H.—43

32

APPENDIX VIII. EXPERT ADVISEES AND LABOUR. ORGANIZERS. Auckland Military District. Mr. Arthur Gillies, of Petunia-—Expert adviser in regard to soldiers' farms. Canterbury Military District. Mr. E. P. Burbury, of Christchurch —Expert adviser in respect to primary products. Otago Military District. Expert Advisers in connection with the Organization nf Labour for Agricultural nnil Pastoral Purposes. Mr. H. A. Dovey, of Oamaru (Oamaru district). Mr. James Begg, of Mosgiel (Dunedin district). Mr. George Stuart, of Brooksdale, Tapanui (Gore district). Mr. W. A. Cox, of Kauana, Southland (Invercargill district). Mr. T. W. Foster, of Oware, Southland (Invercargill district). District Trustees to assist Local Boards of Trustees. Mr. R. K. Smith, of Tarras (Cromwell, Lakes Hawea and Wanaka). Mr. G. Harvey, of Omakau (Manuherikia and Ida Valley district). Mr. Alex. Armour, of Gimmerburn (Maniototo district). Mr. J. Birtles, of Waikouaiti (Palmerston. Dunback, and Shag Valley). Mr. J. Begg, of Pukeawa (Balclutha district). Mr. T. Maginnes, of Owaka (Catlin's River district). Mr. C. F. Overton, of Wharetoa (Pomahaka, Clinton, and Waipahi). Mr. W. Moynihan, of Ngapuna (Strath Taieri district). Mr. J. Bennets, of Roxburgh (Beaumont-Roxburgh district). Mr. Richard Yardley. Moa Flat (Gore district).

APPENDIX IX. CIRCULAR. National Efficiency Board. "Sir,— Wellington, 12th March, 1917. A National Efficiency Hoard has been formed by the Government, amongst other matters, to investigate in what manner the national efficiency of the Dominion can be increased temporarily during the present war conditions and permanently when the war shall happily have ended. The Board feels that the purpose for which it has been brought into existence is one that will meet with the hearty support, and co-operation of all local authorities, and therefore does not hesitate in asking you to obtain for the use of this Board and of your authority a special report from your Engineer, or other responsible officer, dealing with any matters that may be within his knowledge which would tend to increased efficiency in the district under your control, both at the present, time and in the future. It is especially desired that the report should deal with— (a.) The works of maintenance, upkeep, and repairs: How far they can be temporarily reduced or postponed during the present crisis, and thereby render available the services of men for other purposes. If this is possible, what numbers and classes of men can be released (labourers, carpenters, engine-drivers, mechanics, &c). (b.) New works that may be in progress : (1) How far they can be expedited towards completion ; (2) how far they can be carried to a sufficient partial completion as to warrant suspension ; or (3) whether they can be. completely postponed until after peace is declared, when labour will be more plentiful and materials cheaper. And, generally, what labour could thereby be released, (c.) Proposals for new works : As to how far the execution of such proposals may be.postponed whilst not. delaying the preparation of any plans and data needful to enable such works to be prosecuted with vigour when more favourable conditions exist. (d.) The tabulation of schemes for desirable works, and the preparation of designs and estimates for same, so that on the conclusion of the war there may be in readiness for execution works of a desirable character which would absorb surplus labour, both skilled and unskilled, should that be found to exist and require employment. If is believed that in many cases (in addition to office-work) the labour of women can be successfully utilized to replace or partially replace the labour of men. In Great Britain large numbers of women are employed successfully in agricultural work and navvying work, and in connection with the building trades. The women of New Zealand are, as a whole, physically fitter and far more suited by country experience for such work than their sisters in the Old Country. For instance, there seems no reason why a woman should not undertake a large portion of the duties