DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1923.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1923 Session I-II, H-22

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Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEAL A N D.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1923.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sib, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 26th June, 1923. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1923. I have, &c, J. Hislop, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wellington. Local Government. I have again to report a particularly active year in matters affecting local government. Financially the year has been one of unique importance to local bodies, inasmuch as the first year of operation of the provisions of the Local Bodies' Finance Act brought home to local bodies the necessity for the strictest economy in framing their estimates of expenditure. Counties. —Certain necessary adjustments arising out of the Waikato and King-country Counties Act, 1921-22, were completed by the division of the Otorohanga, Taumarunui, and Waitomo Counties into ridings, and the making of arrangements for holding the first election and first meeting of the Council in each case. Special provision was made for the control of the Waitomo County until the new Council came into office ; for taking a poll to determine the system of rating to be adopted in that county ; and also fixing the antecedent liability of the former Awakino County Council. The Waipa County was redivided into ridings and representation fixed. Financial adjustments arising out of the Act wore being dealt with at the close of the year. No new counties were constituted, but the question of constituting the Akarana County was the subject of considerable attention. A report on certain matters connected with the administration of the area comprising the proposed county was being obtained. The question of bringing the Act into force in Marlborough County, and the establishment of local government in the Sounds district:, continued to give rise to considerable thought, but so far it has not been found possible to solve these difficult problems. The boundaries were altered between four counties, and the necessary action, taken to adjust riding boundaries of those and other counties. The boundaries of six counties were redefined consequent upon the alteration or constitution of boroughs. Riding boundaries in the Waitemata County were altered under the provisions of section 21 of the Act, and fourteen County Councils passed, special orders altering riding boundaries. The special order made by the Waipawa County Council resulted in considerable opposition from certain ratepayers, whose representations were very fully considered before the special order was gazetted. The question of bringing these special, orders into force is now a matter which rests in the hands of the Minister, and through an amendment to the Act and by arrangement with the Valuation Department the matter has been considerably simplified. It is now possible to bring such special orders into force within a reasonable time after passing thereof, and leave the adjustment of valuation rolls to be made subsequently. In anticipation of the amended rolls County Councils may amend the electoral rolls from the valuation rolls in possession ; but the part of the proceedings which should be carefully watched by Councils is that, when a, general election is pending, the special order should

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be so made in time to allow it to be brought into force and the required notice given of the election to be held on the altered boundaries. This point caused considerable difficulty in connection with special orders made just prior to the last general election, but I propose communicating with County Councils on the matter prior to next general election. A special order made by the Bruce County Council merging the Mount Stuart Eoad District, and one by the Makara County Council altering the number of members of the Council, were validated. An extension of time was granted for holding the annual meeting of Councillors in two counties, and for the preparation of the county rolls of three counties. Three County Councils had conferred on them cert-yn powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply, and one Council with respect to lighting and the supply of electricity. County Councils were given power to expend money on tree-planting. In the interests of economy regulations were issued authorizing County Councils to mimeograph their balance-sheets in lieu of printing them. Boroughs. —For some years past Christchurch has been aiming at a " Greater Christcliurch,'"' and adjoining districts have from time to time been brought into the city. During the past year the scheme was carried further, and petitions were presented for the inclusion in the city of five large areas of the Heathcote and Waimairi Counties. A Commission was appointed in each case, and reported favourably in three cases. Each, of these three cases was then submitted to a poll of ratepayers, the poll being carried in two cases, after which those two alterations were made. The areas included comprised a portion of the Bromley Riding of the Heathcote County, and the Papanui area of the Waimairi County. In consequence of these alterations the time for preparing the district electors roll for the general election for the city was extended, in order to allow the enrolment of persons residing in the areas. Concurrently with these alterations a proposal to include portions of the Waimairi County in the Borough of Riccarton was also agreed to, after being carried by a poll of ratepayers. Representations are being made to the Department to make the city and New Brighton contiguous, with the, object of uniting that borough with the city. There were several other alterations of boundaries made—viz., Blenheim, Marton, Masterton, Whangarei, Wellington, and Winton ; and the boundaries redefined 'of those boroughs and others in respect of which alterations had previously been made. The only new borough constituted was through the formation of the Town of Rotorua into a borough by the Rotorua Borough Act. Action was taken to bring the Act into force, and arrangements subsequently made for the first election and first meeting of the Council. Mayoral elections are fixed for the last Wednesday in April biennially. This day fell on Anzac Day in respect of last election, so an Order in Council was issued extending the time until the following day, Council elections being already fixed, for that day. Regulations were issued authorizing Borough Councils to mimeograph their balance-sheets instead of printing them as an economic measure ; also prescribing the, manner of appeals under section. 335 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, with respect to the decision of a Council concerning the subdivision of lands in a borough. Certain Borough Councils, through a mistaken impression of the law, levied water rates on a graduated scale, and their action was validated by legislation. Town Districts. —Four town districts were constituted, the boundaries of two town districts altered, and five town districts declared not to form part of the county in which each was situated. The biennial election of members of Town Boards was held during the year in accordance with the Act, and the time for closing polling in connection with this election was extended in the case of two districts. Road Districts. —Only one road district was merged during the year, and arrangements were, made for holding the first election and first meeting of the Board of the newly constituted Taupo Road District. There are now only forty-eight road districts in the Dominion, eighteen of which are contained in districts where there is at present no other form of local government. River Districts. —Two new districts —viz., Manawatu-Oroua and Otaki—were constituted, and the boundaries of the Wairau River District altered. Trustees were appointed for the Waimatuku River District. The constitution of the Manawatu-Oroua River District, referred to in my last report, was an important factor in river-conservation in the Manawatu district, and it is hoped that the works of the Board will materially assist in the big problem of river-conservation in that locality. Before constituting the, district you obtained a favourable report from Mr. Newton, Assistant Under-Secretary, who visited the district for the purpose of inspecting the proposed area and, interviewing the several parties. The difficulties arising out of the dual control of the district, as a result of the existence of several drainage districts and a harbour district, were removed by means of legislation, and it is hoped that the Boards will work in harmony and thus enable the works for which the district was constituted to be carried out effectively. The, difficulties of dual control, however, in some instances have been intensified by reason of a misunderstanding of the duties of River Boards and Land Drainage Boards. The primary object of the River Boards Act is the protection of lands from floods, whilst the Land Drainage Act is intended to provide for the drainage of low-lying lands. By process of time, however, the operations of both classes of Boards have become very similar, and it is now difficult in many cases to find exactly where the functions of a- River Board and a Land Drainage Board differ. A case was recently brought under notice where a River Board had spent considerable money in obtaining reports from engineers, but these reports were not acceptable to the Board because they dealt almost entirely with. the question of prevention of floods and not with the question of drainage. Finally the Board

