H.—l4.

Courses in Public Administration. Apart from such exceptional opportunities for post-graduate travel, and while a good deal has already been achieved in bringing the advantage of the University to the New Zealand Public Service, there is scope for further improvement in this matter. There is on the one hand the problem of ensuring equitable recruitment conditions for graduates who have taken specialized and professional courses which are appropriate equally to the Public Service and to other occupations. On the other hand, there is need for giving more adequate attention to public administration as a study and a science in itself. It may well be that at some future time, when normal financial conditions permit, the Government and one or more of the University colleges might consider appropriate arrangements for providing courses to cover the subject. University teaching and research in the problems of Government, at a time when these problems are challenging in their novelty and variety, could properly be encouraged for their practical value in improving the technique of administration. This, as I have said, is a matter that will warrant consideration when circumstances permit.

Board of Appeal. The following is a summary of appeals dealt with during the period Ist April, 1932, to 31st March, 1933 :—

Suggestions for Improvement. Public Service Regulation 17 is a standing invitation to officers to forward, for the consideration of the Commissioner, any fresh ideas or proposals that are likely to improve the organization or efficiency of the Service. Even if these suggestions are not considered by the Commissioner to be suitable for adoption, the submission of an intelligent suggestion is regarded as an evidence of zeal, and it is duly noted on the personal file of the officer concerned. It is the practice to make a special reward to any officer bringing forward a suggestion of merit. Mr. A. G. Butchers, M.A., M.Ed. LL.B., Senior Secondary Assistant, Correspondence School, Education Department, Wellington, submitted a proposal, which was adopted, in regard to a two-way envelope system for the despatch and return of pupils' work in the primary and secondary departments of the Correspondence School. A considerable saving to the Department has been effected thereby, and Mr. Butchers has been awarded a cash bonus. Several other suggestions were made during the year, and, although none was considered of sufficient novelty and merit to warrant monetary recognition, the following are deserving of mention herein:—

Offences by Officers. Offences by officers are dealt with as prescribed by sections 12 and 13 of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927.

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Decision recorded. Classification. ointment Dismissal. Total. Allowed Not allowed .. .. .. .. . 7 .. 7 Do not lie .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 2 Withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. 2 . . 2 11 .. 11

Name. Department. Suggestion. Ibell, H. M... .. Treasury .. .. Keeping of duplicate records relating to the public debt of the Dominion, inscribed stock investments, &c. Ross, A. L. B. .. Land and Deeds .. Book of Departmental Instructions.