11

H.—l4.

distinguish savings on this account, and others which are stated in more general terms. There is, however, a record of economies resulting through vacant positions not being required to be filled during the year, the total value of which was £8,000. In addition, indirect, economies of quite £3,000 have resulted from a utilization of excess officers for temporary work in other Departments instead of engaging temporary clerks. As regards the savings estimated in August last, the following is the present position : — Treasury— £ Eeorganization of arrangements for imprest ") The new system only came into force on advances, and improved methods of the Ist April last. I again emphasize accounting — the necessity for keeping the whole Annual value of £275,000 at 4 per cent. .. 11,000 !> matter of imprest accounts under review Annual saving of staff in Treasury and other by means of inspection of balances and offices by reduction of duplication of examination on the spot as to conditions accounts, &c. .. .. .. 5,000J requiring imprest. Abolition of bookbinding of Treasury vouchers 800 This has been effected. Internal Affairs— Messengers .. .. .. .. 1,300 Economy underestimated. The actual saving is found to be £2,580; this has been practically effected. Saving in reorganization of sub-departments 1,300 This has been effected. Stamp Department — Saving by use of machines for stamping .. 560 This has been effected. Land and Deeds— Saving by use of typewriters for recording.. 2.000 This has been only partly effected, but the economy is quite practicable. Saving by improved arrangements fur draughting-work .. .. .. 500 This has not yet been effected. Saving by introduction of new system of records, all Departments .. .. .. 1,600 This economy was underestimated by £500. Registration of births, deaths, and marriages, and electoral: Saving by placing work in charge of Government officers .. .. 1,500 Partially effected. It will probably be a further one to two years before the change is complete. Official Assignee, Christchurch : Work to be performed by Deputy Public Trustee .. 300 Customs: Amalgamation, &c. .. .. 600 Government Life Insurance : Amalgamation with Post-office at Oamaru .. .. .. 200 Public Health : Amalgamation of Bacteriological I These have been effected Laboratory with Wellington Hospital .. 500 Mines : Position of one Inspector to lapse on retirement :. .. .. .. 365 Public Service Superannuation : Amalgamation of positions .. .. .. .. 300 Tourist Department: Amalgamation of positions 315 J Improved methods of performing work— Land and income ta.x State-guaranteed advances Customs Department Lands and Survey .. .. }■ 14,300 £15,800 is reported as the economy partly Valuation Department .. .. effected or commenced, as per reports Public Trust Office . . .. from Departments in Appendix H, &c. Public Works Department Machinery Department Department of Agriculture, &c. .. .. 5,000 Advice is being awaited from the Board of Agriculture. The unseen economies of the year resulting from the better disposition of the staff wherever this could be arranged were considerable, but it is difficult to allot a definite amount, owing to the fact that the Service must continue to expand rapidly so long as the revenue continues to increase. Under some headings the additional cost of collecting additional revenue is high. The economies likely to result from the amalgamation of Departments, as is proposed elsewhere, cannot be estimated exactly. There is no doubt, however, that they will be considerable in the near future, if not at once.