DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1931.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1931 Session I-II, H-22

H,— 22

1931. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1931.

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

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 29th June, 1931. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1931. I have, &c, G. P. Newton, Under-Secretary. The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Internal Affairs.

KĒPORT.

Local Goveenment. There was not the same activity as usual during the year in local-government matters. The prevailing depression affected the activities of local authorities, and this was reflected in the Department's work. Counties. —The boundaries of four counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another ; and county and riding boundaries were also affected by borough alterations. Three County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and adjusting representation. The Hutt County Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. The holding of the annual meeting of the Ashley County Council on a date other than that prescribed by law was validated. - The Counties Conference met in Wellington and passed a number of resolutions recommending alteration in the law relating to county government. These resolutions were subsequently submitted to the Government, and are under consideration. The Department was represented at the Conference. Boroughs. —One new borough —namely, Huntly (formerly a Town District) —was constituted, and the usual action taken for the election of a Borough Council. The Borough of Palmerston North was proclaimed a city, the population of that borough having reached 20,000. Palmerston North is the eighth city proclaimed in the Dominion, the others being Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Wanganui, and Wellington. Ten petitions for the alteration of borough boundaries were considered. Six of these petitions were granted, and the boundaries of the borough concerned and the adjoining district altered accordingly ; in two cases no alteration was made ; and two of the petitions are still under consideration. The Pukekohe Borough Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. Certain building regulations were made as an emergency measure for the boroughs of Napier, Hastings, and Wairoa, these regulations being necessary to meet certain conditions arising out of the Hawke's Bay earthquake disaster. Town Districts. —One new town district—namely, Mount Maunganui, in the County of Tauranga— was constituted. The proposal to form the Paihia Town District, in the Bay of Islands County, was adversely reported on by a Commission, and was not proceeded with. The Otane Town District was merged in the Patangata County by special order of the Patangata County Council. The boundaries of Howick Town District were altered by the inclusion of lands therein ; and two petitions for the alteration of boundaries of Johnsonville Town District are still under consideration. Three Town Boards were authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. The number of Commissioners for Otorohanga Town District was increased from five to seven.

I—H. 22.

H,— 22.

Road Boards. —The Mount Somers Road District was merged in the Ashburton County by special order of the Ashburton County Council. A petition for the exclusion of lands from the Croixelles Eoad District, in the Sounds County, was not granted. River Districts.—The Motueka River District, in the Waimea County, was constituted. The Waihopai River District, in the Southland County, was abolished. The boundaries of the Kahutara River District, in the Featherston County, were altered by the inclusion of certain lands ; and a petition by the Kaipara River Board for the inclusion of lands in its district, in the Waitemata County, is still under consideration. The time for holding River Board elections was extended in two cases ; appointments of members of River Boards were made by the Governor-General in three cases ; and the results of ten River Board elections were gazetted. Land-drainage Districts. —The Reporoa Drainage District, in the counties of Rotorua and Taupo, was constituted. Six drainage districts were abolished. The boundaries of three drainage districts were altered, and a petition for the alteration of boundaries of one other district was not granted. The general elections of trustees for several districts were held, and the results of twenty-five such elections were gazetted. The time for holding the election was extended in two cases, and validation granted in one case. Appointment by the Governor-General of trustees was made in one case. Questions relating to the control and maintenance of the Mangahoe Stream, in the County of Waipa, were determined. Taupiri Swamp. —Matters relative to the control of the Taupiri Swamp were again prominently before the Department. In pursuance of section 3of the Taupiri Drainage and River District Act, 1929, a notice was published in July, 1930, containing a description of the proposed district, and calling for objections to the constitution thereof. Several objections were received. Subsequently, arrangements were made for a conference of the parties to be held in Hamilton in February, 1931, at which an officer of the Department was present. As the result of a free discussion it was found that the main objection to the proposal arose out of the fact that there is no provision in the law enabling the Board, if constituted, to rate on an acreage basis. A departmental report of the proceedings of the conference was approved by the Minister, who has decided that the district be constituted, and that Parliament be asked to amend the Taupiri Drainage and River District Act, 1929, so as to give power to the Board to levy its rates on an acreage basis. This decision was made public, and matters are well in train for carrying the decision into effect. By-laws oj Local Bodies. —By-laws of the Mangonui County Council were approved in terms of section 109 of the Counties Act, 1920. Eight sets of by-laws, including one set of joint by-laws, were confirmed by the Minister under the By-laws Act, 1910. Confirmation was refused in one case on account of material irregularity in the making of the by-laws. Public Bodies' Leases Act. —Two leasing authorities were declared under this Act. Christchureh Tramway District Act, 1920. —Regulations were issued under this Act in lieu of those previously in force. Rating Act. —Questions affecting rating were more prominent than usual during the year. The prevailing depression has caused ratepayers to pay more attention than hitherto to the importance of local rates, and this has been reflected in the work of the Department. Polls relative to unimproved value rating were taken in no less than six districts, the results being— (1) The system of rating on the unimproved value was rescinded in Mount Albert Borough, Glen Eden Town District, and Papatoetoe Town District: (2) Proposals to rescind the system of rating on the unimproved value were rejected in New Lynn Borough, Otahuhu Borough, and Mount Roskill Road District. A Rating Amendment Bill was introduced as a private member's Bill, and its progress was of interest to the Department. The object of the Bill was to repeal section 47 of the Rating Act, 1925, which requires a valuation roll to be supplied after a proposal to adopt the system of rating on the unimproved value has been carried in a district. This section has been the subject of litigation, and the Court of Appeal has now decided to the effect that the section is a nullity. The Bill was not passed into law. During its progress in the House of Representatives proposals were made to insert provisions repealing section 69 of the Rating Act, 1925, and, alternatively, to provide that that section should not apply in districts where the system of rating on the unimproved value is in force. The section provides that half-rates only shall be chargeable where dwellinghouses are unoccupied for six months in a rating year. It also has been the subject of litigation. The proposals provoked keen discussion in the House, and, on divisions being taken, each one was negatived. On account of the economic depression in the Dominion, provision was made in section 42 of the Finance Act, 1931 (No. 2), empowering local authorities to grant such concessions as they think fit in respect of the 10 per cent, penalty on unpaid rates for the year. Local Elections and Polls Act. —Irregular proceedings in connection with the election of certain members of the Thames Valley Electric-power Board and the Tauranga Hospital Board were validated. The time for closing a poll in the Papatoetoe Town District was extended. A Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill was introduced as a private member's Bill, and the progress of this measure also was of interest to this Department. The object of the Bill was to give any local authority the optional power to revert to the cross system of voting at elections and polls in its district. The Bill was not passed. A further Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill, relating to proportional representation, was introduced as a private member's Bill, but was not passed.