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decided to proceed no further, and asked the Government to bear the cost of obtaining the reports. Cases such as this arise purely and simply from a misunderstanding of the functions of a River Board ; for, whilst there is power in the Act to give a River Board the powers of a Drainage Board, and vice versa, it was never intended that drainage should be the primary function of a River Board, or prevention of flooding the primary function of a Land Drainage Board. It is proposed to watch these matters carefully and point out to Boards where they appear to be misinterpreting their powers. Land-drainage. —Two land-drainage districts were constituted, two united, one subdivided, and the boundaries of five altered. Trustees were appointed for six districts, and the number of members of one Board increased. War Memorials. —The powers given to local bodies under section 15, Finance Act, 1919, to erect war memorials'are still being availed, of, eleven local bodies obtaining the necessary authority. Commissions of Inquiry. —As usual a number of Commissions of Inquiry were appointed under various Acts for the purpose of reporting on petitions presented. Until recently it has been the practice for the Government to pay the cost of holding the inquiries of these Commissions, but this practice has now been discontinued, and the cost is allocated among the several parties to the inquiry. Local Bodies' Finance. —The practical effect of the Local Bodies' Finance Act was felt during the year, inasmuch as local bodies were called upon to commence to liquidate their antecedent liability by one of the means provided in the Act, and, also to keep their expenditure within the limits provided by the Act. Instances of hardship were revealed, but these were met either by arrangement or, where necessary, by legislation. Despite adverse criticism from a few quarters, it is now generally admitted that the Act is working well, and will materially strengthen the financial position of local bodies. An impression is current that the Act is harsh, in that if a flood, for example, came and necessitated unexpected, expenditure by a local body, causing it to exceed its estimated expenditure, then the local body would require to cease its ordinary operations for a period. This, however, is not the case. The Act aims at keeping expenditure by local bodies within the limits of their income in each year, but emergency is provided for by section 7, which empowers the Minister to authorize a local body to borrow money by overdraft, or other such means, in special cases of flood, earthquake, fire, or other accident. Moneys borrowed for such purposes are an addition to the usual borrowingpowers authorized by the Act, and are dealt with as an antecedent liability of the local body. Such, moneys may be extinguished in any of the ways provided in. the Act — i.e., out of revenue, by direct loan (without a poll of ratepayers), or by special rate. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, every local body having an antecedent liability gave notice of the amount thereof and the means to be taken to extinguish it. The total amount of antecedent liability in respect of all local bodies was £2,328,585 Is. Id. This amount is to be extinguished, or has been extinguished, as follows : (a) By direct loan, £1,471,777 12s. lid.; (b) by debentures, £26,815 9s. 5d.; (c) out of revenue, £144,737 65.'3d.; (d) by special rate, £388,256 14s. 7d.; (c) method not decided, £296,997 1.75. lid. In addition.to this the Minister exercised the powers given under subsection (5) of section 3 of the Act and authorized twenty-throe local bodies during their first year of existence to borrow amounts totalling £43,9.10, whilst three local bodies availed themselves of the provisions of section 7 of the Act. General. —The name of the district known as Gumtown was altered to Coroglen the Designation of Districts Act. Legislation. During the 1922 session amendments were passed to the Cemeteries, Fencing, Land Drainage, and Rating Acts. The Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act contained some, amendments to the Local Bodies' Finance Act, and, as usual, several matters affecting this Department were dealt with in the " washing-up " Act and the Finance Act. Land Agents Act. One hundred and fifty-one licenses were issued and eleven transfers were granted, as compared with 1,215 licenses and ten transfers during the previous year. In order to bring licenses into conformity with -the now land agents' year provided in the Land Agents Act, 1921-22, provision was made to extend the existing licenses to the 31st March last, and 966 licenses wore extended under this authority,* The sum of £8,376 (approximately) was derived from fees under the Act. One land agent defaulted in connection with certain transactions, and the guarantors wore called upon to satisfy the bond given on his behalf to the extent of the defalcations. From this amount the person who suffered from the defalcations was reimbursed.. Regulations were issued under the Act, the main question dealt with being a provision doing away with the necessity for the production of testimonials with an application for renewal of an existing license. Animals Protection and Game Act. As usual, open seasons for game-shooting and deer-stalking were provided in a number of acclimatization districts. A short open season was again declared for paradise duck and pukeko in a few districts, but it is proposed, prior to next season, to obtain a full report as to whether these birds are sufficiently numerous in any district to warrant an open season being declared. The question of the most effective manner of dealing with the question of deer has exercised the attention not only of this Department but'also the Agriculture, Forestry, Lands, and Tourist

* This accounts for the comparatively small number of licenses issued last year, because the majority were not issued until after the close of tho financial year.

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Departments, and I hope in my next report to be able to mention the adoption of a comprehensive and satisfactory scheme for dealing with these animals. An open season was again fixed for opossums in a number of districts. The prospects for the coming season are extremely good, but it is becoming evident that, with the growing popularity of the industry, some chock will have to be provided against trappers who have not sufficient knowledge of the manner in which skins should be treated. At present the difficulty is partially overcome by arrangement, but if the industry increases at its present rate, then it is evident that some check will be required with the object of the preservation of these valuable skins. The Department is watching the whole question of opossums very carefully, and the operations of each season are tending more and more to keep the matter on a satisfactory basis, by providing against any anomalies or disabilities found in the present system. With regard to the animals becoming a nuisance, this aspect of the matter is also being carefully watched, but in the meantime no authorities arc being granted to permit further liberation of opossums in any locality. Permits and Passports. The War Regulations requiring all persons over the age of fifteen years to obtain permission to leave New Zealand for any place beyond the seas were revoked by Order in- Council dated I.Bth Septembor, 1922. With the exception of British subjects travelling to the Cook Islands, Western Samoa, and the Commonwealth of Australia, all persons journeying overseas must be in possession of passports to facilitate landing at their destination. In regard to the round steamer service of the South Sea Islands, from Auckland, arrangements have been concluded with the governing authorities of Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa whereby all passengers (whether British or alien) may land at each port of call, during the temporary stay of the vessel, without being in possession of passports. British subjects travelling to France, Luxemburg, Netherlands, and Spain do not require to obtain a visa on their passports to land in those countries, and arrangements are now under way for the reciprocal abolition of the visa system in respect of Italy and Switzerland. 3,313 passports were issued during the year, an increase of eighty-two as compared with the preceding year, while the number of renewals of passports increased from 528 to 1,055. Motor Regulation Act. The County Councils of Otorohanga and Taumarunui have been approved as registering authorities under Part II of the Motor Regulation Act, 1908. It is considered to be difficult to read two letters and five numbers on a rapidly moving motor-vehicle, and in the case of the Christchurch City Council, which was approaching the ten-thousand mark, the following distinguishing letters and numerals were approved : OH. A 1 to 999 ; CH. B 1 to 999 ; and so on throughout the alphabet. Gaming Act, 1908. Raffles. —A large number of licenses authorizing the disposal of works of art, &c, have been issued. A number of applications for permission to raffle real or personal property were; declined. Attention is drawn to section 39, which expressly prohibits the disposal of real or personal property by lottery. Regulating Admission to Racecourses. —The regulations made by clubs under section 33 have recently been amended and adopted by the governing authorities of racing and trotting. It is now competent for any person who, by reason of any conviction, comes within the scope of the regulations to appeal to the joint Stipendiary Stewards Committee, and for such committee, if they so decide, to grant exemption. Totalizator Inspection. —The reports furnished by the Inspector and his deputies indicate that the control and working of the totalizator throughout the Dominion is satisfactory. As the racing season does not end until the 31st July, particulars of the total investments, &c, for the current year are not yet available. Soldiers' and Historical Graves. Veterans' and Historical Graves. —The most important work carried out was at Tauranga, where there are approximately one hundred graves of soldiers, the majority of whom fell in the battle at Gate Pa on the 29th April, 1864. The cemetery was levelled, concrete paths were laid, and arrangements made for the proper maintenance of this historical spot. Notifications of additional veterans' graves in various parts of the Dominion total fifty. Inspections were carried out in conjunction with those of the graves of men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who died since their return from the Great War. War Graves (in New Zealand). —The total number of burials recorded at the 3.lst March last was 2,308, and of this number 1,807 are deemed to be war graves. At O'Neill's Point, Auckland, where there are 37 war graves, permanent work consisting of the formation of concrete korbing and floor and the erection of universal headstones of Coromandel granite has been completed. Headstones were also placed over war graves at Palmerston North (13), and at Featherston (159), bringing the total erected for the year to 209. Specifications have been prepared for the carrying-out of similar work at Waikaraka (30), Purewa (45), Waikumete (132), and Birkenhead (2). The total number of orders for headstones forwarded to the contractors was 353. War Graves (Overseas). —By arrangement with the Minister of Defence all clerical work in connection with war graves overseas is being carried out by this Department on behalf of the Defence Department. The work comprises the despatch of burial reports, photographs of graves, and the distribution of cemetery registers to approximately sixteen thousand next-of-kin.

