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In an attempt to overcome the critical shortage of professional officers the Public Service Commission advertised for forecasters in England. A number of applications was received, and live men were offered appointment, but none accepted. Vacancies for professional officers are being readvertised in England. The Meteorological Service has now been included in the Public Service Scientific Bursaries Scheme, and it is hoped that in future three of the bursars appointed each year will be allocated to the Meteorological Branch. Three years must elapse before the first graduates become available, but this scheme promises to be of the greatest value. Following recent representations to the Public Service Commission, a critical review was made of the establishment and salary scales for meteorological observers. As a result, there has been an increase in the total establishment, and a number of new positions has been created in the higher grades. Thus there are now substantially better prospects for ultimate advancement for meteorological observers. The shortage of staff, particularly in the case of forecasters, has naturally placed an extra burden on the remaining members of the Service, and their loyal co-operation is again acknowledged with pleasure. I have, &c, M. A. F. Babnett, Director of Meteorological Services.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (SO. 1 ! copies), £144.

By Authority: E. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington. —1949.

Price Is. 3<i.j

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