DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1926.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1926 Session I, H-22

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1926. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1926.

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

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 10th June, 1926. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1926. I have, &c.., J. Hislop, Under-Secretary. The Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT. Local Government. Counties.—The proposal referred to in the last report to divide the existing Waimea County into two counties was not given effect to. The Commission reported that the area proposed to be formed into a new county could be adequately served by the present County Council, and there was no good reason justifying a new county. An important move was made in local government in the Chatham Islands by the issue of a Proclamation dividing the County of Chatham Islands into ridings and making arrangements for the election of a County Council. The effect of this was to make the Counties Act operative in the islands. The county was constituted in 1901, and as far back as 1913 a movement was made to make it operative, but different considerations rendered it impossible to reach any finality until last year. It is hoped that the establishment of a system of local government will result in the best interests of the islands. Owing to the distance of the islands from the mainland it has been somewhat difficult to comply in all respects with the provisions of the several Acts relating to local government, and it has been necessary to grant validations in certain cases. No new counties were constituted during the year, but, as usual, the boundaries of several counties were altered and redefined. In order to cope with the requirements of inhabitants in some of the more thickly populated portions of counties several County Councils had conferred on them the powers of Borough Councils with respect to drainage, sanitation, and the supply of water for domestic or industrial purposes. On account of the approaching general election of County Councils it became necessary for several Councils to pass special orders altering riding boundaries and adjusting representation. These special orders were gazetted and a date fixed on which they should take effect. Boroughs.—The Municipal Conference met in Dunedin and again passed a number of resolutions asking for amendment of the law affecting boroughs and town districts. There was considerable activity in borough matters, and a very much larger number than usual of alterations of boundaries was made. These alterations necessitated the setting-up of a number of Commissions of Inquiry. Only one new borough was constituted—namely, Upper Hutt—and a proposal to form the Hikurangi Town District into a borough was defeated by a poll by the electors. Alterations were made in the number of Councillors of the Patea and Rotorua Borough Councils.

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Town Districts. —The boundaries of the Martinborough Town District were curtailed, and the Cobden Town District was declared not to form part of the County of Grey. The Lethbridge Town District was merged in the County of Rangitikei. A proposal to form the Macandrew's Bay Town District gave rise to more than the usual amount of consideration, but the proposal was not given effect to. River Districts. —Only one new district was constituted, and the boundaries of two districts were altered. The general question of river-control still engages the attention of the Department. Land-drainage Districts. —Three new districts were constituted, one district was abolished, and the boundaries of two districts altered. A number of drainage districts were subdivided and representation fixed for subdivisions. The election of a number of Drainage Boards was necessary during the year. A proposal was on foot to amalgamate several drainage districts in a portion of the Waikato district, known as the Woodlands Swamp. The Chief Drainage Engineer, Lands and Survey Department, furnished a comprehensive report on the drainage of this swamp, and in an effort to put the report into operation some of the Drainage Boards endeavoured to bring about amalgamation. Several conferences were held, at some of which this Department was represented. It was, however, merely in an advisory capacity that the Department was represented, and it did not in any way attempt to force the issue. The matter is still under consideration. Local Bodies' Finance Act. —The provisions of sections 3 (5) and 7 of this Act were availed of in a number of cases, but otherwise there were very few matters arising out of the Act that gave rise to any consideration. War Memorials. —Five local bodies were authorized to erect and maintain war memorials under the powers given by section 15 of the Finance Act, 1919. By-laws of Local Bodies. —As usual, a number of by-laws of local bodies were under consideration from various aspects. Four cases of by-laws of County Councils were approved by the GovernorGeneral under section 109, Counties Act, 1920, and eight cases were confirmed by the Minister under the By-laws Act, 1910. Public Bodies' leases Act. —The Johnsonville Town District was declared a leasing authority under this Act. Designation of Districts Act. —The name " Milson " was assigned to a locality in the Kairanga County. Legislation. The Local Elections and Polls Act, 1908, and amendments, and the Rating Act, 1908, and amendments, were consolidated. A Counties Amendment Act was passed, containing several provisions for the better working of county government. As usual, a number of local Bills were considered by the Department and reports furnished to the Local Bills Committee. The " washing-up " Bill was brought down in two Parts, the second Part containing matters affecting local bodies and public bodies. This Part was dealt with by this Department, and a considerable number of clauses for insertion in it were considered. New Standing Orders relating to local legislation were passed, and in consequence matters dealing with local bodies and public bodies will no longer be dealt with in the " washing-up " Bill. A separate Bill, to be known as the Local Legislation Bill, will be brought down each session, and will contain matters affecting local bodies and public bodies formerly dealt with by means of the " washing-up " Bill. The new Standing Orders provide for application to be made to the Minister of Internal Affairs for the inclusion of a clause in the Bill, and after the Minister has made certain inquiries he may provisionally approve the clause and cause it to be included therein. Every application shall be accompanied by a draft of the proposed clause and by a certificate from a responsible officer of the local authority or public body to the effect that the member for the district concerned has been furnished with a copy thereof, together with a notice in writing of the intention to apply for the inclusion of the clause in the Bill. Land Agents Act. During the year 1,136 licenses were issued and 13 transfers granted. Further cases of defalcation were considered. Animals Protection and Game Act. As usual, open seasons for game-shooting and deer-stalking were provided in a number of acclimatization districts. The Government continued to assist, by way of bonus for each deer-tail submitted, in the thinning-out of deer in the South Island, bonuses having been paid in respect of 11,445 deer killed. Although no figures are available reports show that there has also been a considerable number of deer killed in other parts of the Dominion. An open season was again fixed for opossums in a number of districts, and the season proved a record one, 145,778 skins being taken. Questions affecting opossums still receive very close attention by the Department. Motok-vehicles Act. The following report has been received from the Secretary of the General Post Office, as Registrar of Motor-vehicles :—- " As provided by Act, the registration of motor-vehicles is carried out by the Post and Telegraph Department. Owing to the widely spread activities of the Department it is possible to arrange for

