H.—l4

12

Offences committed by Officers. Full investigation has been made in all cases of offences committed by officers, and inquiries have been held where necessary. The principal classes of cases dealt with during the year, and the decisions arrived at, are as follows :— (a.) Misappropriations (5) : Dismissed ; forfeited office. (b.) Irregularities (1) : Dismissed ; forfeited office. (c.) Theft of Government property (1) : Services dispensed with. (d.) Neglect of duty (2) : Dismissed. (e.) Negligence and carelessness in discharge of duties (1) : Warned. (/.) Unsatisfactory work (1) : Disrated. (g.) Misconduct (2) : Services terminated. The seven cases of misappropriations, irregularities, and theft of Government property referred to above were dealt with by the Courts in accordance with the provisions of the Public Revenues Act. As pointed out in earlier reports, there is a mandatory provision in the Public Revenues Act requiring a prosecution to be instituted in every case of misappropriation or theft of public money or stores. The publicity resulting from this practice tends to unduly magnify the actual extent of the malpractices in the Public Service. Publicity of this nature is not desired by many businesses, and these unpleasant episodes in private businesses are often hushed up. The Service thus appears to contrast unfavourably in this respect with private firms. However, taking into consideration the large number of officers employed in the Public Service, it will be seen that the relatively small number of officers who deviate from the path of rectitude reflects creditably on the general standard of integrity of the Service. A review of the Audit investigations during the year discloses that there has been a drop in the number of defalcations ascertained in connection with cash, which indicates increased efficiency in the care and custody of Government moneys. Conclusion. It is customary to include, as appendices to the annual report, certain statistical tables showing the summarized classifications of Departments and a comparison with the previous year's salaries. Such statistical data are dependent on the figures in the Classification List; and, as the final determination of many positions has been contingent on the findings of the Appeal Board, which has only recently concluded its sittings, it has not been possible to complete the current year's list in time to include the summaries in this year's report. I desire to acknowledge the loyal assistance and co-operation of Permanent Heads, and also to place on record my appreciation of the services they have rendered. lam also deeply sensible of the good work accomplished by my own staff during the past year. All of which is humbly submitted for Your Excellency's gracious consideration. Commissioner.

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