Registrar-Generals-Department-Annual-report-1971-1972 — Page 76

225. Government operates a Service-wide scheme under which staff welfare funds are allocated to Departments-

(a) to assist officers with a monthly salary of $1,850 per month or

below who may need relief, and

(b) to assist Departments in organizing recreation for staff.

During the year these funds were used to make an interest-free loan to a member of the staff, who is now repaying by monthly instalments. The funds were also used to buy five sets of Chinese billiard chess for use by the staff. These sets proved popular, and friendly matches were held between registries from time to time.

226. A representative team from the Department participated in an inter-departmental relay race on 7th November 1971 at the Government Stadium, and on 23rd December members of the Headquarters staff and the Official Receiver's Office disported themselves in a light-hearted football match at the Happy Valley Ground. The usual informal Christmas Eve party was held in the Land Office, where representatives from other branches met to exchange seasonal greetings. A social gather- ing, with music and dancing, was held on the evening of 2nd January 1972. This function proved very successful, being attended by 180 members of the staff and their guests.

Acknowledgments

227. 1971-72 was another year in which many records were broken in the Department, and accordingly the volume of work remained at an exceptionally high level. This, coupled with the growing shortage of legal and other staff as the year progressed, meant that there was no respite from the pressure under which officers at all levels had to operate. I record with pleasure that they nevertheless acquitted themselves cheerfully and diligently, and I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their hard work and loyal service during a difficult year. I extend also my sincere thanks to those professional men who have assisted us throughout the year in a variety of ways, and to other Government departments for their continued support and co- operation.

30th June 1972.

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W. HUME, Registrar General.