PUBLIC SERVICE WANTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13299, 7 February 1914, Page 7

PUBLIC SERVICE WANTS.

. ,__». SHORTHAND WRITERS. * * DEFICIENCIES OF GIRL CANDIDATES. (Special to Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. Parents who are wondering what to do with their boys will be glad to know that there is plenty of room for them m tlie Civil Service, and that they are being particularly sought for as* shorthand writers and typists. The chief Public Service Commissioner, Mr D. Robertson, explained to youir correspondent to-day that the Commissioners are unable to get enough boys for these duties. The supply of . gii'ls is better, but the Commissioners have been greatly disappointed at their lack of capacity. They apply for admission to the Civil Service, baying undergone an alleged complete training m shorthand writing and typing, but are unable to pass the modest tests imposed. Mr Robertson quoted from a recent report of the examiner m shorthand. It stated, m regard to the giris examined, that while some seemed to possess a fair knowledge of the system and theory the majority knew nothing of the reason why particular outlines had to bo selected, while gjsition writing (a valuable feature of itman's system) was neglected, one position for the outline being as good as another m the opinion of most of the students. Punctuation was not understood. The examiner added : "In some instances they cannot transcribe their notes. This is accounted for sufficiently by the fact that their notes are unreadable.'" The deficiency m power of transcription is explained to some extent by the system prevailing m some schools, under .which several girls transcribe the same matter. The sentences one : cannot read another may. supply. An amusing instance of this weakness m the female clerk's education came under the authorities' notice. \ A girl presented herself for shorthand, test. During the lunch hour she duly wrote down what was dictated, and was told that if she preferred she could have and come back a few hours la^er to transcribe. "I prefer not," confessed the would-be shorthand expert, "because if I left it I might iorget what I have written." ■■■■■•' According to the present scale shorthand writers who have not' passed the Civil Service Examination may rise to £204 per annum from £60, by annual increments of £12. A capable youth can reach a position of responsibility, and many Civil Servants m high positions commenced their -career as snorthand clerks. - .'-.•'■•