a.—l 4,

In an investigation into certain happenings in a district office of a Department affecting most members of the staff it was necessary, as a measure of discipline, to deduct by way of penalty from the salary of each one affected an amount equivalent to one full day's pay, and to deprive each of a day's annual leave. Amendments to the General Regulations. The following amendments to the Public Service Regulations were gazetted during the year : — (a) The Public Service Remuneration Order J 938 —prescribing minimum rates of remuneration for adult officers and for married officers in the Public Service. (b) The Public Service Amending Regulations 1938 —providing for the form and effect of appointments and evidence thereof. (c) The Public Service Amending Regulations 1939 —revoking the existing Regulation 150 whereby the Commissioner was authorized to delegate power to certain specified senior officers to engage and discharge temporary workmen and employees. In place thereof the Commissioner is now authorized in general terms to give permission to officers duly appointed by him to engage temporary staff as and when the need arises. (cl) Public Service Amending Regulations 1939 (No. 2) —-covering amendments to Regulations 178, 178 a, and 18lA, providing for an alteration in the syllabus for junior draughtsmen in the Public Service Entrance Examinations. Commonwealth Fund Fellowships. References have been made in previous reports to the debt of gratitude the New Zealand Public Service owes to the Commonwealth Fund Foundation of New York. The Commonwealth Fund, established through the munificence of the Harkness family, has for its object the encouragement of friendly relations between England and America, and to this end provision has been made for the award of post-graduate fellowships to officers of the Dominion Services desirous of furthering their studies in American Universities. A successful candidate is required to give an undertaking to remain in Government Service for at least two years after the completion of his fellowship. This is considered to be a very useful and reasonable provision. As these fellowships are very liberally endowed, and as the opportunities available for Dominion graduates for overseas post-graduate study are very limited it is natural that these fellowships are eagerly sought. It is therefore very pleasing to record that New Zealand has been successful in obtaining two fellowships this year. The successful officers were : — H. L. Hume, 8.E., B.Sc., A.M.1.0.E., Engineer, Public Works Department, Wellington. D. W. Woodward, M.Com., Senior Investigating Officer, Industries and Commerce, Tourist and Publicity Department, Wellington. Since the first New Zealand fellowship was awarded in 1929 the following officers have proceeded overseas to further their studies with the assistance of the Commonwealth Fund : — R. M. Campbell, Ph.D., M.A., LL.B. T. G. G. Beck, A.M.I.C.E. C. W. 0. Turner, B.Sc. J. G. Gibbs, M.Agr., Dip.Agr. C. R. Barnicoat, M.Sc., Ph.D., F.I.C. R. G. Simmers, Sc.D.

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