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registrations to be received at each post-office in charge of a permanent Postmaster. The wisdom of having many registering points was demonstrated when the licensing for the year 1926-27 was commenced. Although it was necessary, owing to the late supply of the new number-plates, to defer the relicensing in the North Island until early in April and in the South Island until the end of April, the whole of the large task of relicensing approximately 130,000 vehicles was carried out with a minimum of inconvenience to motorists. The relicensing is not yet complete, but there is no doubt that the system will ensure that every motor-vehicle used on the roads will bear the new number-plates at an early date. There has been no need for police or other authorities to waste time in stopping motorists in order to ascertain whether they have paid the year's license fee : the new number-plate amply demonstrates to all concerned that the fee has been paid. " During the first motor-registration year, which ended on the 31st March, 1926, the Registrar collected from users of motor-vehicles the sum of £354,530 9s. This amount, less working-expenses, will be credited to the funds of the Main Highways Board. It is not expected that the income during the year 1926-27 will reach that amount, which included the registration fee of £1 for motor-cars and trucks and 10s. for motor-cycles. Owing, however, to the growing use of motor-vehicles, which will account for an increase in the number of license and registration fees, it is estimated that the total receipts will closely approximate those of the first year of registration. " As previously reported, the number of motor-vehicles registered as at the 31st March, 1925, was 99,233. At the 31st March, 1926, the number had risen to 132,811, an increase of 33,578, which indicates an average increase of 2,798 vehicles per month. Although this average is high, the records for the three months Ist January to 31st March, 1926, show an average increase of 3,154 per month, which indicates that the use of motor-vehicles is increasing at a very rapid rate. " The number-plates issued for 1926-27 were manufactured in New Zealand ; and it is considered that the standard of workmanship is equal to that of the imported article. " The following figures show the distribution of motor-cars, trucks, and cycles respectively as at the 31st March, 1926 :—- "North Island: Cars, 54,054; trucks, 12,227 ; cycles, 15,276 — a total of 81,557 vehicles. " South Island : Cars, 33,951 ; trucks, 5,418 ; cycles, 11,885 —a total of 51,254 vehicles. " Making a grand total of 132,811 for both Islands." Naturalization. Letters of naturalization were issued during the year to 317 persons, including fourteen Samoans. In addition, four special certificates were issued to persons with respect to whose nationality a doubt existed. Thermal Fisheries. Trout-hatchery. —Operations commenced on the Bth June, when the first rainbow-trout ova were collected, and daily collections were made up to the 9th October. Experience shows that the spawning season is gradually becoming later each year. A total of 3,115,000 ova were dealt with, of which 1,555,000 ova were reared as fry and 1,560,000 disposed of in the eyed stage. A large consignment of the eyed ova (600,000) was forwarded to the State Fisheries, Sydney. The balance of the ova and all the fry were distributed throughout the Dominion. In order to improve fishing in lakes in the thermal regions it has been the practice during the past few seasons to obtain rainbow-trout ova from Lake Hawea. These ova are subsequently hatched out at Rotorua Hatchery and the fry liberated in various lakes. During the past season 100,000 fry were liberated in Lake Taupo, 50,000 in Lake Rotorua, and a similar number in Lakes Rotoiti and Tarawera. Recognizing that the Taupo trout are of exceptionally fine quality, it has been decided to erect a hatchery in the vicinity of Tokaanu, and it is hoped at an early date to commence taking ova from trout in that locality. Fish-curing. —The work of curing trout caught by anglers at Taupo has been thoroughly appreciated, 145 separate lots of fish, numbering 1,000 in all, being dealt with. Shags. —The Department continues to pay Is. 6d. per head for every shag destroyed. Very few shags' heads, however, have been presented this year. As they are again on the increase it has been decided to raise the payment per head to 2s. 6d. in the hope that the larger amount will result in greater numbers being shot than has been the case for some time past. Fisheries. —The past season, owing to various causes, was not a good one from an angler's point of view. During the earlier portion the lakes and rivers were much above the level of previous years, some being above any recorded period. The catches were small in numbers in comparison with previous seasons, and anglers generally are of the opinion that the fish are not so numerous as formerly. At the same time, the Department is doing its utmost to see that Lakes Taupo and Rotorua are both well stocked for producing goodconditioned fish, and considers that it is owing to the abundance of whitebait and inanga (their natural food) that the trout do not take the artificial bait as readily as in past seasons when food was scarce. Cinematograph-film Censorship. During, the year 1,935 films, of a total length of 4,666,610 ft., were censored. Of this number, 22 were rejected wholly, 131 passed subject to excisions, and 13 passed for adult audiences only. There were but two appeals against the decision of the Censor in regard to censored films. In one instance the Appeal Board upheld the Censor's decision, and in the other the appeal was allowed, subject to an excision in the film.

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Fire Brigades Act. During the year four new lire districts were constituted —viz., Pahiatua, Onehunga, Wairoa, and Pukekohe —making in all forty-four constituted districts. A further large quantity of fire-hose, and other equipment, not manufactured in the Dominion, has been indented, through the High Commissioner's Office, to the order of the various Fire Boards and the United Fire Brigades Association. Assistance was rendered by the Department in the carrying-out of the biennial demonstration of the United Fire Brigades Association, which took place at Dunedin. The usual fire-brigade inspections have been held by the Inspector of Fire Brigades in accordance with requests received from various local bodies ; special visits and reports have been made, and the routine work required by the Act performed. Passports. During the year 3,863 passports were issued, and 1,363 renewals granted. Visas are no longer required on entry into the Dominion by the following nationals : Belgians, Danes, Dutch, French, Italian, Liechtensteiners, Luxemburgers, Norwegians, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss. Baffles. The question of granting licenses to raffle alluvial gold has been given prominence during the year. Owing to the sudden growth of the number of applications it was necessary to take into review the whole question of these raffles. In August last it was decided, with the exception of the applications which had already been lodged, to place a limit of £500 as the value of the amount of gold which could be given as prizes. In view also of it having been reported that large sums were being paid to promoters of these raffles it was decided to insist on the production of an audited balancesheet in order that a check might be kept on the amount of expenses, and information collected as to the cost of running them. The wholesale broadcasting of tickets has also been prohibited. In addition, conditions were imposed requiring full information to be shown on the tickets sold as to the objects of the raffle, in order that the public might not be induced to purchase tickets under any misunderstanding. Further, it was found necessary to take exception to certain advertisements where full particulars were not given. The position is still being carefully watched, and it may be necessary to impose further restrictions. Distinguished Visitors. In August, 1925, the Dominion was honoured by a visit from the United States Fleet, different sections visiting Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin respectively. This Department represented the Government in connection with the arrangements for the reception and entertainment of the officers and men of the Fleet. No effort was spared to make the occasion a memorable one, and thanks to the hearty co-operation and assistance of all concerned, aided in no small measure by the genuinely warm welcome extended to the visitors by all classes of the community, the visit proved an unqualified success. In February, 1926, the Australian Squadron, under the command of Commodore Thomas F. Wardle, D.5.0., A.D.C., R.N., visited Wellington and Auckland, and during the same month calls at various ports were made by the French sloop " Cassiopee," and the Japanese training-ship " Iwatee." In these instances also the official care of the visitors was entrusted to this Department. Soldiers' and Historical Graves. Veterans' and 'Historical Graves. —As far as possible the renovation of Maori War and historical graves was carried out in the various districts in conjunction with the work required on graves of those who died in the late Great War. Auckland District: Work was completed on the Maori War graves in Pokeno and Drury Cemeteries and St. Stephen's Churchyard. In addition to this, contracts were entered into and work partly completed in the Rangiriri and Symonds Street Cemeteries, the latter including the provision of a more fitting monument over the grave of Captain Hobson, R.N., the first Governor of New Zealand. Taranaki District: The erection of a surrounding stone wall and the renovation of the existing monument was commenced in the Maori War Cemetery at Ohawe, near Hawera. Arrangements were also made for the renovation of Maori War graves in St. Mary's Churchyard and Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth. Renovation work was carried out in Waihi Cemetery, Normanby. Wellington District: During the year the monument in memory of men who fell at Boulcott's Farm was completed. Canterbury District: A contract was entered into for a surrounding stone wall and the erection of a suitable monument to the memory of the early French settlers who were laid to rest in the old French Mission Burial-ground at Akaroa. Annual grants for the maintenance of " adopted " graves were paid to the controlling authorities of fourteen cemeteries. Great War Graves in New Zealand. —During the year there were 289 notifications of deaths of returned soldiers, of which number 91 were accepted as war graves. The total deaths of members and ex-members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in New Zealand now amount to 3,480, and of this number 2,113 are deemed to be war graves. The number of headstones ordered during the year was 158, bringing the total since the work began up to 1,279. The headstone contractors have completed to date 1,046 headstones.

