14. 38449/09
No. 302 of the 20th. of October, 1909, recommended
348
reductions in the clerical staff of the Department by
replacing the Hither Grade Clerk (now European First
Clerk) by a Second Grade Clerk and by the abolition of one
Fourth Grade Clerkship in the Imports and Exports Office.
These recommendations were not approved in consequence of
the Harbour Master's statement that the clerkships con
-cerred could not be dispensed with.
This is evidence corroborative
of the opinion of those who have recently enquired into the
Department. Mr. Percebois' opinion is entitled to much
weight seeing that he was working in the Department for
some months and had good opportunity of studying some of
its methods.
The European First Clerk is at
present on leave and large innovations in the Department
are under contemplation. Pending the necessary re-organiza-
-tion I do not think that any reduction in Staff is
necessary at the present time; but it is I think clear
that a good deal more work can be got out of the existing
clerical staff, and that it is probable that re-organiza-
-tion can be carried out without increasing it.
I am of
opinion that on opportunity out-door employment should be
found