5 -
7
probationers assigned to the Treasury while the
other is supernumerary to establishment.
I now ask covering authority for the
increase of the Colonial Secretary's Office
Establishment by the addition of two more Class III
posts and the incorporation of the supernumerary
probationers.
Officers would be appointed to the
now Class III post from the ranks of the
probationers or by transfer from other Departments.
One of those additional clerks would be employed
on the work of making extracts and precis of files
and improving the reference index, as much can be
done to economise the time of administrative officers
and to increase the efficiency of the officer by
further attention to this matter.
?
The other additional clerk would be
available to undertake any special duties, to assist
in whichever
branch of the Registry he was most
required at any time and to take the place of
officers on leave.
7.
These proposals involve additional
expenditure under Head 3 of the Estimates amounting
approximately to 4,000 for the period 1st June to
31st December; but as it will probably be necessary
to make additions at an early date to the Accounting
Staff in certain other Departments I propose to defer
the taking of a supplementary vote until the position
is clearer.
8.
I now come to the question of the Chinese
and Eurasian Staff employed. Reference to Appendix II
of the Estimates for 1928, shows 14 officers of the
Junior Clerical Service attached to the Colonial
Secretary's