H.—l4.

Conferences. Conferences of officers as set out below were held since last report: — Department. Nature of Conference. Agriculture .. .. .. District Superintendents : To discuss staff arrangements and general routine, particularly inspection of pig-carcasses for export; and, with Principal Inspectors, to discuss control of noxious weeds, rabbits, and live-stock diseases ; with Orchard Instructors, to discuss export of fruit and general questions relating to the work of the Horticulture Division ; and, with Instructors in Agriculture, to discuss phases of the Fields Division work to keep officers up to date with the latest practices in farming, thus enabling them to give to farmers advice and instruction of the soundest standard. Health .. .. .. .. District Dental Superintendents :To discuss staffing of clinics, • admission of five-year-olds, and the effects of the development of the School Dental Service on the dental profession. Labour (Employment Division) .. District Employment Officers :To discuss scheme for occupational analysis and subsequent placement of unemployed ; also other general matters. Mental Hospitals .. .. Medical Superintendents : To discuss departmental administration. Public Works .. .. .. District Engineers : To discuss workers' agreement and conditions generally. Valuation .. .. .. District Valuers : To discuss methods to make for uniformity of values throughout New Zealand. Offences by Officers. Offences and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of sections 12 and 13 of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927. The decisions arrived at in the principal classes of cases dealt with since the last report are as follows : — (a) Misappropriations (7) .. Forfeited office. (b) Irregularities (4) .. .. Resignation asked for, 1 ; reduced in status, 2 ; fined, 1. (c) Unsatisfactory work (13) .. Appointment annulled, 2 ; resignation asked for, 2 ; dismissed, 2 ; services terminated, 1 ; reduced, 1 ; transferred, 1 ; fined, 4. (d) Unsatisfactory conduct (7) . . Dismissed, 1 ; fined, 4 ; severely reprimanded, 1 ; censured, 1. Appeal Board. The following is a summary of the appeals dealt with during the period Ist April, 1935, to 31st March, 1936 :—

Although the percentage of appeals allowed is not high, it would be of considerable assistance to the Commissioner if the grounds for allowing appeals were given by the Board with their decisions. Appointments made by the

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„ Reduction in Classification. . , Dismissal. Status and Total. appointment. galary _ Allowed . . .. ■ • ■ • 4 .. 1 5 Not allowed .. .. .. 120 1 .. 121 Do not lie .. . . • • 2 7 . . .. 9 Withdrawn .. ■ • • • 26 1 .. 27 Totals .. -. 2 157 2 1 162 J