Registrar-Generals-Department-Annual-report-1962-1963 — Page 58

29th September 1962, when altogether 140 people members of staff, families and friends enjoyed the trip in fine weather to Picnic Bay. On the afternoon of Christmas Eve members of the Department joined together in the Land Office to exchange Christmas greetings with the benefit of drinks and small chow. Finally, the legal officers, Assistant Registrars and Executive Officers met for lunch together every three or four months.

167. The Department has a Charitable and Benevolent Fund sup- ported by voluntary contributions from members of the staff of the rank of Class I clerk and above, Contributions during the year amounted to $397 and other income to $46.35. A grant of $175 was made to the Department's football team for equipment, and an interest-free loan made to a messenger, which was duly repaid. At the end of the year the balance on hand amounted to $853. A collection made for the typhoon 'Wanda' fund realized $471.

Acknowledgments

168. Since its establishment in 1949 the history of the Department has been one of uninterrupted growth with the volume of work handled ever keeping ahead of the recruitment of new staff to deal with it. If anything this position became even more acute in 1962-63 especially in relation to legal matters, there being latterly in effect six vacancies in a legal strength of sixteen. In these circumstances, notwithstanding a great deal of constant hard work and overtime, delays in dealing with several segments of the Department's work simply could not be avoided. For their patience in bearing with the Department in its difficulties and their co-operation and assistance in many directions, I am most grateful to the Government Departments, Solicitors, Accountants and others with whom the Department deals. I am also more than grateful to all members of the Department's staff for their further unstinted loyal and energetic support in coping with the heavy burden of work which has fallen on all branches of the Department. Indeed no praise is too high for some officers who have risen to the challenge of the mounting work and in their enthusiasm spared neither time nor trouble in seeking to expedite the affairs of the public.

30th November, 1963.

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W. K. THOMSON, Registrar General.