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Zealand University group (12) were employed in forestry work during the long vacation. One officer graduated in forestry at Edinburgh and has returned to duty ; while another is expected to graduate at Aberdeen during 1948. Technical trainees (non-professional) on field training now number 51 (65), the reduction in total from last year being caused by the promotion of 5 senior trainees to forest-ranger status and by resignations and transfers. The trainee grading system is proving most valuable in the assessment of progress and of qualification for promoton. During the year two qualifying courses were held for junior and intermediate grade trainees respectively, and a two-weeks induction course for all newly appointed trainees. The number of senior trainees now stands at 11 (7), several of whom are eligible for further promotion. The Rotorua Forest Training Centre again provided courses of instruction continuously throughout the year, the courses being for timber measurers, junior field officers, senior trainees, forest survey party leaders, senior officers, timber sales clerks, and junior trainees. An important development at the centre was the appointment of a graduate forester as Officer in Charge. The Tapanui Forest Vocational School continued to train forest foremen, technical trainees, and potential leading hands, the knowledge gained at this school being unquestionably of marked cumulative benefit to the Service. Five courses attended by a total of 90 men were held. A two-weeks course attended by 8 trainees was held in Auckland for instruction in the inspection of Australian hardwood shipments for termite infestation, combined with general forest entomology. Particulars of courses are shown in Appendix XI. 22. Examinations. —Three technical trainees completed the B.Sc. degree during the year and one completed a forestry degree at Edinburgh University. Three clerical officers passed the Accountants Professional Examination, one completed the B.Com. degree, and one the B.A. degree. 23. Allocation of Duties.—The organization of the divisions at Head Office is proceeding quite satisfactorily and key staff are being developed. The principle of providing an understudy for every key officer is being consistently applied as suitable staff becomes available. 24. Field and Office Inspections.—ln addition to attention by the Chief Inspector and the Office Inspector, divisional controlling officers and section officers have made visits to conservancies on special problems, thus improving the general departmental administration. Two specialist supervising officers, one for logging and one for the check appraisal of timber, were appointed. 25. Conservancy Organization.—District charge officers were appointed during the year as part of the general reorganization of the Service. Visits to districts by senior conservancy officers as well as by Head Office staff have been a regular feature. 26. Inter-departmental Co-operation.—The implementing of the expanding programme of works now being undertaken has been facilitated by the helpful action of other Departments affected in this connection. The Forest Service greatly appreciates the services and assistance given by these Departments during the past year. Close co-operation of other Departments assisted in the framing of the proposals for the Forest and Rural Fires Act, 1947, particularly the Internal Affairs Department, Lands and Survey Department, and the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, the latter body also being directly associated in mutual problems of forest protection for soil conservation.

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