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Wooden crosses, to mark the graves until such time as permanent work is carried out, were placed on 123 graves, in addition to which 250 wooden crosses were renovated. The following is the list of cemeteries in which permanent work, including the erection of military headstones, was completed, the number of graves being shown in parentheses : — Auckland District: Hamilton West (5), Shortland (Thames) (6), Te Aroha (6), Leamington (1), Te Awamutu (2), Kimihia (3), Buffalo (Thames) (1), Ngaruawahia (2), Tararu (Thames) (2), Hamilton East (19), Hautapu (10), Hillsborough (1). Bay of Plenty District: Opitiki (3), Rotorua (12), Tauranga (6). Hawke's Bay District: Makaretu (1), Mangatera (9), Park Island (Napier) (13), Ruataniwha (1), Te Hauke (1), Hastings (10), Ormondville (2), Waipukurau (22), Norsewood (1). Taranaki District: Aramoho (14), Wanganui Old (1), Mangaweka (1), Wanganui Roman Catholic (3), Mount View (1), Manaia (2). Wellington District: Masterton (10), Greatford (1), Greytown (3), Karori Soldiers' (248), Karori Public (39), Sanson (2), St. Mary's (Karori) (1), Rongotea (1), Waikanae (1), Feilding (1), Levin (3), Papawai (2), Te Ore Ore (1). Canterbury District: Addington (4), Leeston (1), Lincoln (1), Lyttelton (3), Templeton (1), Waterton (1), Prebbleton (1), Kowai (1), Woodend (1). Otago and Southland Districts: Anderson's Bay (Dunedin) (27), Gore (9), Northern (Dunedin) (17), Oainaru (13), Southern (Dunedin) (18), Queenstown (1), Bluff (1), Athol (1), Waikaka (1), Eastern (Invercai'gill) (28), Winton (8), Wyndham (2). In addition to the above, contracts were entered into and permanent work partly completed in 68 cemeteries, containing 450 graves. War Graves Abroad. —In the theatres of war, at the overseas bases and ports of call, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force lost a total of 16,284 officers and men. Of this number, the burial places of 10,060 have been located, and 6,224 are recorded as " lost." The " known " graves are contained in 475 cemeteries, and memorials to the missing erected in selected cemeteries representative of the area in which the men fell commemorate the names of those whose graves cannot be located. In France and Belgium there are 300 cemeteries containing 7,881 New-Zealanders' graves. Permanent work has been completed in 155 of these cemeteries, embracing 4,579 graves. Permanent work on all war graves in Gallipoli, Egypt, Aegean Islands, and Switzerland has been completed. In Palestine there are 236 graves, located in 8 cemeteries. Work has been completed on 65 graves in 4 cemeteries. In the United Kingdom there is a total of 719 graves in 110 cemeteries. Of this number permanent work has been completed on 487 graves in 29 cemeteries. On the Island of Malta 72 were buried in 3 cemeteries, and there remains but one grave to complete. The New Zealand Government's expenditure for the year on the work of overseas war graves was approximately £30,000, bringing the total to date to £150,000. Cemetery Registers containing regimental and family particulars of those buried in the various cemeteries, which are sold at the wholesale cost of 3s. each, were distributed to 748 next-of-kin. The work of distributing free sets of photographs of overseas war graves to relatives commenced during the year, and the total disposed of was 1,747. Publicity. Publicity Board. —The Board has held meetings regularly throughout the year, which has been noted for steady progress in all the usual publicity activities. Work of the Office. —In addition to the regular channels for the distribution of propaganda numerous other valuable opportunities for publicity presented themselves, and these were taken full advantage of. The two most important were the visit of the United States Fleet and the tour of the Imperial Press delegates. In connection with the former, publicity activities commenced in Honolulu, where New Zealand scenic film, forwarded for the occasion, was placed on board the various ships of the fleet. Some 50,000 ft. of film was displayed by this means. During the stay of the vessels in New Zealand 60,000 publications were distributed amongst the ships' complements, besides 5,000 photographs. A special souvenir booklet was published for the occasion, and proved most popular amongst the personnel of the fleet. Suitably bound photographic albums were presented to the principal officers. As a result of the visit very valuable contacts were made with newspaper representatives and publicity men attached to the fleet. On the occasion also of the visit of the Press delegates a special souvenir booklet was issued, and large numbers of photographs were widely distributed. Another event of importance from a publicity standpoint was the visit of the cruise-ship " Carinthia " with 400 American tourists on board. This vessel was well supplied with publicity pamphlets, and a presentation album of photographs was provided for permanent display on the ship. A fair idea of the value of the tourist traffic may be gathered from the fact that a conservative estimate of the disbursements in the Dominion of the " Carinthia " and her passengers during a three days' stay amounted to no less than £20,000. This includes stores, light and harbour dues, rail and accommodation expenses, and personal expenditure. Reference must also be made to the visit to the Dominion of the well-known novelist Mr. Zane Grey. Upon his return to America Mr. Grey proposes to display throughout the States cinematograph film depicting sword-fishing and trout-fishing in New Zealand. He is also publishing a book of his experiences with the big game fish of these waters. The publicity gained from this visit is certain to prove of great value, and it is confidently anticipated that as a result next year will show a very large influx of overseas sportsmen.

