H—l4.

Although the number of entrants during 1938 did not equal that for 1937, when 638 were appointed, the appointments are still above those of average years. The expansion of the Public Service and the lack of appointments during the depression years are the main reasons for the high number of appointments considered necessary for the efficient running of the Service. Public Service Examinations for Shorthand-typists. The usual examinations for shorthand-typists were held in November of last year. The Junior and Senior Entrance Examinations were held in forty-two centres, and there were 1,901 entries, an increase of 137 over the previous year. Altogether 1,013 candidates were successful in passing the examinations, 854 failed, and 34 did not present themselves. These examinations are competitive. An order-of-merit list of the successful candidates is prepared for each examining-centre, and appointments to the Service are, as far as possible, made from the local pass-list, candidates who have passed the senior examination being given preference. The junior examination requires a speed of 80 words a minute in shorthand and 30 words a minute in typewriting, while the senior speeds are 110 words a minute in shorthand and 40 words a minute in typewriting. There were 274 entries for the Intermediate and Special Examinations ; 22 of the candidates were successful, 248 failed, and 4 candidates absented themselves from the examination. The requirements of the Intermediate Examination are 130 words a minute in shorthand and 50 words a minute in typewriting, and of the Special Examination 150 words a minute in shorthand and 50 words a minute in typewriting. Three entries were received this year for the Shorthand Reporters' Examination, and all the candidates were successful in passing. This examination requires a speed of 150 to 180 words a minute in shorthand, with not more than 1 per cent, of error in transcription. The latter three examinations are used for promotion purposes. Difficulty is still being experienced, especially in Wellington, in obtaining the required number of efficient shorthand-typists to meet the demands of the various Departments. Educational and Training Leave Abroad. During the year the following officers were granted leave of absence to enable them to proceed abroad for educational and training purposes : — Austin, J. M., Assistant, Apia Observatory, Scientific and Industrial Research Department : To proceed to Massachusetts Institute of Technology to undertake a post-graduate course in meteorology. Bear, W. G., Second Grade Assessment Clerk, Land and Income Tax Department, Wellington : To England to study the routine and system of English taxation methods. Bullot, B. R., Clerk, Public Trust Department, New Plymouth : To Duntroon Military College, Australia, to qualify tor entrance to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Campbell, I. L., Dairy Husbandman, Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Palmerston North: To America to undertake a special course of studies in dairy research. Cameron, Miss F. J., District Health Nurse, Health Department, Wanganui: To proceed to Toronto University to study medical social work. Davidson, J. W., Clerk, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington: To undertake research work in Colonial History at St. John's College, Cambridge. Dayus, C. V., District Superintendent, Live-stock Division, Department of Agriculture, Dunedin : To England to study veterinary instructional and research work. Dwyer, E. 8., Accountant and Reception Officer, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington : To England to attend Imperial Defence College for one year.

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