Aug. 8.

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

2003

be fully acquainted with all rules in force for the administration
of his office, and must see that his subordinates are fully
acquainted with them. He must provide for his own time being
fully occupied. He is expected to assist in carrying on the
ordinary duties of his office as opportunity offers. If it is
found that an excess of staff at any office is the result of
neglect on the part of the Postmaster to take an active part
in the work of his office, that officer will be called to account.

(b.) Form P.O. 43, “Schedule of Duties to be performed by
all Postmasters,” is to be prominently exhibited in the room of
each permanent Postmaster, and the instructions contained
therein are to be fully complied with. At offices at which a
classified senior officer is appointed, the form is to be read as
generally defining the responsibilities of the Postmaster and
senior clerk respectively in the management of the office.

61. On the arrival of a relieving Postmaster for relief duty,
    a Postmaster is to hand over charge of the office as soon as
    possible, not necessarily in business hours. The relieving Post-
    master will be expected to report any failure on the part of the
    Postmaster to carry out this instruction.

62. Officers are at the immediate disposal of the Department
    for transfer to such part of the Dominion as the exigencies of the
    service may demand. The circumstances of individual officers will
    receive due consideration; but, while attention will be given to
    objections of a personal or private nature in view of a proposed
    transfer, it is to be understood that private considerations must
    give place to the interests of the service.

63. Temporary exchanges will be agreed to only under excep-
    tional circumstances.

64. Any officer who is about to marry is required to advise
    the Secretary of his intention. A further advice is also necessary
    when the marriage has taken place.

65. Officers are invited, when passing through Wellington on
    transfer, special service, or leave of absence, to report themselves
    to the Secretary.

66. (a.) All officers are required to devote themselves during
    the hours of business exclusively to the discharge of their public
    duties. No officer will be allowed to leave his office during
    such hours, except on official business, and then, if he be an
    officer in a subordinate position, only by express permission of the
    head of the office or of his own branch. Officers having to
    attend at more than one place of business must, as far as
    possible, attend at stated times, and must post a notice of such
    times of attendance at the doors of their several offices. Officers
    are not, during the hours of business, to receive private visitors,
    to hold communication or conversation with strangers beyond
    what is strictly necessary for the transaction of the business of
    the Department, or otherwise to allow their attention to be
    engaged in private affairs.

(b.) An officer while on duty must not enter a publichouse
except in the execution of his duty, or drink any intoxicating
liquor while on duty or in his official uniform.

67. Postmen and messengers must not, without special autho-
    rity of the Postmaster, open letter-bags, deal with letter-bills
    or accounts, or assist in the general sorting of letters, or have
    access to any except those for their own delivery. They may,
    however, be employed to sort newspapers and book and pattern
    packets whenever required. Postmen and messengers likely to
    qualify for clerkships should be given every opportunity of
    acquiring the requisite knowledge.