H—l4

two years (no new permanent buildings are included in this estimate). If these proposals can be achieved—there are a few difficulties yet to be solved —they should provide satisfactory solutions for some years in Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Napier, as well as further relief in Wellington. The reconstitution of the Board referred to in last year's report continues to be a more advantageous and expeditious way of handling accommodation business. As a, further step an Accommodation Officer has been appointed to the Auckland Office of the Commission, and another one is soon to be appointed at Christchurch. HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION The Commission, in conjunction with the National Employment Service, has done everything possible to make extended provision for hostel accommodation for Cadets and other young public servants. During the year additional hostels were opened at Tinakori Road, Wellington, for 20 girls, and at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, for 24 Cadets. The provision of more hostels for Wellington is under constant investigation. It is doubtful whether there is a demand for more hostel accommodation for Cadets in Auckland, but there is still great need for more in Wellington. BOARD OF APPEAL The Board of Appeal was continuously occupied for a long period in disposing of appeals arising out of the regrading in 1946. The following table shows how various appeals were dealt with: —

In addition, one appeal against dismissal was not allowed. The term of office of the Board of Appeal expired on 31st December, 1947, And appreciation is expressed to Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., now a Deputy Judge of the Arbitration Court (Chairman), and Messrs. C. J. Playne, D. A. Young, and P. B. Wright for the services they have rendered. Since 31st March, 1948, a new Board has been appointed, Judge Stilwell being Chairman, with Mr. F. H. Waters as Government member and Messrs. J. W. G. Davidson and J. H. Tuohy as the elected members. The temporary Board of Appeal which is to hear appeals arising out of the appointment, of temporary employees to the permanent staff is to commence its sessions early in June, 1948. Four hundred and twenty-one appeals have been lodged against the advertised positions, but 56 of these have been withdrawn. PLAIN WORDS We are glad to see renewed interest in making official documents simpler and shorter —in avoiding what is called " officialese "or jargon. This interest was, as every one knows* encouraged in the war by Mr. Winston Churchill; not to mention Fowler, Quiller-Coueh, Sir Arthur Herbert, Stuart Chase, and other campaigners. Recently the United Kingdom Treasury have shown their sympathy in the cause by issuing a booklet,

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How Appeals disposed. Appeals against Reclassification as at 1st April, 1946. Appeals against Promotions arising out of Regrading as at 1st April, 1946. Appeals against Non-promotion. Total. Allowed by Board Not allowed Withdrawn Do not lie " Dismissed or lapsed Adjourned 246 1,003 329 18 5 31 1 85 143 7 69 13 3 112 160 5 40 11 250 1,200 632 30 114 55 Total 1,632 318 331 2,281