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Chartered Clubs. There are forty-six chartered clubs throughout the Dominion, as compared with forty-seven in the year 1906, wlion the issue of fresh charters ceased. Various police officers throughout the Dominion have been appointed inspectors of chartered clubs under section 262 of the Licensing Act, 1908. The reports furnished by the inspectors are, with one exception, of a satisfactory nature. Cinematograph- film Censorship. During the year 1,805 pictures, of a total length of 4,416,940 ft., have been censored. Of these forty-two wore rejected and 115 wore passed subject to excisions. The Board of Appeal set up in accordance with the regulations made under the authority of the Act, as previously intimated, comprises Mr. H. M. Gore (Chairman), Mrs. K. Preston, and Mrs. F. Righton. Four appeals were heard during the year, three of which were disallowed, and one allowed subject to an excision. Fire Brigades Act. Fire districts have been constituted for the boroughs of Foxton and Kaiapoi. The number of Fire Boards is now thirty-six. In addition to the usual statutory work concerning estimates, loans, ike, the Department has indented and. distributed to the various Fire Boards and to the United Fire Brigades' .Association 18,950 ft. of fire-hose of various descriptions, and placed orders with the High Commissioner, on behalf of different Boards, for the supply of various fire appliances not manufactured in New Zealand. With the object of attaining greater efficiency in the various fire brigades throughout the Dominion certain amending conditions in respect of the biennial fire brigades' competition and demonstration were suggested to, and adopted by, the United. Fire Brigades' Association. Naturalization. In accordance with the provisions of the Aliens Aot, 1908, naturalization has been granted to 333 persons, as compared with 170 last year. The issue of letters of naturalization to persons of alien enemy origin is restricted to cases where it is established that the memorialist, or his near relatives, served with the British Forces in the Great War. During the year naturalization has been granted to a number of old, German colonists whose sons, and in some instances grandsons, served with the New Zealand. Expeditionary Forces. The War Disabilities Removal Act, 1922, provides that no person who, in New Zealand, is a British subject by naturalization shall be subject to any disabilities or disqualification imposed by any Act or War Regulations, or other enactment in respect of alien enemies or persons of enemy origin, as those terms are defined by any such enactment. War Funds Act, 1915. —The activities of patriotic organizations have assumed a comparatively stable character. During the year twenty-two societies were closed, involving a transfer of £10,700 to either the parent body or the National War Funds Council. This leaves ninety-seven organizations open, including thirty-five incorporated societies. Excluding the funds administered by the National War Funds Council, the sum of £1,221,517 is held by societies operating under the provisions of the Act, as follows : — £ Incorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. .. 995,429 British Red Cross headquarters and branches and sundry other Red Cross organizations, including St. John Ambulance .. .. 167.446 Blind Soldiers'Hostels and Veterans' Homes .. .. .. 29,216 Collecting and administering societies .. .. .. .. 8,850 Memorial funds .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,879 Navy League, funds .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,817 Returned Soldiers'Clubs and building funds .. .. .. 3,569 Social funds .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,311 £1,221,517 Stores.— In accordance with the regulations issued by the recently constituted Stores Control Board, all of'this Department's requisitions are now transmitted through one channel. The work of the Accountant's office has thereby been increased, but the system of centralization has led to more effective control. Economy. —Owing to the continued necessity for reduction in expenditure the efforts of the Department have been directed towards maintaining the economies effected last year, and, where possible, towards making further reductions. The total saving effected, as compared with the preceding year, is slightly in excess of £22,000. Thermal Fisheries. Hatchery. —During the past year 2,300,000 rainbow-trout ova were dealt with at the Rotorua hatchery, of which number 1,121,000 were disposed of as eyed ova, while the remainder were reared as fry and sold to various acclimatization societies. Large consignments of eyed ova were forwarded to the State Fisheries, Sydney, and to the Government of Fiji. Fisheries. —The great majority of fish caught by anglers during the season were found to be in excellent condition. It is pleasing to record that the improvement effected by reason of former

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netting operations is being maintained. Investigations arc being made as to the advisability of netting certain areas of water which, are stated to be overstocked. Shags. —For reason of economy, the payment of 2s. 6d. for each shag destroyed, has been withdrawn ; but in order to cope with the natural increase of these birds arrangements were made to destroy a number of the largest shaggeries in and around the district during the breeding season. Fish-curing. —Arrangements were again made at Taupo for anglers and others to have their catches of trout preserved. , Distinguished Visitors. The Right Hon. V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, P.C, wdio was deputed by the Government of India to visit Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with the object of discussing with the Govcrnmemts and Parliaments of the dominions mentioned questions affecting the rights of citizenship of Indians lawfully resident in those countries, arrived at Wellington on the 11th July, 1922. The visit was confined to the North Island, eleparture being taken from Auckland on the 25th. idem. In a report submitted by the right honourable gentleman to the Indian Government upon his visit to New Zealand, since his return to India, it is gratifying to find that, as a result of his investigations, appreciation is expressed of the manifestations of sympathy shown everywhere for India and. her people, and a genuine desire to establish a friendly understanding between the two parts of the Empire by the removal of outstanding differences. The French cruiser " Jules Michelet," under the command of Rear Admiral Gilly, with the members of the French Trade Mission on board, arrived in Auckland on the 16th January, 1923, and sailed from Wellington on the 31st January. During their stay the Admiral and his staff were the! guests of the Dominion, while two hundred of the petty officers and men belonging to the warship were taken to Rotorua, where they were most hospitably received by the citizens, both European and Maori. In addition, the civic authorities at Auckland, Wellington, anel other centres visited by Admiral Gilly extended all possible, civic courtesies. On each occasion the entertainment and reception arrangement-*! were entrusted to this Department. Dominion Analyst and Chief Inspector op Explosives. As a detailed report of the operations of the Dominion Analyst and Chief Inspector of Explosives is being printed a brief summary only is maele hereunder. Analyses. —The samples submitted by the Mines Department comprised pig-iron fluxes and slag from the recently erected smelting-furnaoe at Onakaka. The iron was found to be of good quality. Numerous and various samples of foodstuffs were examined, some of which were deficient in essential parts, while preservatives were detected in foodstuffs in which they are not permitted. The use of artificial colourings is still prevalent. In regard to milk-samples, an outstanding serious defect is that, out of 2,212 samples, twenty-two contained excessive dirt. A series of analyses of several brands of chloroform and ether used for anaesthetic purposes indicate that there is eleterioration with age. It has been recommended that the date of manufacture be stamped on every container. Research. —The composition and firing properties of several clay deposits have been determined along similar lines as formerly. The previously expressed opinion that New Zealand contains a considerable variety of very useful clays has been confirmed by Mr. Joseph Keelo, Chief of the Ceramic Division, Mines Department, Canada, who recently visited the Dominion. Explosive and Dangerous Goods. —With the object of lowering distribution and agency costs of explosives for the mining industry on the west coast of the South Island, Greymouth and Westport have been made ports of first entry for explosives, anel a magazine established at Westport. Owing to the erection of residential buildings in the vicinity of private magazines at Invercargill the Department has, pending the erection of a permanent magazine, taken over two private magazines so that proper distribution may be ensured. Proceedings were taken, against a number of persons for storing dangerous goods in unauthorized or unlicensed premises. In each case a conviction was recorded and a fine imposed. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing. —At the 31st March, 1923, about twenty thousand volumes had been classified, numbered, and placed on the shelves. The whole of these volumes deal with Pacific literature, including Australia and New Zealand ; but the books in Maori and in the dialects of the Pacific — mostly small books, and numbering many hundreds—have not yet been catalogued. About five hundred volumes were sent to the Government Printer for binding or lettering. ' Additions. —It is estimated that four hunelred new books have been added, comprising new publications, or old ones not already in the library. Among them are foreign works on Pacific travel and anthropology, eleven Dutch, one Danish, eleven French, twenty-four German, three Italian, one Portuguese, and four Spanish. The securing of these was made possible by the examination of many Continental catalogues, besides the various British ones received. It may be noted that, through Danish correspondence, a copy of Borschgrevink's " Naermest Sydpolen" was obtained, and. a presentation copy of Landtman's anthropological notes on New Guinea. A Dutch scientific expedition has also been, carrying on extensive anthropological and other work in New Guinea, and their publications are being received. The groat bulk of the additions comprise works on the history, anthropology, &c, of the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand ; a few are works in literature, these being principally additions to sets begun by the late Mr. Turnbull, such as the Loeb Classics, the Champlain Society (Canada) publications, Hakluyt Society publications, Navy Records Society publications. Advantage was taken of a local sale to aeld some forty books on Shakespeare and the drama to the dramatic section, and early editions of Masefield and others to the modern-poetry section.

