1374
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 38

branches. (2.) The efficiency test in this examination will consist principally of practical work.

For Telegraph officers: (1.) Examination in operating, sending, and receiving, fifteen minutes each, at the rate of thirty words a minute. Not more than one per centum of errors will be allowed. Excellence in receiving will be regarded as compensating for slight failure to attain the required speed in sending. (2.) In Telegraph Rules and Regulations, in which officers will be required to show some practical knowledge of coding and charging telegrams.

Telegraph counter clerks, despatch clerks, &c., will be required to pass a practical examination in their duties.

(2.) Before receiving salary beyond two hundred pounds per annum, an examination (to be called the Second Examination) as under:—

For Postal officers: (1.) A test similar to that for the First Examination, but of a more extensive character. Officers employed principally in mail-work must show themselves competent in all the sorting and making-up of mails done at the office in which they are engaged, and in addition must show practical knowledge of handling registered letters and parcels. They must also pass an examination in postal geography. (2.) Money-order and Savings-Bank and counter officers, and those performing clerical work, must pass in the practical working of their branches. (3.) The tenor, and sometimes the text, of Rules will form part of the examination, but literal mistakes in the text will not be taken into account.

For Telegraph officers: An examination in magnetism and electricity as applied to telegraphy, theoretical and practical.

52. With the object of ascertaining the fitness of officers to fill vacancies in the Clerical Division below the First Class, they may be examined in such technical and departmental subjects as are deemed by the Minister essential for the vacant positions, at such times and places and in such manner as may from time to time be determined by the Minister.

53. One month’s notice of the intention to hold such examinations shall be given by notice published in the Post and Telegraph Official Circular, and the names of officers who have passed the required standard of examination shall be entered by the Secretary in a book kept for that purpose, in the order of their merit; and in promoting any officers to vacancies, or from one class or grade to another, effect shall as far as possible be given to the results of such examinations. When a vacancy occurs in a branch in which knowledge of theory or practice in the science of electricity in its relation to telegraphy is requisite, such examination shall be conducted by the Inspector of Telegraph Offices or an Inspector of Telegraphs, and such other officers as may from time to time be appointed by the Minister; and where knowledge of or capacity in business relating to the Post Office branch is required, the examination shall be held by the Inspector of Post-offices, or an Assistant Inspector of Post-offices, and such other officer or officers as the Minister may from time to time appoint; or the Minister may appoint any of such officers to conduct all examinations or any such examination under this regulation.

NON-CLERICAL DIVISION.

Promotions and Vacancies.

54. When a vacancy occurs in one of the branches in the Non-clerical Division,—

(1.) The Secretary or the Superintendent shall select for appointment any of the senior officers of the branches below that in which the vacancy has occurred who, from seniority and suitability for the position to be filled, appear to be most suitable, and the Minister may recommend the Governor to appoint to the vacancy.

(2.) If the vacancy occurs in the lower branches of the division, the appointment to the vacancy shall be made as far as possible from within the division.

(3.) If there are more vacancies than one to be filled, the like proceedings shall be had and taken as are hereinbefore provided.

55. Every officer in the Non-clerical Division shall be eligible for promotion to the Clerical Division as provided in clause 25 hereof; and every officer so promoted shall be selected without special regard to his branch, but with due consideration of his seniority combined