H.—l4

11

Medical Inspection. 61. The women, employed in the Public Service numbered, on the 31st March last, 4,1.53, as against 1,826 prior to the war. 'This influx has necessitated the devising of means to meet the altered conditions, foremost amongst which is the care of the women by a female medical officer. 62. For many years the Post and Telegraph Department retained the partial services of a, female medical practitioner; and by an arrangement made a few years ago her services were extended to cover the Government Printing Office and the Government Buildings, the medical officer undertaking to give up private practice. Recently the women in the Public Trust building and in the War Expenses building have been included, and it is proposed to extend the system to the other war branches. 63. As the female employees in the Government service in Wellington range from. Telegraph messenger-girls of fourteen years of age, and as the conditions of work and accommodation vary, the Commissioners regard with satisfaction the establishment of a system which, it is hoped will rapidly develop into a medical and welfare branch of the Public Service. Experience elsewhere has shown that constant medical supervision of large staffs of women is not only of great benefit to the women themselves, but results in more satisfactory and therefore more economical service. 64. The medical and welfare section of the Post and Telegraph Department is now well established. Each girl or woman on. the staff is seen daily by a Supervisor, who refers the officer for medical advice where necessary. Applications for Employment. 65. The total number of applications for employment received (other than for advertised positions) during the year was 6,492. Preference for employment continues, as far as possible, to be given to discharged soldiers. Special consideration has also been extended to the wives and relatives of members of the Expeditionary Forces. 66. The total number of applications received for positions which were advertised within and without the Service was 1,610. Retirement of Principal Officers. 67. Dr. F. Fitchett, C.M.G., Permanent Head, Public; Trust Department, retired on the 9th October last. Dr. Fitchett joined the Public; Service as SolicitorGeneral in 1894, and was appointed Public Trustee in 1910. Dr. Fitchett throughout his service worthily upheld the best traditions of the high offices he held. His resignation was accepted with much regret. Grading of Temporary Officers. 68. Temporary employees have been classified as far as practicable. Out of 3,149 employed, 188 men and 1,530 women have been classified in the following Departments:— Defence Department— Males. Females. Base Records .. .. .. .. .. 1 93 War Expenses . . . . .. . . .. 69 234 Headquarters .. .. .. .. 42 32 A..G. 2 (Ballot) .. .. .. .. .. 22 95 Military Service Branch .. .. ... .. 54 154 Defence Audit .. .. . . .. .... HI Post and Telegraph .. .'. .. • .. .. .. 84-1 Totals .. .. 188 1,530 Promotion of Absent Officers. 69. All officers absent with the Expeditionary Forces are regarded as having complied with the efficiency test examination requirements, the understanding being that they will pass any necessary examination within a reasonable time; after their return.