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Donations. —The following are some of the donations of the year : Rev. J. H. L. Waterhouse, five books in the New Britain dialect; Rev. F. R. Isom, sixty books in Solomon Islands and New Hebrides dialects; Rev. W. Flierl, fifteen books in the New Guinea dialect; E. N. Hogben, MS. biography of Sir J. yon Haast, by G. Hogben; E. G. Pilcher, sets of Australian Philatelist and Australian Journal of Philately, New Zealand Stamp Journal, and many New Zealand pamphlets and photos ; J. A. Ferguson, privately printed " Bibliography of Now Hebrides," part 2 ; J. H. L. Wilson, autograph copy of first edition of R. L. Stevenson's "An Inland Voyage " ; W. West Knowlcs, illustrations to Wakefield's " Adventures in New Zealand," &c. ; Maggs Bros., bound copies of thesir catalogues of 1921 ; L. H. Victory, " Looms of Orchill," and other poems ; Hon. Sir Frederick Chapman, Works of Jeremy Bentnam (twenty-three volumes, 1791-1830) ; M. Crompton Smith, Maunsell's " New Zealand Grammar," and other New Zealand books formerly belonging to S. Percy Smith ; Hon. W. H. Triggs, numbers of Canterbury Punch, and othc-.r books ; D. C. Bates, " Entomology in Sport," " Bibliomania in the Middle Ages " ; Mrs. Ralston, volume of original drawings in pencil, ink, or wash, with engravings of many by J. L. and W. Ralston, English illustrators ; J. McDonald, original drawings of Hori Kingi; H. S. Dottmann, " Jus Potandi oder Becht-Rocht," " Petri Godofredi " ; Angus and Robertson, Oken's " Botany," illustrations ; &c. The thanks of the Government are due to these and to other donors. Among the donations special attention might be drawn to the copy of Stevenson's " Inland Voyage," which is now very valuable even without the autograph ; and to the set of Bentham's works, which belonged to the father of Judge Chapman, a personal friend of Bentham, intimately connected with him and his writings. The set of New Guinea dialect publications presented by the Rev. Flierl, too, wore obtained through German correspondence with the German Missionary Society. The copy of Maunsell's " Grammar " is a valuable one : it was Maunsell's own, and is interleaved, and contains a great many notes and emendations. Attention, too, should be drawn to the volume of drawings by the brothers Ralston. These artists were illustrators in Punch and other English periodicals, and their sketches are typical of society and middle-class life of the " eighties " and " nineties." A note might be made of one donation that does not come within the year —an electrotype copy of the Keats portrait lately sent from New Zealand to Sir Sydney Colvin. This portrait was drawn in 1819 by R. Browne, who subsequently came to New Zealand, settling at New Plymouth, where he died. His granddaughter, Mrs. Osborne, sent the portrait Home, and it was she who, on being approached, sent the copy to the library. Through notification of the gift in the Press, copies of other sketches by It. Browne have come to hand. The large number of books in the New Hebrides anel Solomon Islands dialects were also obtained through correspondence, and are a valuable addition to the South Sea dialect library, which is one of the best in. existence. Historical Records. —A number of. historically valuable documents, including despatches, journals, <fee, have been added to those already in the library, but it has not been possible to elo anything towards arranging or cataloguing these. Amongst the documents received may be mentioned — Original proclamation of Sir George Grey constituting the various Provincial Councils and Provincial Districts in 1853 ; official letter-books, Wanganui Resident Magistrate's Court, 1848-53, 1863-65 ; Warrants appointing Justices, 1848-53 ; early despatches ; the ship's book of the late H.M.S. " New Zealand." War Literature. —Through the interest and action of the High Commissioner about one hundred copies have been received of the histories published by various British regiments. South Sea Island Dialects. —A large number of books were added during the year, correspondence with various missionaries anel others engaged in the field having brought a ready response, so that the-, valuable collection started by the late Mr. Turnbull is being kept up. A bibliography of literature in these dialects has for some time been in preparation by Mr. T. A. Ferguson, of Sydney. Parts 1 and. 2 of the New Hebrides section have been published, and Mr. Ferguson has presented copies of these to the library. The library has been in correspondence with him, and it is found that this library possesses a large number of unique volumes in the New Hebrides dialect alone, which i_s the only section so far dealt with. Incunabula. —Some, four years before the war a Commission was set up in Germany to compile a list of all fifteenth-century books existing in the world. As assistance to the German Government, which was interesting itself in the work, the British. Government wrote to the various Dominion Governments asking that lists of such books in their various areas be prepared. The list for New Zealand was prepared from the library, but there has been a good deal of technical difficulty, partly owing to the format of the books being puzzling, partly to the fact that they are mostly in Greek or Latin. By means of circulars anel much correspondence, details of 128 books in New Zealanel were obtained. The library itself has twenty-seven, and since the list was sent away details of thirty-two other books have been obtained, so that a supplementary list will be prepared. The whole list, where details are of a particularly technical nature, has been typed in the library. Copies of Documents. —As the Hawaiian Historical Society desired a photostat copy of Vancouver's MS. log, which is in the library, arrangements were made for this work being done in Wellington. A typed copy of Marsden's Second Journal of 1819 was also made for the Mitchell Library, the work being superintended in the library. Readers and Students. —Forty new readers' permits were issued during the year, the readers being chiefly professional men and women, teachers, and students. Compared witli other public libraries the number of readers seems small. In public libraries, however, the number of readers of fiction is usually about 90 per cent, of the total, and of the others the larger number reael biography and useful arts, leaving but a small percentage who read history and the fine arts. This library contains chiefly history and the fine arts, more especially literature ; but as regards

