wellington. The principal difficulty in securing the ; services of cadets is the comparatively low commencing salary—namely, £7O per annum, with lodging allowance at the late of £4O per annum if the lad is residing away, from home, vv hue this no doubt is a reasonable rate of pay for a'lad who is IS or 16 years of ago, it it insufficient to attract a lad who., instead of accenting an appointment’ immediately on passing the public service entrance examination, decides to remain at college until, he passes Ihe 1 matriculation or a, higher, examination. 1