It is the duty of the Chief Mine Engineer to enforce all provisions
of the Act. He is given the authority to make and enforce necessary
rules and regulations in connection with the enforcement of the Act
and the operation of the mines. After hearings had been held in Frost-
burg and Westernport between the Chief Mine Engineer and operators
and miners, such regulations were issued and became effective March 13,
1929, md have been in force since that date. (Ch. 307, 1922.)
There was created by this Act in the Bureau of Mines a State Mine
Examining Board with powers to examine and pass upon the qualifica-
tions of applicants for certificates of competency as mine foremen,
assistant mine foremen, and fire bosses. Ten examinations have been
held at Frostburg, Maryland. The personnel of the Mine Exaniinirig
Board is as follows:

B. H. McCracken, Frostburg, Md.; representing Maiyland Coal
Operators.
Lawrence Dunn, Midland, Md.; representing Maryland Coal Miners.
John J. Rutledge, Chairman Ex-officio; representing State of Mary-
land.

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EMPLOYMENT AND REGISTRATION
22 Light Street, Baltimore.
Name Postoffice.
Commissioner:
Oliver C. Short Baltimore
Personnel Examiner:
Mildred Medinger - Baltimore
Assistant Personnel Examiner:
Perry Huntley Hoffman - Baltimore
Assistant Personnel Examiner:
Cleo Chrisof - - Baltimore
Secretary:
Margaret Milburn - Baltimore
Senior Clerk:
Ruth Engel Baltimore
Senior Clerk:
Minnie Sher - Baltimore
Junior Stenographer:
Lillian Hoshall - - ...Baltimore

The Governor, without Senate confirmation, appoints one State Em-
ployment Commissioner for a term of six years from October 1, 1931.
The other members of the staff of the Commissioner are in the classified
service.
The Merit System Law of Maryland (Article 64-A, page 2160, An-
notated Code of Maryland—Bagby) creating the State Employment
Commission was passed in 1920 during the first legislative session of
the first administration of Governor Ritchie. It embodies advanced
principles of personnel legislation which have made possible the inaugu-
ration in Maryland of a progressive personnel program based upon the
most favorably accepted practices in both the public and the private
fields of employment.