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the history the collection is exceedingly valuable, since its collection of Pacific literature is most comprehensive. The students are mostly young people from the colleges and the schools, and the subjects read during the year have been for biographies of New Zealand statesmen, educational periods in the history of New Zealand, labour movements, local administration —the pamphlet literature being found very useful and valuable. One advanced student has, been .comparing the various Cook journals, and from the Cook manuscripts in the library has gleaned material not contained in books so far printed. Another advanced student has interested himself in incunabula and various schools of printing—Kelmscott, Ashendene, &c. Visitors. —Five hundred and fifty persons have signed the visitors' book, and it is gratifying to hear the number from abroad who speak with a knowledge of the library gained from others from abroad who have been here. Schools also send classes from time to time ; arrangements for occasional lecture-talks are made, when subjects of interest to the children are dealt with. A good deal of time is taken up in the work of showing visitors over the library. Carter Collection. —During the year the valuable Carter collee:tion of books and pamphlets was moved from the Museum, anel is housed in the top room of the library. Value of lAbrary. —Seeing the mounting prices paid for various rare books, copu.s of which are in the library, it may be realized how quickly the commercial value of the library is increasing, apart from, its essential value as a reference library of Pacific works. Miscellaneous. —Besides visiting students, others resident in distant towns e>f the Dominion write for particulars either of books to read, or information on various subjects. Very many inquiries, both personally and by letter, are, made as to book-values. Work of the Staff. —Besides the ordinary work of cataloguing, making books ready for binding, arranging books on the shelves, and showing visitors over the library, the correspondence entails a large amount of typing and searching for information. A bibliography of Australian and New Zealand poets is being prepared by P. Serle, Victoria, and the text is being sent to the library, portion at a time, so that it may be compared with the collection here, and additions be made. A photostat collection of Mei-yon letters was obtained from the British Museum, and these letters are being transcribed and translated, from the French. They contain valuable information about Banks Peninsula during the period about the year 1842. Census and Statistics Opptce. The principal item during the last twelve months has been the compilation of the census results. All other branches of work have been carried on as usual, and several new departures have been made, the principal of which are referred to below. Census of 1921. —The compilation of the census statistics is proceeding apace, and so far the following publications have been issued : — Part I, Population ; Part 11, Ages ; Part VI, Race Aliens ; Part IX, Conjugal Condition. Interim Return No. I—Religions, Birthplaces, Allegiance, Race, Ages, Conjugal Condition ; Interim Return No. 2 —lndustries, Life Insurance, Orphanhood, Dependency, Length, of Residence. Appendix A, Maoris ; Appendix B, Cook and other Pacific Islands ; Appendix C, Western Samoa ; Appendix D, Libraries ; Appendix E, Religious Denominations ; Appendix F, Poultry and Bees. Three other parts (Religions, Birthplaces, and Nationalities) are in the press, and the remaining parts are; all in process of preparation. Port, Statistics. —The system of allocating exports to district of production, which had been in operation, from 191.4 to 1921 inclusive, was abandoned from the beginning of 1922, and the former system reverteel to. Under the system in force up to 1913, and now resumed, each port is simply credited, as regards overseas exports, with, the goods placed on the eiverseas vessel at the port. With a view to ascertaining the actual trade of each port, however, a complementary system has also been introduced whereby statistics are compiled of the total inwards anel outwards trade of each port, whether overseas or coastwise. Under this system each port is credited, on a tonnage basis, with all goods passing over its wharves, irrespective of whether goods shipped are inteneled for export abroad or for consumption in another part of the country. The difficulty with the district system in force from 1914 to 1921 was that it was not always possible to allocate exports to district of production. Again, the; principal argument advanced in favour of the district scheme was that it would show the relative productivity of the various districts. This it quite failed to do : it did not even show the surplus production, as surplus commodities produced in one portion of the country —as, for instance, Canterbury's wheat crop—might be used in other parts of the country and not exported at all. The proper source of information as to productivity of districts is the annual statistics of production. Fire-insurance Statistics. —When the present system of fire-insurance statistics was inaugurated in 1919 that portion of the regulations providing for the collection, of data from which to compile an experience for the various classes of risks wa,s held in abeyance, pending the preparation of a classification suitable to all. the offices concerned. The matter was left in the hands of a sub-committee representing the Fire Underwriters' Association, the State Fire Insurance Office, and this office, and a classification has now been evolved acceptable to all parties concerned. It has been arranged to commence the collection of data*from January next. Local-governing-body Statistics. —For some fifty years past statistics concerning the; activities of local governing bodies have been collected on a more or less voluntary basis. Power for the collection of these statistics exists in the Census and Statistics Act, the Municipal Corporations Act, and the Counties Act, and regulations have recently been made setting out the form of return and specifying the, obligations of local-body officials in regard to the furnishing of the returns. This course has been adopted to obviate the difficulties and delays experienced in the past in completing the statistical tables on account of the: unwillingness or neglect of a few officials to assist.

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Mechanical Appliances. —The mechanical appliances obtained in 1921. have continued to give thorough satisfaction. In addition to the census work, they have been utilized in the compilation of the migration statistics, and will also be used to cope with the immense amount of material to be handled in connection with the fire-risks classification, and the compilation of statistics of incomes. The use of the machines will be extended in other directions as opportunity offers, though any great extension will require to be accompanied by an increase in the capacity of the plant. New Work. —Reference has already beem made to the new system of port statistics, and to the introduction next January of the collection of data in connection with the fire-risks classification. Another new branch of inquiry will be. the compilation, in conjunction with the Department of Inland Re;venue, of statistics of income, a matter in regard to which our statistics have hitherto been sadly deficient. The preparation of life tables from the results of the 1921 census and the death statistics is also being put in hand. Publications. —The Year-book was out of the Printer's hands early in December, and the bulk of the distribution oompleted before Christmas. It is hoped to keep future issues up to the new standard, of punctuality, and thus to enhance the value of the Year-book. The first series of " Statistical Reports," replacing the former statistical volume, was also published expeditiously and without any hitch, in spite of the considerable amount e.f work involved in writing up the explanatory letterpress for the nine reports. A new issue of the " Municipal Handbook," last published in 1919, has been approved, and the necessary material for the preparation of the book is now being collected. Registration of Aliens. —At the 30th April, 1923, there were 8,621 names on the Dominion Register of Aliens, as compared with 8,984 twelve months ago. The principal nationalities concerned were- - Nationals of China, 2,916 ; United States, 835 ; Jugo-Slavia, 673 ; Germany, 729 ; Denmark, 579 ; Sweden, 446 ; Norway, 394 ; Italy, 284 ; Switzerland, 268 ; France, 203 ; Finland, 1.65 ; Syria, 155 ; Poland, 131 ; Russia, 127. Registrar-General. Registrations of Europeans. —Births, 30,597; deaths, 11,019; marriages, 9,649. A total of 9,612 marriages were solemnized, of which number 1,815 were conducteel by Registrars. Registration of Maoris. —Births, 1,423; deaths, 881 ; marriages, 218. Medical Register. — Total number, 1,073. During the year there were 34 additions, 21 having New Zealand qualifications. There were 32 removals. Dentists Register. —Total number, 749. During the year 5 additions and 2 removals were made. Officiating Ministers. —- On the 31st December last there were 1,812 ministers authorized to solemnize marriages in New Zealanei, as follows : Church of England, 442 ; Presbyterian Church, 419 ; Roman Catholic Church, 287 ; Methodist Church, 264; Congregational Independents, 37 ; Baptist, 69 ; Church of Christ, 38 ; Salvation Army, 175 ; other denominations, 81. Searches. —Those on behalf of Government Departments number 11,666, and 7,246 for the general public. Certificates. —6,1.47 certificates were issued. Finance. —The revenue of the Department is in excess of the expenditure. Government Astronomer and Seismologist. The Observatory builelings and equipment have been kept in gooel order. Additional accomoelation has been provided in the cellar for the new seismograph. Time Service Equipment. —Consequent on the inauguration of the wireless-telegraph time service, it is found that the astronomical clocks are not quite suitable for this duty, and steps are now being taken to obtain precision clocks. Time Service. —The following time-signals are sent out from the Observatory. Most of the signals are automatically sent by the Observatory mean-time clock. Automatic time-signals : (1) To the General Post Office, Wellington, by galvanometer daily, except Sundays and public holidays ; (2) to some of the watchmakers of Wellingtem, by galvanometer daily, except Sundays and public holidays ; (3) to ships and general public at Wellington, by extinguishing electric lights at the Observatory daily, except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays ; (4) to the Auckland Harbour Board, by extinguishing electric lights at Auckland, on Tuesdays and Fridays ; (5) to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, by dropping the time-ball at Lyttelton on Tuesdays and Fridays ; (6) to the; South Island telegraph-offices, by galvanometer, on Tuesdays and Fridays ; (7) wireless time-signals, through the Wellington Radio-station, on Tuesday and Friday evenings ; (8) wireless time-signals, through the Wellington Radio-station, every morning except Sundays and public holidays. All the automatic time-signals are sent at the exact hour of Greenwich moan time, and are automatically repeated at the first, second, fourth, and fifth minutes. Each signal begins at the 0 second and lasts approximately one second.

