PUBLIC SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 22488, 24 January 1935, Page 7

PUBLIC SERVICE

RECRUITING METHODS

USE OF UNIVERSITY

GRADUATES

ADMISSION DISCUSSED

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, January 23. The remarks of Dr J. Hight at the University of New Zealand Senate, Christchurch, in regard to the methods in this country of recruitment to the Public Service were referred to the Public Service Commissioner (Mr P. D. N. Verschaffelt), for his comments. Mr Verschaffelt stated that the system followed in regard to new appointments in the Public Service was considered to be the best suited for its requirements. “The minimum requirement for appointment to a clerical cadetship is the University Entrance Examination, the applicants being arranged in order of merit, according to the marks obtained by them in five subjects, including the compulsory ones,” said Mr Verschaffelt. “The next preference is given to those with a Higher Leaving Certificate, then to those who have passed the University Scholarship examination with credit, and next to those who have passed in two or more subjects of a University degree or of the accountants or law professional examination. During the past few years, owing to the abnormal conditions, relatively few appointments to cadetships have been made. Young men with two or more subjects of a University degree or of a professional examination are accepted for appointment to cadetships up to the age of 21. In the regulations relating to new appointments to the New Zealand Public Service provision is made for the appointment of University graduates at such commencing salary (within certain limits) as the Commissioner may determine. “Very few applications are received from University graduates for appointment to the Public Service and the few received are in most cases from graduates who sought to enter the teaching service, but for whom under the present conditions no vacancy exists,” said Mr Verschaffelt. “This would appear to indicate that the majority of those who attend a fulltime University course (non-profes-sional) do so with no desire or intention to entei the Public Service as a career. In regard to the question of University graduates in the Public Service, it has to be pointed out that officers are encouraged to continue their studies along lines likely to equip them for the better performance of their duties and many officers complete their degrees concurrently with their employment and training in the Public Service.”