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Cinematograph Branch.—ln this branch great developments have been made during the year, the biggest feature being the production of the film " Glorious New Zealand." This picture, which contains 8,000 ft. of the Department's best negative, has been showing successfully throughout New Zealand during the past six months, and has already been filmed in twenty-six towns. The value of the film as an internal advertising-medium is undoubtedly very great. Arrangements are now in train for its display in Australia. At the present time the laboratory is producing weekly from 8,000 ft. to 10,000 ft, of film for showing throughout Australia, England, and New Zealand. Negotiations are also being made for the display of New Zealand film in Canada, America, and on the Continent. The total production during the year amounted to 220,000 ft. New films were obtained during the year in numbers of districts extending from the North Cape to Stewart Island. Photography Branch.—Photographic enlargements, albums, and lantern-slides were widely distributed throughout all parts of the world. A very high standard of coloured photographs has now been reached, and the pictures are proving most attractive. The total output for the year was : Enlargements, 3,000; slides, 2,400; prints, 20,000. Publications. —Probably the most important of the publications issued during the year was the monthly journal New Zealand News and Views, which was first published in January. The magazine is proving most popular both locally and overseas. It is regularly despatched to libraries, newspapers, clubs, &c., throughout Australia, England, the United States, and the East. It is intended shortly to commence an advertising campaign in connection with the magazine which should cover the cost of production. Other publications produced were —"Pocket Annual," booklet on Stewart Island, a general folder on New Zealand, and a folder dealing with deep-sea sport, whilst the printing of five other folders and booklets numbering 400,000 copies is also under way. The number of publications distributed during the year totalled 300,000. New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, 1925-26.- -The Publicity Office supplied most of the photographs for the Tourist Court at the Exhibition, and also set up a small cinema-theatre in which New Zealand, British, Canadian, and Australian films were continuously shown. The total attendance at the theatre, which proved a most popular institution, during the period of the Exhibition was 407,200. General.—The correspondence and general office-work have very considerably increased—the overseas inquiries regarding possibilities of employment and settlement numbered 570. Opportunity was given the general public on a number of occasions, including the duration of the Dunedin Exhibition, to forward names and addresses of friends abroad to whom they desired booklets descriptive of New Zealand to be sent. Many thousands of persons took advantage of the privilege. Publicity in the United Kingdom. —The year has been one of unprecedented activity on the part of the Publicity Officer attached to the High Commissioner's Office in London. Newspaper articles, advertisements, films, lectures, and the distribution of literature and photographs have all helped to keep the Dominion well before the people of the Old Country. War Funds. Daring the year six further funds have been closed by transfer or disbursement of funds. The following statement shows the amount of funds held by the various societies :— £ s. d. 31 incorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 911,786 9 7 10 Red Cross organizations .. .. .. .. .. 183,900 10 1 3 Blind Soldiers'or Veterans' Homes funds .. .. .. 48,906 8 6 16 administering societies .. .. .. .. .. 5,008 17 7 4 memorial funds .. .. .. .. .. >. 1,356 14 7 1 Navy League Fund .. .. .. .. .. 5,526 14 8 9 Returned soldiers'club funds .. .. .. .. 42,978 18 5 3 social funds .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,156 14 5 77 £1,201,621 7 10 In addition, the National War Funds Council holds £122,291 16s. 3d., and the funds held by Treasury are £31,737 14s. 9d.; making a grand total of £1,355,650 18s. lOd. The funds held by the seventy-seven societies are distributed under the following heads (approximate amounts) : — £ s. d. Outstanding advances to soldiers .. .. .. .. 155,271 19 11 Investments.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 742 ,274 4 6 Fixed deposits .. .. .. .. .. .. 39, 926 .8 _ 9 ,-. Post Office Savings-bank .. . . .. . . ... 18,293 17 6 • Current account .. .. .. .. 20,754 2 10 Cash in hand .. >. .. .. ... 51-6 7 10 . Lands and buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. ;. 2I8;508 0 -2 Furniture and fittings . . .. .. .. 5,293 0 4 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .... 1,642 6 9

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Regarding the outstanding advances to soldiers, it should be understood that through loanees breaking down in health, reduced ability, or misfortune a proportion of these loans will not be recoverable and will require to be written off. During the year the funds previously held by the High Commissioner were transferred to the National War Funds Council, the High Commissioner retaining an imprest of £500 to assist necessitous New Zealand soldiers in the United Kingdom. For some time it has been evident that for the purpose of considering the future control and disbursement of funds and arriving at a common policy in connection therewith a conference of patriotic society delegates is necessary and desirable. With the approval of the Hon. Minister in Charge of War Funds, societies have accordingly been circularized inviting representation at such a conference and suggestions for consideration. The date of the conference has been fixed for the Bth June, 1926, at Wellington, and in addition to the patriotic societies the Returned Soldiers Association and the Canteen and Regimental Trust Funds Board have been invited to send delegates. Government Astronomer and Seismologist. Astronomical Observations. —Observations of the meridian transits of the stars and of the sun have been made for the purpose of controlling the time service. During the year the sun was observed 135 times, and 98 observations were made of stars. Reception of Wireless Time Signals at the Observatory.—The following wireless time signals were received at the Observatory: Mean-time signals from Honolulu, 113; from Malabar, Java, 180; from Nauen, 173; from Bordeaux, 23; from Annapolis, 2; and from Sydney, 1. Scientific time signals were also received at the Observatory as follows : Saigon, 186 ; Nauen, 65 ; Honolulu, 55 ; Bordeaux, 11. The wireless time signals received at the Observatory generally agreed with the Observatory clock within one second of time. Time Service. —An improvement was made in the time service, and the signal at 23 hours, G.M.T. (10.30 a.m., N.Z.T.), is now sent every day of the year, including Sundays and New Zealand Government holidays. The improved service began on the 2nd August, The total number of time signals sent from the Observatory was 1,638 ; of these, 443 were sent by wireless telegraph, 722 were sent by special circuit to the Telegraph Office, 251 by the signal-lights at the Observatory, 101 by switching off lights on the Harbour Board Building at Auckland, 101 by dropping the time-ball at Lyttelton, and 20 by telephone. Sunspots.—Sunspot observations are made every day when the weather permits, except Sundays, and the reports are published in the Monthly Notes of the New Zealand Astronomical Society. The total number of observations during the calendar year 1925 was 271. Spots were seen on 156 occasions, and 127 separate groups were observed. Annular Eclipse of the Sun, 20th to 21st July, 1925. —An important annular eclipse of the sun took place on Tuesday, the 21st July, and the only land, with the exception of some small islands in the Pacific, from which the annular phase was visible was at the extreme north of New Zealand. Arrangements were accordingly made for observing the eclipse from Te Paki, a homestead near the North Cape, and for the taking of photographic records. Successful photographs of the eclipsed sun before, during, and after the annular phase were obtained, and from these pictures much valuable information has been derived. The late Mr. Thos. Allison, F.R.A.S., who accompanied the Government Astronomer on the expedition, observed the sun with his own telescope for the time of commencing and ending of the annular phase, the duration being 160 seconds. Mr. Allison observed for Baily's Beads, the corona, and for any prominences, and reported that there was no trace of any of these, due probably to the light from the annulus, which was 63 seconds wide, and to the slight clouds that covered the sun at this time. A volunteer observer who had charge of the visual observations with the spectroscope reported that no trace of the green coronium line was visible. Accurate times were kept of the various phases, and the clock correction was determined by wireless time signals from Wellington. The annular phase began at 20 h. 29 m. 14|s., G.M.T., and ended at 20 h. 31 m. 54|5., G.M.T. The principal lighthouse-keeper at the Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse reported that the eclipse was well seen there, and that the duration of the annular phase was 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Successful photographs of the partial phase were taken at Wellington, and the Publicity Department obtained a film of the complete duration of the partial phase visible there. International Astronomical Union. —By courtesy of the Central Astronomical Bureau the Observatory received telegraphic advice of a number of important astronomical discoveries made during the calendar year 1925. Several of the new objects thus made known were observed throughout New Zealand, and reports of the observed positions were sent to the Observatory. With reference to Nova Pictoris, the new star discovered by Watson at the Cape of Good Hope, a number of accurate estimates of its brightness have been forwarded by members of the New Zealand Astronomical Society, and notes were published in the publications of the society. Longitude by Wireless Signals. —Reference has been made in former reports to the important proposals by M. Le General Ferrie, President of the International Commission of Wireless Longitudes, for the determination of longitudes of certain selected stations, including New Zealand. At the Rome meeting of the International Astronomical Union in May, 1922, astronomers were invited to undertake preliminary work in this project.

