H.—l4

7

contemplated by the Department. It is expected that the reorganization will not only lead to increased efficiency, but to economy as well. The result will be referred to in the next report. New Departments created. 32. The following Branch Departments have been created during the year, as the outcome of the war : The " Jugo-Slav Department " (later described as "Alien Service Branch"), for the purpose of utilizing Jugo-Slav labour; and the ' Wheat-purchase Control," for the purpose of controlling the purchase and supply of wheat. Civilian Staff fob War Work. 33. The civilian staff (permanent and temporary) provided for war work- is as follows : — Male. Female. Defence Audit .. .. .. .. .. ..10 81 Defence Department— Headquarters .. .'. .. .. .. ..56 40 Base Records .. .. .. .. .. ' .. L9 104 A.G. 2 (Ballot) .. .. .. .. '..24 107 War Expenses .. .. .. .. .. 70 252 Financial Assistance Board .. .. .. ..12 10 District Offices . . .. .. . . 20 44 Discharged Soldiers' Information Department .. ..10 7 Munitions and Supplies Department .. .. .. ..17 (i Internal Affairs Department Census and Statistics and Military Service Branch .. 60 159 War Funds .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 3 Passports and Permits . . .. . . .. 8 5 Pensions Department .. .. .. .. ..10 32 Public Trust .. .. .. .. .. .. 26 23 Totals ' .. . . . . .. .. .334 873 Board of Appeal. 34. Owing to the resignation of Mr. A. Mill, Telegraph representative, to take up war work, an election was held in July, 1917, when Mr. J. Alexander was elected. 35. On account of the serious illness of Mr. P. Barr, Chairman of the Board, Mr. F. V. Frazer, Stipendiary Magistrate, was appointed in his place. 36. The Board held three sessions during the year ended the 31st March, 1918, the business dealt with being as follows :—

37. In addition to the above there are two General Service appeals which have been deferred pending the next sitting of the Board. 38. The nature of the appeals was —(1) Against non-promotion, 79 ; (2) against penalties imposed, 4 ; (3) for regrading of position, 23 ; (4) against salary allotted, 13 ; (5) against officers transferred without promotion, 2. 39. Six of the appeals allowed (1 Postal, 2 Telegraph, and 3 General Service) were by consent. 40. In three cases in which the appeals were disallowed the appellants were each ordered to pay 10s. towards the cost of hearing thereof, the Board deciding that the appeals were frivolous, and in one case where the appeal was disallowed the train fare only of the appellant was allowed.

Appeals lodged Appeals withdrawn Appeals allowed Appeals disallowed Appeals which Board agreed did not lie Postal. Telegraph.] j£*™J Totals. 35 32 54 121 6 5 7 18 1 2 (i '.I 24 II L6 51 4 14 25 43