APPENDIX II.

CORRESPONDENCE AS TO THE HOME CIVIL

SERVICE.

120

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE HOME
CIVIL SERVICE.

ADMIRALTY.

Grant of certificates for artificers and workmen.

ADMIRALTY.

Mr. Maitland to the Right Honourable H. T. L. Corry.

5th April 1859.

MR. MAITLAND presents his compliments to Mr. Corry, and with reference to the proposed clause in the Superannuation Bill, which was discussed this morning, is desired to enclose a copy of the Order in Council, under which the Civil Service Commissioners act. It will be seen that the rules on each head are to be settled "with the assistance "of the Commissioners, according to the discretion of the chief autho"rities of the department," and that all interference with nomination or appointment (except as provided for in the Order itself) is excluded. As to the first three points the Commissioners would probably require only evidence similar to that which the authorities of the department have hitherto considered necessary, and with regard to the fourth, if it be the judgment of the authorities of the department that no "know"ledge and ability" which can be tested by examination papers are required at the stage in which the certificate is applied for, the Commissioners will be glad to receive (as they already do in some other cases) official reports or other formal assurances, as to professional qualifications.

It may be added that in the arrangement which they have made, the Commissioners have endeavoured to meet the convenience of the various departments as far as they could with propriety, and that although it would be premature at present to enter on details, they do not doubt they will be able to carry out the clause in a manner which will secure the advantage intended to be gained, without causing inconvenience to the Admiralty and its officers.

W. G. Romaine, Esq., C.B., to Mr. Maitland.

SIR,
Admiralty, 26th September 1859.
In return to your communication of the 5th April last, I am com-
manded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to state to you,
for the information of the Civil Service Commissioners, that my Lords
having had under consideration the claim of the artificers and work-
men, entered on the books of the naval establishments at home and
abroad, subsequently to the passing of the Superannuation Act of 1859,
to be granted pensions under the provisions of the Act, they propose to
call upon the superintendents of the several naval establishments, to
furnish quarterly returns of all artificers and workmen (excepting
ordinary labourers) entered permanently in the establishments, subse-
quently to the date of the Act, according to the enclosed tabular form,
which returns are to be signed by the superintendent or senior officer
of establishments.

The age of the respective parties at the date of entry to be given, according to baptismal certificate or register of birth, whenever possible, and the column respecting health, to be signed in each individual case