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The longitude programme, which is to commence on the Ist October, 1926, will continue for two months, and will be preceded by several days of trials. As the Dominion has decided to take advantage of this opportunity, arrangements are being made to carry out -as complete observations as possible. The programme will involve extensive star observations for the purpose of determining the local mean time, and observations by wireless of a number of scientific time signals sent from Bordeaux, Saigon, Annapolis, and possibly some other stations. Siesmology. The Milne and Milne-Shaw seismographs have been in continuous operation. Another Milne-Shaw horizontal seismograph has been received, and was installed on 16th September, 1925. It is placed with the boom facing north, and is used to record the east-west component. The number of earthquakes recorded during the calendar year 1925 on the Milne machine (eastwest component) was 69. On the Milne-Shaw (north-south component) 99, and on the Milne-Shaw (east-west component) 24 earthquakes were recorded from September to the end of December. Officers of the Post and Telegraph and Marine Departments and private observers have given valuable assistance in the reporting of earthquakes felt by them in New Zealand. The total number of earthquake shocks felt locally for the year 1925 was 78 ; 62 of these were felt in the North Island, and 24 in the South Island. In 8 cases the same shock was reported from both Islands. The maximum intensity of the shocks felt in 1925 was Bon the Rossi-Forel scale. The maximum intensity of shocks felt in 1921 and 1922 was 8, in 1923, 6, and in 1924, 7, on the same scale. An article on earthquakes in New Zealand was prepared for and published in the " New Zealand Official Year-book.' Maps have been prepared showing in considerable detail the distribution and intensity of the earthquake shocks felt in New Zealand ; these are now being made ready for publication. In addition to the technical reports on the earthquakes, contact photographic prints are made of all important records, and are sent to other observatories. New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, 1925-26. —The Observatory was represented at the Exhibition in the Government Pavilion. The photographs shown included works of this Observatory at the recent eclipse of the sun, as well as specimens of the works of observatories in Canada and the United States, and photographs on glass from the Astronomical Section, Wellington Philosophical Society. This collection was a remarkably valuable one of astronomical photographs, which are rarely seen outside of an Observatory. A number of diagrams and plans were exhibited showing the distribution in time and place of the earthquakes felt in New Zealand. A number of coloured drawings of the sun as well as pencil drawings of sunspots were also shown. The Observatory time signals were broadcasted at the Exhibition, and were made considerable use of by clock exhibitors for setting their clocks. Title of Observatory.—ln order to conform with the titles of Government Observatories elsewhere, the title of the Observatory was altered to " Dominion " Observatory. The late Sir James Hector's association with the Observatory is recorded by a notice plate attached to his photograph in the Observatory building. Publications.—The following Observatory publications have been published during the year :— Bulletin No. 57 —" Collisions between the Planets of Passing Stars," by A. C. Gifford, M.A., F.R.A.S. Bulletin No. 58 —" Report of Government Astronomer and Seismologist, 1924-25." Bulletin No. 59 —" New Stars," by A. C. Gifford, M.A., F.R.A.S. Bulletin E. s—■" Earthquake Reports, New Zealand," for the year 1922. 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. Auroras. —During the calendar year 1925 only one aurora was observed in New Zealand ; this took place on the 21st September, and was seen in many parts of the Dominion. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing.—The number of volumes classified, numbered, and on the shelves now amounts to twenty-seven thousand. The greater part of these deal with Pacific literature. A start has also been made with the main cards for portion of the English literature. About one thousand five hundred volumes were sent for binding, and two hundred water-colours and pencil sketches for mounting and putting in Solander cases. Additions.—Some five hundred books were added during the year, including about one hundred and fifty donated volumes, among them fourteen in classic tongues (Latin and Greek), nine German, ten Dutch, five French, eighteen Danish, nine Swedish, and two Hindu reed books. Donations. —During the year there were donations by sixty-five individual donors, some of whom made donations at two or three different times, and of many volumes. Pamphlets are not included in the number of additions above. The Hon. W. H. Triggs, M.L.C., and the Hon. G. Fowlds both gave several hundreds of these, a great many of which were not in the library. The principal donations were as follows: Captain N. Taylor: Journal of J. McLaren on barque "Cheviot," 1831. This journal which is unusually full for a whaler's log, deals with cruising in the Pacific, and concludes with an account of Mr. McLaren's settling in the Sounds, New Zealand. P. D'E. Hodgkins : Fifty watercolour and pencil sketches by his father, W. M. Hodgkins, founder of the Art Society, Dunedin. The sketches are dated 1869-70. They are historically valuable as well as being works of art. G. H. Mair : About fifty MS. journal notebooks of the late Captain Mair, and three sketches of Maori War incidents by Robley. These notebooks are full of records of contemporary history, and are very valuable as showing an understanding of the Maori. These are quite apart from the Mair manuscripts acquired