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Non-automatic time-signals : (1) To ships in Wellington, by telephone, on application to the Observatory ; (2) the Observatory time-signals sent to the General Post Office are distributed by telegraphic hand-signals to some 2,300 telegraph and telephone offices distributed all over New Zealand at 9 a.m. daily, except on Sundays and holidays ; (3) similar hand-signals are also sent to all railway telegraph-offices in New Zealand at 9 a.m. daily, except Sundays and holidays ; (4) the Wellington Telephone Exchange distributes time-signals by telephone to exchange subscribers, generally to the; nearest minute of time : the clock in the exchange is checked by comparing it with the Observatory automatic time-signal, but the Observatory is not responsible for the accuracy of these time-signals. Additional Work. —Additional responsibility and work have been thrown on the Government Astronomer and the Observatory staff by the provision of a daily wireless time-signal. This new service was started on the Ist May, 1922, and has been regularly maintained since then. The signals are sent every day except Sundays and Government holidays, at 11 hours G.M.T. (= 10.30 a.m. N.Z.T.). In addition to these signals other wireless time-signals are sent on Tuesday and Frielay evenings at 21 hours G.M.T. (=8.30 p.m. N.Z.T.). This broadcasting of the time-signals by wireless is much appreciated by officers of ships and by the numerous radio amateurs all over New Zealand. The longest distance reported to the Observatory is 4,320 miles for the wireless time-signal received by the s.s. " Tainui." The s.s. " Waimana " reported the reception of the time-signal at a distance of 3,638 miles. Reception of other Wireless Time-signals at the Observatory. — The Observatory has been equipped with a single-valve wireless-receiving outfit. With this outfit the time-signals from Pearl Harbour (NPM), Hawaii, and from Bordeaux (LV), France, have beem heard. The. Total Solar Eclipse of the San. —The Astronomer (Dr. Adams) was present at Wallal, Western Australia, for the observation of the total eclipse of the sun during September, 1922. Through the courtesy of Dr. Campbell the equipment of the Lick Observatory Expedition was available for use by the Astronomer. The hospitality extended to the visiting scientists by the Commonwealth and State Governments of Australia was much appreciated. Seismology. —The Milne Seismograph No. 20 lias been in use eiuring the year. The boom is in the meridian with the pointer to the north. The levels mounted on the concrete pier of the seismograph are read every day, and frequently show evidence of the tilting of the ground. A further improvement has been made in the lighting of this seismograph. A small lens has been mounted on the end of the boom, with the result that a very fine line is obtained on the record. The new Milne-Shaw Seismograph No. 13 is a much-improved instrument, well designed and well made. It is the standarel instrument recommended by the Soismological Committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. It differs in three important respects from the old Milne seismograph—(l) The boom is electro-magnetically damped ; (2) the magnification of the ground movement is very high, about forty times greater than the older machine ; and (3) the seismograph can also be used to measure the tilt of the ground, as the sensitivity to tilt is from ten to twenty times greater, according to the pendulum period adopted. The new machine afforels means of obtaining accurate measures of the ground-movement, which information is of considerable importance to engineers and architects in the design of buildings to resist earthquake-shocks. Steps were taken to provide accommodation for the seismograph at the Observatory by extending the cellar. It was possible to utilize the existing exterior walls, and in this way a room, about 9 ft. by 24 ft. is available. Two piers for the Milne-Shaw seismograph have been built, one on the meridian and the other at right angles thereto. The seismograph No. 13 is mounted with the boom pointing to the west, so that the north-south component is registered. This seismograph is at right angles to the Milne seismograph. At the request of the Palmerston North Borough Council an illustrated public lecture was given by the Government Seismologist at Palmerston North on Friday, 7th July, 1922, on " Earthquakes." Observatory Board. —On the invitation of the Minister, the Hon. Mr. Downic Stew-art, Dr. W. W. Campbell and Dr. J. H. Moore were present at the meeting of the Observatory Board held at the Observatory on Monday, 31st July, 1922. Dr. Campbell gave an account of the; establishment of the Lick Observatory Southern Station at Santiago, Chile, in 1901, anel urged the necessity for more Southern Hemisphere observations to supplement the Northern ones. Dr. Campbell stated that for an Observatory a quiescent atmosphere is required, with a small diurnal range of temperature, with freedom from fogs, both storm and epiiescent, and that comfortable conditions for living are very desirable. He approveel and supported the French proposals for the determination of longitudes by wireless telegraphy, in which New Zealand is to be the Southern Hemisphere station. He recommended that the precision clocks shoulel be placed in a well or at the end of a tunnel, so that the temperature may be kept constant. Publications. —The following bulletins have been published during the year : — No. 46, " Ephemeris of a Comet," by C. E. Adams. No. 47, " A Study of Pacific Earthquakes," by Professor G. Angenheister. No. 48, " Report of the Government Astronomer and Seismologist " for 1922. No. -1-9, " Earthquake Reports, New Zealand " : Register from the Observatory, Apia, Samoa, for the year 1921, by C. J. Westland. No. 50, " List of the Most Important Earthquakes registered at the Observatory, Apia, Samoa, from 1913-1920," by Profe.ssor G. Angenheister. As in past years, the Observatory is again indebted to individuals and to institutions for valuable gifts of publications. Some of these are presented in exchange for the bulletins.

