H.—l4.

Offences by Officers of the Classified Staff. During the year offences and. irregularities were dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act, 1912, and sections 11 and 12 of the Public Service Amendment Act, 1927. Of the principal classes of cases dealt with, the decisions arrived at were as follows (a) Misappropriations (2) .. Forfeited office (2). (b) Unsatisfactory work (13) .. Appointment annulled (4) ; services terminated (1) ; reprimanded and fined (1) ; reprimanded (6) ; fined (1). (c) Unsatisfactory conduct (45) .. Appointment annulled (12) ; permitted to resign (3) ; reprimanded (6) ; dismissed (6) ; reprimanded and fined (14) ; fined (2) ; permitted to retire (1) ; suspended and transferred (1). Section 59 of the Public Service Act, 1912, prohibits an officer from accepting outside employment unless the approval of the Commissioner is obtained. During the year an inquiry was held regarding allegations that draughting officers in various Departments were undertaking private employment. In all, some fifty officers were examined. Complaint had previously been made by outside firms as to competition from officers of the Public Service, but it has always been difficult to bring any case to finality. As a result of the publicity given to these cases throughout Departments, it is thought that there should be little cause for complaint in the future. Suggestions. Of the many practical suggestions for greater economy and efficiency that have been brought under notice of the Public Service Commissioner, it is worthy of special mention that several were originated by Mr. A. J. C. Woodford, Officer in Charge, Mechanical Appliances, Census and Statistics Department, Wellington. This officer's great interest in all mechanical appliances and the devotion of his own time to the many problems arising therefrom justify special commendation. Mr. E. Travers, Stores Manager, Public Works Department, Wellington, was granted £25 for his work and interest in the preservative treatment of departmental tent calico. Several officers have also brought under notice methods by which stationery could be saved. Apparently all Departments are giving special attention to this matter. The thought and time devoted to this problem by officers is greatly appreciated. CONFERENCES. The following Conferences were held during the year : —■

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Department. Branch. Subject. Education .. .. .. Senior Inspectors of Schools To discuss important educational problems. Internal Affairs .. .. Officers in charge of deer- Instruction in deer control. destruction work Mental Hospitals . . . . Chief Clerks . . To discuss methods of policy. National Commercial Broadcasting Chief Engineer and Station To discuss technical problems. Service Engineers Ditto . . . . . . . . Executives . . To discuss policy matters.