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last year. Mrs. Balcombe Brown : W. Hodge's drawings of New Zealand plants. This is a veritable Cook relic. Hodge was a landscape painter, engaged by the British Admiralty, who accompanied Captain Cook on his second voyage, 1772-75. Hon. W. H. Triggs, M.L.C.: Several hundreds of books, periodicals, and pamphlets relating principally to New Zealand, some dating back to the earliest days of settlement. Hon. G. Fowlds : Thirty-eight volumes of " The Statesman's Year-book," and over a hundred pamphlets and periodicals. H. Hamilton : Twenty-five autograph letters from noted British scientists, and a dozen engraved portraits ; also a Persian manuscript foolscap volume, an 1800 copy of the Iskander-namah, a long poem on the legendary career of Alexander the Great. Sir Joseph J. Kinsey: A copy of the rare Canterbury Punch, 1865. J. McDonald: A number of black-and-white (wash) portraits, and an etching, of New Zealand notable historical personages. D. McLean : A fine enlarged framed portrait of his father, the late Sir Donald McLean. H. Andersen: A set (18 volumes) of the works of George Brandes, Danish critic, in the original. H. Lundius : Seven volumes of Swedish writers (in the original), including Tegner, author of the famous Frithiof Saga. F. B. Butler : W. Crane, " Floral Fantasy," and autograph letter of Sir Joseph Banks. E. G. Pilcher : Set of charts of New Zealand coast formerly belonging to the boat "Prince of Wales," also many pamphlets and miscellaneous publications, and photos of ships. Besides these were—Dr. H. M. Prins, many volumes of stamp journals, six volumes of " The Call of the Light" (privately printed poems by Miss K. Gerard); old Bibles, by E. Hampden Cook (Manchester, England), C. W. Smith (Christehurch), Miss A. H. Cole (Wanganui); W. H. Hodson, a Hindu reed book ; M. Crompton Smith, Maori newspapers, including a large number of the Maori Recor d \ W. Mantel], atlas, charts, and illustrations, voyage of " Lion " and " Hindostan " to China, 1792-93; R. J. Barnes, Text of Staunton, 1796, to accompany the last-mentioned and other books; J. A. Ferguson (Sydney), " Seven Poems by D. E. Wilcox " ; Mr. Moorhouse (nephew of the late W. S.Moorhouse), " Ambergate Railway Act and Reference," used in connection with opening of the Lyttelton-Christchurch Railway, the first in New Zealand; Miss Turner, "E. Waller's Poetical Works," and Scott's " Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border " ; Mrs. Bradney Williams, D'Annunzio's " Cabiria," and various music periodicals; A. J. Bennett, pencil drawing by C. D. Barraud. Donations for the war section are still being received of histories of the various regiments that took part in the Great War; three arriving during the year. Incunabula. —The printing of the great list of the world's incunabula (books printed before the year 1500) has been begun, and the first volume " Gesamtkatalon der Wiegendrucke," a large quarto of 680 pages, authors Ato Al, and printed in Leipzig, has been received. The New Zealand public libraries containing incunabula are included in the list. Philatelic Library.—The Philatelic Society of New Zealand lodged its excellent philatelic library in the library during the year. In consideration of the books being permanently added to the Turnbull collection the Department undertakes to have the periodicals bound, and to allow members of the society as free access to the volumes as they have enjoyed whilst they were in their own possession. By this addition the library secures the best collection of the kind in the Dominion, and the society secures permanent and safe housing for its library, and easy accessibility to the volumes. Library Conference, —A conference of public libraries was held in Dunedin on the 13th and 14th January, 1926, when matters concerning the general working of public libraries were discussed. Qook's Third Voyage.—ln March the rarity of one of the books in the library, Zimmerman's account of his experiences with Cook during the third voyage, was made known, and as great interest was evinced, portions of the book were translated and published in the Press. The book reveals a good deal more of the characteristics of Cook than was hitherto known. Readers and Students.—Fifty-two new readers' permits were issued during the year, and students have been working in the library regularly through the year, day and evening, the principal subjects being journalism in New Zealand, Maori land laws, Maori religion before contact with the European, history of particular districts and particular people. Visits were paid to the library by large parties from public primary schools, a large number from private and secondary schools, and several parties of students from Kelburn Training College. Visitors. —There were 750 visitors during the year, in addition to the parties of students and scholars already referred to. List of Books.—With a view to lessening the general lack of information that was found to prevail abroad on the subject of literature relating to the Dominion, a list of 100 representative New Zealand books was prepared by the librarian and printed during the year, as Bulletin No. 1 of the library. Copies of the bulletin have since been forwarded to all the principal libraries in Great Britain, the United States, and Australia. Census and Statistics Office. During the last twelve months the Census and Statistics Office has continued its policy of gradually expanding its activities by entering new fields of statistical investigation and at the same time extending the scope of existing branches of inquiry. Employment and Unemployment. —A commencement has been made in this important branch of inquiry by the institution of a system of quarterly collection of statistics from secretaries of labour unions, showing the number of members unemployed during a specified week. Advantage is being taken of the advent of the quinquennial census to obtain not only the usual information as to the number of wage-earners who have been out of employment for more than a week immediately preceding the census date, but also particulars of working-days lost during the preceding twelve months. Weekly statistics of the activities of the employment bureaux of the Labour Department have been instituted, the returns supplied by these bureaux to the Labour Department being utilized.

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Industrial Accidents. —-From the data contained in reports of Inspectors of Factories in regard to accidents in factories valuable statistics of industrial hazard have been compiled for the year 1924, and will be continued in future. The scope of the inquiry is being extended to cover certain classes of workers engaged in outdoor industries, and in the taking of the census information will be asked for as to working-days lost throughout the year from sickness and accident, as well as from lack of employment. Forestation. —Regulations under the Census and Statistics Act were made on the 11th August, 1925, requiring companies, &c., engaged in forestation and plantation operations to furnish detailed statements of their activities, finances, &c., to the Government Statistician. Statistics under the authority of these regulations were collected for the financial year 1924-25. Buildings. —The following resolution was passed at the Building Conference held at Wellington in June, 1924 : " That this conference of representatives of local authorities, architects, engineers, builders, timber-merchants, and sawmillers respectfully recommend the Government to compile annual statistics relating to the building industry in order that reliable data regarding its operations may be available." Consequent upon this, draft regulations for the collection of the necessary details have now been drawn up, and should shortly be ready for introduction. The form of return was submitted to and approved by the conference of the New Zealand Builders and Contractors Association held at Dunedin in February last. In the meantime the annual statistics of building-permits issued in cities, boroughs, and town districts have been supplemented by monthly returns for the larger cities and towns and their municipalized suburbs ; these monthly statistics of building-permits afford a good index of industrial activity in the Dominion. Incomes. —Some three years ago a system of compilation of annual statistics of incomes from the income-tax returns supplied to the Commissioner of Taxes was instituted. While giving valuable material for many purposes, these statistics are deficient in certain directions in that they do not cover the great bulk of the wage-earners in the Dominion. To enable full consideration to be given to the question of providing assistance to parents of young families it is essential that as complete statistics as possible should exist as to incomes in conjunction with the number of dependants. The census offers the only means of obtaining the necessary data, and a question covering certain income grades will accordingly be inserted on the 1926 census schedule. Statistics concerning Maoris. —Although registration of births and deaths of Maoris has been in force for some twelve years, the incompleteness of the death entries and the difficulty of securing anything like full returns within a reasonable time after the end of the year had from time to time compelled a postponement of the regular compilation of statistics of causes of Maori deaths. During 1925, however, it was found possible to compile statistics of causes, by age-groups, for the quinquennium 1920-24, and thus a serious defect in our statistics has been remedied. In accordance with a policy that has for its ultimate object the breaking-down of all distinction between Maoris and Europeans in the population statistics, the North Island Maoris will be enumerated at the census of 1926 by the same organization as is employed for the European census —a step introduced in the South Island in 1916. All South Island Maoris and many of those in the North Island will also be enumerated on the European forms. For the remainder of the North Island Maoris, however, a simplified form will be used, printed in both Maori and English. Land and Income Tax Statistics.—Land-tax statistics were inaugurated during the year on lines closely following those adopted for the earlier instituted income-tax statistics. It is not considered necessary that statistics of land-tax and income-tax should be compiled annually, a somewhat longer interval being sufficient to indicate the changes taking place. After this year, therefore, it is not proposed to tabulate these until the pressure of work occasioned by the 1926 census has eased off, so that an interval of two or three years may be allowed before they are again done. Other New Work. —The statistics of prices were expanded in several ways, notably by the quarterly collection of returns of retail prices of clothing and miscellaneous items, in lieu of the former halfyearly collection. Some valuable statistics concerning the classes of children cared for in the numerous orphanages throughout the country were compiled, and will become a regular feature of our social statistics. Work now in contemplation includes the extension of the statistics of accident insurance to distinguish between workers' compensation insurance and other forms of business undertaken by accident-insurances offices, and regulations for the purpose of collecting the necessary details are now being drafted. It has long been recognized that the statistics of mortgages which we now have are far from satisfactory, but the difficulties in the way of getting better figures are very real. The matter is, however, being gone into with the Land and Deeds Registration Office, and it is hoped shortly to devise a system for getting more accurate and fuller statistics of both land transfers and registered mortgages. An endeavour is also being made to get fuller statistics as to registered companies ; it is proposed to show statistics of the paid-up and subscribed capital of all companies on the register each year, classified in a few groups according to character of operations. At present only the number and nominal capital of the companies registered each year is available. New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, 1925-26. —In common with many other Government Departments the Census and Statistics Office installed an exhibit at the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition at Dunedin. The principal part of the exhibit consisted of a plant of Powers' machines engaged on actual office-work, a staff of four female officers being employed. The working of the machines attracted much attention, and a good deal of time was taken up in.giving demonstrations to inquirers.

