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Public Service Examinations for Shorthand-typists. The usual examinations for shorthand-typists were held in November of last year. The Junior and Senior Entrance Examinations were held in forty-nine centres, and there were 2,184 entries, an increase of 78 over the previous year. Altogether 1,081 candidates were successful in passing the examinations, 1,061 failed, and 42 did not present themselves. These examinations are competitive. An order-of-merit list of the successful candidates is prepared for each examining-centre, and appointments to the Service are, as far as possbile, made from the local pass-list, candidates who have passed the senior examination being given preference. The junior examination requires a speed of 80 words a minute in shorthand and 30 words a minute in typewriting, while the senior speeds are 110 words a minute in shorthand and 40 words a minute in typewriting. There were 153 entries for the Intermediate and Special Examinations ; 48 of the candidates were successful, 103 failed, and 2 candidates absented themselves from the examination. The requirements of the Intermediate Examination are 130 words a minute in shorthand and 50 words a minute in typewriting, and of the Special Examination. ] 50 words a minute in shorthand and 50 words a minute in typewriting. Three entries were received during the past year for the Shorthand Reporters' Examination ; 1 candidate was successful, while 2 failed to pass the examination. This examination requires a speed of 150 to 180 words a minute in shorthand, with not more than 1 per cent, of error in transcription. The latter three examinations are used for promotion purposes. Departmental Examinations . The following table shows the results of the various departmental examinations held in 1940 Class of Examinations. Nura ' ,er Numb f sat. passed. Departmental Examination, General .. 80 15 Land and Income Tax Department— Senior Examination .. .. 20 12 Junior Examination . . .. 42 26 Lands and Survey Department— Draughting Examination .. .. ..16 V\. ° Second Grade. Computing Examination— First Grade .. .. .. 2 Second Grade .. .. 32 7 Public Works Department — Draughting Examination . . . . 8 5 Mental Hospitals Department— Head Attendants .. .. 26 6 Senior Nurses . . . . . . . . 124 62 Prisons Department — Probationary Warders .. • .. 9 9 Efficiency Tests (General Division) . . .. 221 p^rt'i 'il Shorthand-typists' Examination— T • -i OQ „ f 158 Credit. Junior .. .. .. . . . . 1,386 < ' \650 Senior 756 /j* Credit ' \252 Intermediate .. . . . . .. 126 / Credit.. Special .. .. .. 25 5 Reporters . . . , . . 3 1

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