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1927. NEW ZEALAND.

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR 1926-27.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency•

To His Excellency the Right Honourable Charles Fergusson, Baronet ; General on the Retired List and in the Reserve of Officers of His Majesty's Army ; Doctor of Laws ; Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George ; Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath ; Companion of the Distinguished Service Order ; Member of the Royal Victorian Order. May it please Your Excellency,— I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Post and Telegraph Department for the year ended 31st March, 1927. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS. It is a source of gratification to be able to record that, while the receipts of the Department showed an increase over those for the previous year, the payments were less than those for 1925-26. Actually the receipts amounted to £120,270 more than for 1925-26, and the payments to £63,282 less. The receipts for 1926-27 exceeded the payments by £874,392. It is obvious that with a growing Department in a growing country such as New Zealand the expenditure can be curtailed or kept down only by constant vigilance on the part of departmental officers ; and, having in view the fact that the expenditure for 1925-26 was £6,701 less than that for 1924-25, the further reduction of £63,282 in the year just closed must be regarded as particularly satisfactory. STAFF. The Department's reputation for efficiency was well maintained during the year The fact that receipts showed an increase over those for the preceding year, while payments were less than those for 1925-26, can be said to be due in no small measure to general staff efficiency. With the widespread ramifications so characteristic of my Department, it is only by having the loyal and efficient co-operation of the staff as a whole that the work is able to be carried on. It is the constant endeavour of the Department to give prompt and efficient service to the public, and judging from the absence of serious complaint during the year and from the letters of commendation that are received from time to time, the Departments endeavour is not falling short of the goal to which it aspires. My Department was largely concerned in the transport arrangements, as well as in providing the necessary communication facilities, in connection with the tour of the Dominion of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. As mentioned elsewhere in the report, His Royal Highness himself, as well as his Private Secretary, expressed appreciation of the departmental facilities provided for the use of the Royal party. It may be said that the expeditious and efficient manner in which the work of all branches proceeded during the Royal visit, despite the exigencies inseparable from such occasions, has further enhanced the reputation of the Department.

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