H.—l4.

Cooke, Miss R. M. C., School Nurse, Health Department, Nelson : To take the nurses' midwifery training course. Mangakahia, Miss M., Assistant District Health Nurse, Health Department, Rawene : To take the nurses' midwifery training course. Wereta, Miss R., District Health Nurse, Health Department, Otaki: To undergo Karitane training. Hoffmann, Miss H. R., Nurse, Mental Hospitals Department, Hokitika : To study general nursing. Departmental Officers on Duty Abroad. During the year the following officers proceeded abroad for the purposes stated: — Reakes, Dr. C. J., Director-General, Agriculture Department: To visit the United Kingdom, Europe, and South Africa for investigation of various matters affecting the activities of his Department. Marsden, Dr. E., Secretary, Scientific and Industrial Research Department: To visit Canada and the United States for investigation of various matters affecting the activities of his Department. Hughes, Dr. T. J. F., Medical Officer of Health, Health Department, Auckland : To participate in the League of Nations interchange of medical officers held in India. Fraser, M., Government Statistician, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To represent New Zealand at the Conference of Statisticians held at Hobart, Tasmania. Hopkirk, C. S. M., Officer in Charge of Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture Department, Wallaceville : To represent New Zealand at the Australasian Veterinary Association Conference. Goodwin, W. T., Assistant Director, Horticulture Division, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To investigate on behalf of the Fruit Control Board the disposal of New Zealand fruit on the South American market. Wright, N. L., Chemist, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Wellington : To visit the United States on general departmental matters and then to proceed to London as Liaison Officer. Messenger, A. H., Publicity Officer, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To arrange more intensive publicity in Australia. Good, E. D., Advisory and Investigating Officer, Customs Department, Wellington : To make inquiries in Australia concerning certain articles exported to New Zealand. Petrie, W., Chief Hemp-grader, Agriculture Department, Wellington : To visit Australia and report on new process for treating hemp, and to inspect rope-works. Offences committed by Officers. The method of dealing with offences is prescribed by sections 12 and 13 of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927. In cases of minor offences the matter may be dealt with by the Permanent Head, but such action shall be reported to and the penalty confirmed by the Public Service Commissioner. All the more serious cases are referred to the Commissioner, who may conduct an inquiry himself, or delegate his powers and functions to any fit person or persons. During the year all cases of offences committed by officers have been fully investigated, and inquiries have been held by the Commissioner where necessary. The principal classes of cases dealt with, and the decisions arrives at, are as follow : — (a) Misappropriation (6) : Forfeited office (4) ; required to resign (2). (b) Neglect of duty (4) : Dismissed (2) ; censured (2). (c) Unsatisfactory conduct (21) : Forfeited office (1) ; dismissed (6) ; transferred and reduced (2) ; resigned (1) ; reprimanded (9) ; fined (1) ; transferred (1). General Regrading. The Public Service Act, 1912, provides that officers of the Public Service shall be regraded at intervals of not more than five years. This is one of the most important principles of the Act, and it is interesting to note that recently the principle, which is already in operation in the Post and Telegraph Department, has been extended to the Railways Department. The next general regrading is due on the Ist April, 1929.

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