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said earlier in this paragraph is in conflict with such a principle —it is, indeed, our concern to see that there is not a conflict, that no injustice is done to any one while the requirements of national security are safeguarded. FEES TO PUBLIC SERVANTS The Commission has ruled that no public servant may receive and retain fees or other payment for services rendered by him to any corporation or other authority to which he is appointed because he is a public servant. We are under pressure to make this or that exception; but we insist that it be strictly adhered to. Apart from other considerations, no officer can give disinterested advice on the setting-up or continuing of such more or less independent authorities if his own financial position is affected. The Commission's authority is, of course, limited to positions which are under its control. But we feel it proper to say that anomalies and difficulties arise when the same rule is not applied to other positions in the Government Service which are exempt from the Public Service Act. UNIFORMITY IN THE STATE SERVICES Previous reports have mentioned that the usefulness of the Uniformity Committee has become seriously limited by the setting-up of the Railways Tribunal, and by the fact that the conditions of employment by other public authorities are not reviewed by the committee. Marked differences in standards have developed amongst such employing bodies as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand, the Police Force, and National Airways Corporation. A suggestion, which the Commission thinks worth consideration, is that an over-all State. Services Salaries Tribunal should be set up. The present system is far from satisfactory. HOUSING OF PUBLIC SERVANTS ON TRANSFER The Housing Bureau set up in this Office has found that the exchange of houses (including State rental tenancies arranged in collaboration with the State Advances Corporation) has been most effective in reducing the number of transferred public servants separated from their families. During a year of operations, some three hundred officers on transfer have been housed directly as a result of the Bureau's efforts. Generally where a public servant can offer a house or the option of a tenancy in his former locality, his prospects of securing accommodation in the new locality are good. The bureau also assists public servants on transfer to obtain special housing loans and encourages Departments to erect or purchase staff houses in appropriate cases. The scheme has resulted in a substantial reduction in the amount paid for accommodation allowances. The Commission is at present reviewing the efforts made to help house public servants on transfer with a view to devising further assistance because it realizes that until this housing problem is solved the public service cannot function with full efficiency. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION The Office Accommodation Board has had another difficult year in trying to meet even the most urgent needs of Departments. The best solution is, of course, the erection of new permanent buildings, but, as priority must be given to housing, schools, hospitals, and hydro-electric development for some time to come, it is likely to be several years before office accommodation difficulties are overcome by the completion of new buildings. Nevertheless, the Board has made substantial progress during the year. Many of the more urgent demands have been met by converting surplus wartime store buildings into offices, altering existing buildings, erecting temporary offices, and acquiring additional privately owned space. As an indication of progress made, the 70,000 additional square feet acquired during the year has provided satisfactory accommodation for about 1,000 staff. This has meant appreciable relief in Wellington and Christchurch, as well as in several smaller centres. In addition, plans are well under way for a further 95,000 square feet, during the next

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