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Framed diagrams illustrative of the statistics compiled in the Office and of important features of the Dominion's activities were prepared and displayed at the stand, where samples of Office publications were also set out for inspection. Census of 1926. —Yery complete arrangements are being made for the taking of the quinquennial population census, the date of which has been fixed for the night of Tuesday, 20th April, 1926. As in 1916 and in 1921 the services of the officers of the Post and Telegraph Department will be largely utilized for the organization. The advantage of having trained and responsible officers in charge of the field-work of the census cannot be valued too highly. The interest and zeal of these officers in the census work is very much appreciated, and it is mainly due to their efforts that the census is carried out so efficiently and economically, considering the enormous amount of work entailed. On this occasion certain new inquiries, which have been referred to above, will be incorporated in the census schedule, whilst, as already stated, the enumeration of the Maori population will be carried out by the same organization and in many cases on the same schedules as the European population. Other important innovations made at this census will be —(1) The substitution of a week-night in place of Sunday for the enumeration; (2) the division of the Householders' Schedule into two forms—the Dwelling Schedule and the Family Schedule ; and (3) the enumeration of all persons other than actual members of the family on Personal Schedules. Publications. —Notwithstanding pressure of work in the Government Printing Office the Year-book again appeared well up to time ; it contains nearly one hundred pages more than the previous year's issue and two hundred more than the 1924 number. The 1926 number contains three new sections, several new short articles, and an exhaustive special article on the subject of cancer in New Zealand, written by Mr. J. W. Butcher, Chief Compiler in the Census and Statistics Office. The biennial Municipal Handbook, which was due to appear this year, is being amalgamated with the Annual Statistical Report on Local Government to form the Local Authorities Handbook. By this means duplication of the statistical matter which appeared in the Municipal Handbook will be avoided, and local authorities and others interested in the subject will have one comprehensive volume on local government matters. It is hoped to make this Handbook as useful and informative to those interested in the progress and development of local government in New Zealand as the Year-book is to those interested in the affairs of the Dominion. New Offices. —The transfer of the Census and Statistics Office to new premises in Hood's Buildings was carried out last August. The new offices are more compact than the former premises, and are so arranged as to permit of a better utilization of space, and a better grouping of staff and equipment. Dominion Museum. Board of Science and Art.- 4 -A meeting of the Board was held on the 12th March, 1926. Various matters relating to the Museum and Turnbull Library, publications, volcanology, hydrographic survey of the New Zealand coasts, Pan-Pacific Congress, and Kaingaroa rock-carvings were dealt with. Museum Accommodation. —In order to safeguard from damp and fire the perishable insect collections and herbarium, further rooms were taken on the seventh floor of the Dominion Farmers' Institute Building, and the collections and a part of the library transferred there. The collections, besides being safeguarded, are now more accessible to the public. Collecting Expeditions. —Owing to the lack of time available for the purpose, no extensive collecting and exploring expeditions were undertaken by the staff, but collecting was pursued wherever possible. A moa-bone find at Lake Waikaremoana was explored in August, and some material of scientific interest secured. In October the Kaingaroa rock-carvings were inspected and photographs taken. As a result of three short trips with the trawler " Futurist," in Cook Strait, some new mollusca and echinoderms of great interest were secured near Cape Campbell. Eels were collected in the Foxton neighbourhood in July for the Paris Museum, marine fish around Picton in October, and fresh-water fish in Canterbury in January and February. Plants and shells were obtained from Stewart Island and Auckland during February and March. New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, 1925-26.—The Museum was represented by an exhibit of Maori art and manufacture arranged by the Assistant Director. The educational aspect was emphasized, and the exhibit contained series showing the preparation, dying, plaiting, and wearing of flax garments in all stages, with examples of the finished products, and the manufacture of stone adzes by flaking, bruising, and polishing. In addition a representative series of weapons of wood, stone, and bone was displayed, with some typical, examples of house-carvings, including a panel of patterns. A comprehensive series of photographs taken on Museum ethnographical expeditions were shown by enlarged transparencies, and created much interest amongst visitors to the court. Ethnology. —The display of the Maori collection in the Dominion Farmers' Institute Building has been increased by the addition of. numerous articles previously held in store. Additions to the collection by purchase include two carvings from Mabia Peninsula, and several mats. Donations include an adze and fastener found near Wellington, presented by Mr. W. Taylor, and an adze of special interest presented by Mr. R. A. Lett. The additions in foreign ethnology include twelve Fijian articles presented by Mr. A. C. O'Connor, two " devil-devil " sticks from South. -Australia, presented by Mr. W. A. Traill, two Australian aboriginal. adzes . and. spinifex-.gum, and. a. large-collection of New Hebrides articles received by exchange. In addition, two fine models of warships have been presented and placed on exhibition —viz., those of the Japanese warship " Ibuki," which convoyed the New Zealand Main Body to Egypt in 1914, presented by the Imperial Japanese Government, and that of H.M.S. " Sentinel," presented by the Navy League. The collection of casts of prehistoric skulls has been increased by a fine representation of the Broken Hill (Rhodesia) fossil man. Bird Collections. —The principal accession was a donation of fifty sea-birds from the outlying islands of New Zealand, presented by the " France " expedition. The cases of New Zealand birds

