158 SOUTH AFRICAN BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



would be found in enhanced chance of future promotion. 

 Against this, however, it is contended that some of the 

 most meritorious and enthusiastic officers would be 

 financially unable to take " leave without pay " ; that 

 " study leave " should be encouraged for its own sake and 

 its beneficial influence upon the service as a whole ; that 

 the opportunity for promotion is limited, and that far 

 more officers should be encouraged in post-graduate study 

 than there are prospective vacancies for promotion. 



Recognition of Special Merit. 



It is felt that for scientific work some system of 

 recognition for special merit should be recommended by 

 the Commission. Inherent in the nature of science is 

 the fact that an individual may do work of high value 

 to the country, but yet that it may be work which does 

 not count for promotion in the ordinary sense. In promo- 

 tion to appointments such as '^ Divisional Chief" it is 

 often necessary to take into consideration qualities of 

 personality, social prestige, and administrative capacity, 

 besides those of scientific acumen and originality in re- 

 search. Furthermore, an officer whose experience is 

 wide and diffused has a better chance than one whose 

 experience is specialised and deep. Many a fine scientific 

 mind, tabernacled within a nervous apologetic exterior, 

 or concentrated along a highly specialised line of work, 

 may go unrewarded. It is felt therefore, that personal 

 recognition should be arranged for by a system of purely 

 personal promotion beyond the orthodox grade, irrespec- 

 tive of the occurrence of senior vacancies. Such direct 

 personal recognition would act as a powerful spur to 

 intensive work, and a cheerful disregard of official hours 

 of Civil Service Labour. 



A second method has much to recommend it, and which 

 need not convict with the principle of personal increment 

 of salary, is the "'Bonus system". This principle has 

 already been indirectlv recognised in this countrv. When, 