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During the absence of the Government Astronomer and Seismologist at the; solar eclipse, Professor I). M. Y. Sommerville had general charge of the Observatory, while Captain G. Hooper, P.R.A.S., was in charge of the time service, and Dr. J. Henderson was in charge of the seismology. To all these gentlemen, who gave their services without charge to the Observatory, hearty thanks are tendered. The Dominion Museum. General.- It is with sincere regret that 1, have- to again record the absence of the Director, Dr. J. Allan Thomson, through ill health. During his absence Mr. J. McDonald has filled the position of Acting-Director and Joint Eelitor, with Professor C. A. Cotton, of the New Zealand Journal of Science and Technology. Messrs. Jenkinson, Birks, and Dr. Marsden have also assisted largely with the editorial work*. The activities and operations of the Museum, during the year have very fully occupied the attention of officers, and the demands upon their time have been more exacting than hitherto. With the passage of time problems of museum development constantly arise, and so far as the Dominion Museum is concerned these cannot at present satisfactorily be solved. The; position may be summed up in the statement that until such time as a new building is provided it is practically impossible either properly to care for or display the unique collections now in the possession of the Museum. Gifts. —Recent gifts are acknowledged, of American birds anel Philippine ethnographic specimens from the State University of lowa, U.S.A. ; by Colonel R. W. Tate, ex Administrator of Samoa, of specimens of over three hundred species of island mollusca ; by Dr. D. Petrie, of Auckland, of his extensive and very valuable; herbarium collection. An offer is just to hand from the National Museum of Ethnography, Copenhagen, to exchange Eskimo and Danish material, and from the Royal Ontario Museum of Archaeology, Toronto, of Inelian material, for New Zealand specimens. Visiting Scientists. —During August, 3922, a party of scientists from the State University of lowa, U.S.A., visited New Zealand under the leadership of Professor 0. C. Nutting, and carried out investigations in their respective fields of zoology, botany, entomology, ornithology, and geology. With, the assistance and guidance of Museum officers and others in various parts of the Dominion their stay was ma.de a pleasant and profitable one. As a result of their work here lectures on New Zealand, have be;en given throughout lowa and other States. During the month of January the Wellington meeting of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science brought many Australian scientists to the Dominion, and Museum officers took an active part in the proceedings. Lectures. —Last year over one thousand seven hundred school-children and their teachers were entertained with talks by Museum officers, and afterwards shown the collections. With the knowle;dge and encouragement gained from the experience it is hoped, now that the Museum lecture-hall has been remodelled, to provide lectures illustrated with lantern-slides. Publications. —A welcome addition to the literature on the Maori is the series of Monographs, Nos. Ito 4, published eiuring the year. These monographs, from the pen of Mr. Elsdon Best, contain the matured thought and definite conclusions of one who has delved deeply into the mentality of our Native race. Monograph No. 1 deals with. Maori myth and religion, and although it is not, in the strict sense of the term, a monograph, yet it is a comprehensive although condensed survey of the subject dealt with. In Monographs Nos. 2, 3, anel 4 the author deals with the spiritual and mental concepts of the Maori, the Maori division of time, and the astronomical knowledge of the: Maori. These publications are finding a ready sale. Monographs Nos. 5 and 6, in which Mr. Best gives the story of the Polynesian voyages and the Maori school of learning, are now in the hands of the Government Printer, and will be published within the next few months. Paintings, &c. —The removal of the library of the New Zealand Institute has provided space in the Museum lecture-hall for the large canvasses of French batthfficlds and a number of the original sketches done by the official New Zealand Expeditionary Force, artists. Space has also been found for the V.C. portraits and sundry other portraits and pictures by New Zealand artists. Herbarium.— -Dr. D. Petrie, of Auckland, presented his collection of plants to the Dominion Museum, for which the Minister on behalf of the Government has expressed sincere thanks. It is one e.f the most extensive: of New Zealand flowering-plants and ferns brought together, comprising an excellent series of almost every species. The collection is estimated to consist of fifty thousand specimens. Dr. Petrie is going on with the work of placing printed labels on the collection anel generally getting it ready for reference. When received it will ensure the Museum having a very valuable national collection, and, when housed so as to be available, for reference, students and others interested in the native flora should feel truly grateful to Dr. Petrie for his magnificent gift. Bird-sanctuaries.- Secretary Island, in the Sounds district of Otago, and Fanal Island, one of the Mokohinau Group, have been gazetted as sanctuaries. Entomology. —A good collection of Lepidoptera was made; at Arthur's Pass, and some two hundred specimens were added to the Museum cabinets. Donations were made by Miss E. Richardson, Messrs. R. A. Wilson, J. R. Harris, G. V. Hudson, and others. It is observed that an increasing number of amateur coleopterists are making use of the Museum collections for purposes of reference,. Ornithology. —A work of considerable magnitude undertaken during the year was the overhauling of the New Ze:aland bird-skin collection, which was packed in zinc-lined cases eiuring 1915. The collection was found to be in excellent order and free from insects and other pests. The labelling of the exhibited collection of foreign birds is being given attention. The task of rearranging the

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collection of New Zealand birds' eggs has been completed. Donations from the Hon. Dr. Newman of a pair of huia mounted in a glass case, from Mr. A. C. O'Connor of a mounted specimen of the chestnut-breasted teal, and of a rare migrant in the shape of a black-billed ibis, arc accepted with thanks. Fisheries. —A series of experiments have been carried out on sea-water with a view to throwing light on the distribution of fishes along the coast. Samples have been collected from Wellington Harbour, Hutt River, Cook Strait, and Lyttelton Harbour. Tides, temperature, &c, have been recorded, and water tested for specific gravity, salinity, refractive index, total organic content, total inorganic content, and various elements. It has not been possible to enter upon much new work in research. Knowledge can only be obtained on the fishing-grounds, and for reasons of e-conomy the expenditure which would be: entailed could not be authorized. A work has been commenced on specific gravity of food fishes. It is hoped that it may be possible, to correlate; data so obtained with experiments on sea-water. Mollusca. —A valuable; addition to the; inolluscan collections is that presented by Colonel Tate: of Samoan and South Pacific lanel and marine mollusca. The show-cases have been overhauled, and printed labels are now being attached. Ethnology. —The keen interest shown by leading members of the- Maori race in the Museum work of collection and preservation of the: rapidly vanishing arts and crafts and tribal lore and songs of bygone days resulted in arrangements being made by the Hon. A. T. Ngata, M.P., of the Eastern Maori District, for a visit to the Ngatiporou territory, which extends practically from Gisborne to Hicks Bay. The Museum party, consisting of Messrs. J. McDonald, Elsdon Best, and Johannes C. Andersen, was joined by Dr. P. H. Buck (Te Rangihiroa), Director of Maori Hygiene, who was visiting the district to deal with an outbreak of typhoid and influenza at several of the Maori settlements. Through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Ngata their home at Waiomatatini was made headquarters, and from there visits were made to Whareponga, Kahukura, Rangitukia, Te Araroa, Ruatorea, and other parts of the district. At each place the party was warmly welcomed by the Maoris, and every facility was afforded for securing the information sought. The east coast Natives, although well advanced in European culture-most of them live in bungalow houses and many have conveniencs of modern civilization, i.e., electric light, bathrooms, cooking-ranges, &c- -still retain, especially on the seaboard, the old-time methods of netting and catching fish, and it was a pleasure to each me;mber of the party to see the simple skilful way in which effective nets and traps, such as the taruke, torehe, iiituko, matire, pouraka, and malarau, were wrought for catching crayfish, kehe, kahawai, maomao, upokororo, and other fish common to the: waters of the east coast. Numerous still photographs and moving pictures of the technique of plaiting anel weaving were secured. Apart from, the fishing complex, many other matters, such as the recording of tribal lore and songs on the phonograph, &c, occupied the attention of each member of the party. The principal papers written during the past year were as follows: "Maori Rites"; "Maori Songs "j "Ethical and Ceremonial Usages of the Maori," Part I; "Maori Treatment of Sick"; " Maori Art of War " ; " Discovery and Settlement of Port Nicholson " ; " Maori Houses " ; " The Dawn of Science among Neolithic Folk " ; " Polynesian Manipulation of Deep-sea Vessels." Publicity Oppice. A Government Publicity Office was established in 1921, under Mr. H. T. B. Drew, as a Division of the Internal Affairs Department, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, who had charge of Internal Affairs at the inception of the office, has retained control. The principal function of the offico is to disseminate; abroad more information about New Zealand —in other words, to carry on publicity propaganda work abroad, as is being done; by other countries. The object has been to confine the operations of the section as exclusively as possible to work abroad, especially in view of the: limited finance available ; but as the utility of the office has become known there have been considerable calls upon it for weirk within the Dominion. Much of the earlier work of the office has necessarily been of an initiatory and foundational character — ohiefly e:o-ordinating Government propaganda and publication effort, working up news services abroad, ineiuiring into and obtaining channels of distribution for literature, photographs, and cinema-films, securing an entirely new set of photographic and cinematographic negatives, stimulating as much as possible local-centre effort in the production of literature and photographs, and procuring data for advertising schemes abroad. This foundational work is now fairly completed, and attention is being concentrated upon securing results abroad. Co-ordination. — At the time the Publicity Office was set up it was customary for various Departments to bring out their own booklets or pamphlets for circulation abroad, employing outside assistance in their compilation. For work of this description Departments now avail themselves of the Publicity Officer's services. The latter produces the publications required in conjunction with the Department concerned, which outlines its requirements, anel. provides the necessary vote. The demands of the High Commissioner, and the Government Agents in other countries, for literature and pictorial matter, as well as all inquiries from abroad regarding New Zealand, as a desirable place of residence, a country to visit, to write about, or study, are dealt with by the Publicity Office, which not only answers the specific inquiry, but despatches general informative and tourist literature. Handy reference is kept of the names of all inquirers, with the intention, where it is stated there is capital to invest in the purchase of land or businesses, of renewing touch with them from time to time. It is pleasing to note that, as the result of co-ordination effort, various New Zealand newspapers, Chambers of Commerce, and Municipal Corporations forward to the office, to be similarly dealt with, inquiries which they receive.