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that had been mounted in groups for the Wembley Exhibition have been returned and placed on exhibition in the Museum. Insect Collections.—The transfer of the extensive collections to the new quarters in the Dominion Farmers' Institute Building was successfully carried through with practically no damage to the fragile specimens. Accessions include a collection of beetles donated by Mr. G. V. Hudson, several hundred insects collected at Whangarei and New Plymouth by Colonel R. W. Tate, and some tropical butterflies presented by Mr. H. W. Simmonds, including three specimens of the magnificent butterfly Troides broolceana. In addition, Mr. E. K. Lomas has presented the nucleus of a collection of spirit specimens of spiders. About five hundred children, accompanied by parents and teachers, have attended demonstrations and lecturettes on the collections. Fish Collections. —The principal accessions of marine fish have been a ribbon-fish, Regalecus pacificus, purchased from fishermen at Nelson, and some new species obtained on the trawler " Futurist." The collection of fresh-water fish has been amplified by specimens from Canterbury, and by eels from several localities, including a collection of elvers from the estuary of the Tarawera River, presented by Mr. W. Cobeldick. Conchology.—Several new and very interesting mollusca and echinodermata were obtained on the short trips, already referred to, on the Wellington trawler. Donations of rare or new shells have been received from Mr. A. W. B. Powell, of Auckland, and of fossils from the Geological Survey Department. Dr. R. Haeusler, of Auckland, has presented a large number of land and fresh-water shells from Switzerland. Dr. T. Mortensen, of Copenhagen, who has been revising the New Zealand echinoderms, has returned the Museum specimens he had on loan, and has supplemented the collection with many rare species. A large collection of fossils from Chatton, near Gore, presented last year by Mr. E. M. Christie, was cleared during the year, and is now being identified by Dr. J. Marwick, Geological Survey Department. Herbarium. —The very extensive herbarium of the late Dr. Donald Petrie was bequeathed to the Museum on his death on the Ist October, 1925, together with some valuable botanical publications. Suitable fireproof accommodation was secured by taking over additional rooms in the Dominion Farmers' Institute Building,, and the collection was safely transferred from Auckland, and has been arranged, so that it is now accessible to students. The great importance of the collection is shown by the fact that, with the exception of less than ten species, every fern and flowering-plant described in the new edition of Cheeseman's flora is represented in nearly every case by a good series of specimens well preserved. The Dominion is under a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Petrie for this magnificent gift. Dr. Petrie's herbarium is being kept intact, while all other specimens are being worked into the general collection. A considerable number of specimens was added by collection at Stewart Island and in the vicinity of Auckland. Now that the two herbaria have been made accessible, and the botanical library housed alongside, reference to them by botanists and tourists from all parts of the Dominion have been made, while students of the local colleges and secondary schools have made frequent use of them. Library. —Additional wall-space has been provided in the rooms in the Dominion Farmers' Institute, and a part of the library transferred there. The usual exchanges have been received. Publications. —Bulletins 8 and 9, which have been printed under direction of the Board of Maori Ethnological Research, were issued during the year. Several publications authorized by the Board of Science and Art are in the Printer's hands. The new edition of Cheeseman's Manual of the New Zealand Flora, which was edited by Mr. W. R. B. Oliver, of the Museum staff, was issued by the Government Printer during the year. Registrar-General. . Registrations.- —The following registrations were effected during the year 1925 : — Europeans : Births, 29,751 ; deaths, 11,093 ; marriage notices, 10,542 ; marriages solemnized,. 10,502 (including 2,176 by Registrars); adoptions, 409; dissolutions of marriage, 509. Births registered under section 24 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (from Ist April, 1925, to 31st March, 1926), 147. Maoris : Births, 1,379 ; deaths, 696 ; marriages, 355. Dentists Register.—During the year 25 names were added to the Dentists Register by registration and 7 removed on evidence of death, leaving a total of 820 on the register at the end of the year. Officiating Ministers.—On the 31st December last there were 1,989 ministers on the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act having authority to solemnize marriages in New Zealand, as. follows : Church of the Province of New Zealand, commonly called the Church of England, 471 ; Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, 397 ; Roman Catholic Church, 302 ; Methodist Church of New Zealand, 286 ; Salvation Army 165 ; Congregational Independents, 37 ; Baptists, 64; Church of Christ, 33 ; other denominations, 234. Searches made and Certificates issued.—For Pensions Department, 5,019 ; for National Provident Fund, 3,541 ; for Labour Department, 2,043 ; for Education Department, 599 ; other searches (for public, &c.),. 9,314 ; certificates issued, 8,132 ; total searches and certificates, 28,648. Dominion Analyst and Chief Inspector of Explosives. The number of samples received from various Government Departments during the year 1925 . totalled 4,459, of which 3,321 were forwarded by the Health Department. . Mines. —The-Geological Survey submitted fifty-seven rocks for superior rock analysis, including: an interesting series from Malvern Hills, collected by R. Speight. The greater portion of samples from the Head Office and Inspection Staff were comprised of coal, coal-mme dust, and mine-air. Prospectors' samples forwarded eioher directly to the Laboratory or through the Head Office show a falling-off in numbers as compared with previous years.

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Research on briquetting of waste coal was continued right throughout the year. A summary of the work was published in the fifty-eighth Annual Report of the Laboratory, Appendices I and 11. Health.—Foodstuffs in' great variety and a few other general samples were submitted by the Department of Health. Of seven brands of baking-powder examined two were deficient in carbon dioxide. The beers examined were free from lead and arsenic, but there is a tendency for salt to be present in excess. In one case as much as 120 grains per gallon was noted. The accepted limit in Great Britain is 50 grains. The breads comprised brown, wholemeal, and wheatmeal loaves, and were all satisfactory. Butter in most cases complied with the regulations, and only four samples exceeded the standard for water. There were several cases of mislabelling of various food products. Face-powders in use in Japan were reported to have contained white-lead, so an examination was made of six well-known brands on the Wellington market. All proved quite free from injurious metals. Milk. —The number of milk-samples officially taken during the year was 2,697, made up as follows : Wellington City supply, 1,730; Christchurch City supply, 9; country districts controlled by the Medical Officer of Health, Wellington, 609 ; country districts controlled by the Medical Officer of Health, Dunedin, 349. Wellington City. —In 1924 the milk-supply was reported almost free from wilful adulteration. Of 1,740 samples taken, 8 only were deficient in fat, and 8 watered. In 1925, the year under review, a milk shortage consequent on cold, wet weather provided strong incentive to watering. The number of samples examined was practically the same —viz., 1,730 —but 10 were decidedly low in fat, and 23 had been watered to the extent of at least 5 per cent. In one case 80 per cent, of water was found. There were also 16 warnings for slight deficiencies. There were 10 prosecutions for staleness and 17 warnings. For dirt there were 17 warnings, and 2 prosecutions. Country Districts under Control of the Medical Officer of Health, Wellington.—Of the 609 samples taken during the year, 7 were found to be deficient in fat, 7 were found to be watered, 9 were slightly below standard, and in 22 instances the suppliers were warned for dirt. There was little improvement in cleanliness during the year. Country Districts under Control of the Medical Officer of Health, Dunedin. —-Pending the appointment of an analyst in Dunedin, milk-supplies were forwarded to Wellington for analysis, the use of bottles preservatized with mercuric chloride enabling this to be done satisfactorily. As in other districts, the conditions as tj cleanliness require to be considerably improved. Of the 349 samples taken in the Otago District, 9 were deficient in fat, 9 were found to be watered, 5 were slightly below standard, and in 56 instances the suppliers were warned for dirt. Plunket Society.—Two hundred and two analyses of human and humanized milks were made for Plunket Nurses during the year. Other Departments. —The amount of work carried out for the Customs Department differed little from that in previous years. Numerous samples of departmental stores were submitted for examination by the Engineering Branch of the Post and Telegraph Department, and by the Stores Control Board. Analyses were carried out for the Public Works Department, of water and construction material. For the Main Highways Board tests were made of numerous samples of tar and bitumen, and occasionally defective sections of roadway were examined to determine cause of failure. A number of exhibits relative to various crimes that had been committed were submitted by the Police Department. The Railway Department required analyses of deposit from firebox, and of certain railway stores. Gas Control. —The testing of town gas for calorific value has been recently included in the work undertaken by the Laboratory. Regular tests of the gas supplied in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch were made during the year, and will be commenced shortly in Dunedin. Auckland Branch. During the year 1,739 samples were analysed for Government Departments, the bulk of which— viz., 1,709 —were forwarded by the Health Department. Christchurch Branch. The samples analysed from the opening of the Laboratory in August to December, 1925, totalled 357, of which the Health Department supplied 342. Explosives Branch. Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. —As this report is not available until the end of June it will be included in the next year's Laboratory Report. Conclusion. I wish to express my appreciation of the willing and efficient service rendered by officers of all grades during the year, and to thank sectional officers and the heads of sub-departments for their hearty co-operation and support at all times. The valuable assistance rendered by other Government Departments is also gratefully acknowledged.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (550 copies), £17.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Prict 6d.]

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