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News-dissemination. —Dissemination abroad of New Zealand news received first attention when the office was established. It was obvious that if news of New Zealand current events was to be published abroael it must, by reason of our great distance from the chief centres of population, be sent by cable, and in a form and under circumstances that would win for it publication. This was the scheme undertaken, and which undoubtedly success has attended. Britain has been given first and paramount attention in this matter. Newspaper clippings received from an agency in London, show the gratifying extent to which the news is published. All the most important Dominion happenings, records of progress, and evidences of prosperity can now be regularly found in most of the newspapers of the: United Kingdom. At no expense to the Dominion there is further distribution, of the news items over Canada, the United States of America, and other countries. A. limited service is maintained with South Africa. Australian papers are well supplied by their own special correspondents resident in New Zealand. A certain number of special anel news articles are mailed to Great Britain, and there: usually find publication. Both the cable and mail services are still possible of considerable expansion as time goes on, and attention is being given to this very important matter. The effect of the publication of this New Zealand current news (supplemented by the items of special correspondents of three leading London eiailies) has been to create a greater interest in Britain in New Zealand affairs — which is apparent from the increased independent comments and articles upon the Dominion which appear in the British Press generally. This news service has proved very inexpensive-, and yet is one of the most important branches of publicity. Literature. —Just prior to the establishment of the office: a set of booklets dealing comprehensively with the Dominion and its primary industries was produced. The main booklet has been brought up to date and reprinted, and exhausted stocks of the other booklets are being similarly replenished. These publications are chiefly for circulation among possible immigrants, anel for sending to interested inquirers. They will require supplementation by others. Tourist literature is being produced in conjunction with the Tourist Department as speedily as possible;. A folder on Rotorua has been published, and another, depicting the attractions of the southern lakes, fiords, and mountains, is now in process of production in the Government Printing Office. A third will deal with New Zealand generally as a country for tourists, and others will follow. Much also is required in the way of various sporting publications, showing the: attractions the Dominion has te> offer in that respect. It should be stated that the Government publications are designed for abroad, and not for circulation within New Zealand, on the principle that localities should provide their own literature and advertisements to attract visitors, the Government limiting its activities to inducing the people to come to New Zealand. Photography and Cinematography. —The Government Photographic and Cinematographic Section was co-ordinated with the Publicity Office: in May, 1.922. With this change all the photographic work of othe;r Departments was co-ordinateel in this office, except in regard to special requirements for which certain Departments themselves make provision. The photographic and lantern-slide work of the Tourist Department, at the request of that Department, was also taken over. This Department's negatives, numbering about eight thousand, were overhauled, and only the best were retained. This entailed the necessity for tho substitution of others, and the ae;tivities of the section have been largely de:voted to the addition of these new negatives. A considerable portion of the Dominion has been systematically covered, and the work should bo completed before the end of this year. In regard to cinematographic work, a new cinema-camera has been obtained from London, anel a thoroughly up-to-date and convenient studio has just been completed, The photographic studio has likewise been refitted, and provision made for a very much greater output at a considerably reduced expense. Publicity Channels Abroad. —-All publicity propaganda effort is futile unless pamphlets, photographs, and cinema-films arc read or seen overseas by the right e:lasses of people. To secure effective channels of distribution is one of the most important functions of the office. This enterprise also involves considerable expense. Substantial fees, for instance, have to be paid in the case of many American hotels to enable folders to be placer! in their literature-receptacles. Up to the present other sources of distribution have been utilized. Scenic or other propaganda film cannot be sent on circuit through tho United States of America free, as in New Zealand. Arrangements have recently been made to supply certain leading gazette-producing firms with short selections of our film for inclusion in their " budgets." This is done by these firms free of charge. The difficulty, however, is to successfully negotiate l in regard to these matters from a distance. In Great Britain better results are hoped for, and special effort to introduce our film there will be made: in conjunction with the Empire Exhibition. Comparatively heavy duties on prepared negative film, which is chiefly what the film-houses require, both in America and Great Britain, militate considerably against publicity operations. Advertising Abroad. —The office has secured the fullest data which will enable it to prepare at short notice schemes for advertising in countries abroad, and provide estimates of the cost of same. Empire Exhibition Publicity. —The preparation of all publicity work for the Empire Exhibition has been entrusteel to this office, and an alloe;ation of £5,000 made therefor from the Exhibition vote. This work' is at present in progress. The: programme is a most comprehensive one. Publications and Publicity Committee. —The Publicity Officer is Secretary of the Publications and Publicity Committee, which was set up in September, 1921 (as a result of the Economies Committee's recommendations), "to review all elepartmental publications and papers before being printed." TheCommittee consists of —The Public Service Commissioner, the Secretary to the Treasury, the UnderSecretary for Internal Affairs, the Government Printer, the Government Statistician, and the General Manager of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department. Frequent regular meetings have been held.

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Special attention has been given to departmental annual reports, and recommendations have bee:n made to effect reduction in their size, and in the co-ordination where possible: of their matter. The Committee also reviews all proposals regarding the production by the Government of scientific, historical, and other publications, and publicity material, institutes inquiries into the cost and extent of the publications, and recommends according])-. All free, complimentary, and exchange lists of Government publications have been reviewed ; and the Committee deals also with all applications for addition thereto. By collecting spare volumes of official publications from some Government Departments, and placing them, where required, publication costs have been reduced, and scope still exists for further work in this direction. For the year ended 31st December, 1922, the, economies effected by the Committee were assessed at £2,220. The reduction in the number of pages in all departmental reports in 1922 was 24 per cent., compared with the previous year. Stapp. It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the efficiemt service rendered by officers of all grades, and the true spirit of co-operation of my sectional officers and heads erf sub-de;partmcnts. Changes in the: personnel anel location of the staff have been confined to the minimum consistent with the requirements of the Department. Of the controlling officers; Mr. Brooker has been promoted from the position of Accountant to that of Secretary of the Stores Control Board, and the Assistant Accountant (Mr. Pyne) has been promoted to fill the vacancy. The valuable assistance given by other Departments is acknowledged with thanks.

Approximate Cost oj Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (G25 copies), £16 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 923.

Price 6d.]