2

H,— 22.

Commission relative to Local Government. —The Prime Minister made an important announcement during the year that a Commission would be set up to make inquiry into the incidence of local bodies' taxation. The main work of the Commission will be to ascertain whether, by various means, it is possible to effect economies in the administration of local authorities, and thus bring about a reduction in rates. Reports to hand indicate that the proposal is well received throughout the Dominion, and there is every indication that the work of the Commission will be facilitated by the co-operation of the various interests involved. The proposal is, of course, of vital interest to the Department, and its future activities will be bound up with the result of the Commission's labours. Legislation. Local Legislation Act. —The usual Local Legislation Act was the only public Act passed relating to the local-government activities of the Department. This Act contained seventy clauses affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. It entailed a good deal of work for the Department, as every proposal submitted for inclusion was, as usual, very carefully examined, and quite a number were not agreed to. Local Acts. —Several local Acts were passed by Parliament, and in accordance with practice the Local Bills Committee submitted to this Department for examination and report the majority of the local Bills introduced. In all, twenty-six local Bills were examined and reported on. Land Agents. Nine hundred and fifty-six licenses were issued and nine transfers granted, as compared with nine hundred and ninety licenses and six transfers last year. One bond was enforced. Auctioneers. Four hundred and eighty-three licenses were issued and no transfers granted, as compared with four hundred and eighty licenses and six transfers last year. Three hundred and sixty changes of endorsement of seller were made. A further case of defalcation was brought under notice, and two bonds were enforced. The counties of Rotorua and Taupo were combined as a special district. Fire Brigades Act. A total of fifty-five Fire Boards are now in operation, the latest additions being Birkenhead, Woodville, Newmarket, and Cambridge. Captain T. T. Hugo, who has held the office of Inspector of Fire Brigades since the inception of the Act, has retired from the Public Service, and the Department regrets the loss of an efficient and courteous officer. Naturalization. Certificates of naturalization were granted to seventy-five persons in New Zealand and two in Western Samoa. Four persons, who had been previously naturalized in New Zealand, took advantage of obtaining certificates under the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1928. Passports. There were 4,120 new passports issued, and 824 renewals for varying periods were granted. There were 789 less passports issued than during the previous year, which appears to indicate the result of the prevailing economic conditions on the travelling public. Raffles. A total number of 345 licenses was granted to raffle works of art, &c, as defined in section 42 of the Gaming Act, which number is nine less than that of the preceding year. While the great majority of these permits were for the benefit of social organizations, a few of them were in aid of invalids and indigent persons. Seven licenses were granted to raffle mineral specimens which in each case comprised alluvial gold of a value of £4,000. These seven raffles were each in aid of the funds of community objects, and the total net profit derived by the organizations concerned was £100,412 13s. Bd. State Functions and Distinguished Visitors. Ceremonial functions arranged by the Department comprised the arrival and swearing-in of the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, the funeral of the late Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, and the unveiling of the Point Halswell memorial to the late Right Hon. W. F. Massey. Distinguished visitors included Lord Stonehaven, the Hon. J. E. Fenton and the Hon. Parker Maloney (of the Australian Commonwealth Ministry), Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, Lord Barnby, Sir Otto Niemeyer, Professor Gregory, Mr, J. J. McMenamin, M.P., of South Africa, and Senator J. Moran of the Irish Free State." A squadron of the Netherlands Navy made official calls at Wellington and Auckland.

3

H— 22.

War Funds. Of over nine hundred and eighty patriotic committees established as a result of the Great War, sixty are still in operation, being a decrease of two since last report. The latest statements received denote that the value of the assets held are as follows :— * ■«. d. Twenty-nine incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 663,820 16 6 Seven Red Cross organizations . . .. . . . . 124 089 18 4 Three Blind Soldiers and Veterans' Homes Funds .. .. 74,136 810 Thirteen unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. 3,723 510 One Navy League Fund .. . . .. .. . . 5 431 10 10 Five Returned Soldiers' Clubs .. . . .. . . 22,767 1 2 Two Social Funds .. .. .. . . ~ . , 53Q 13 9 894,505 15 3 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 166,111 7 0 £1,060,617 2 3 Dominion Archives. Steady progress has been made with the sorting of documents and preparation for binding when finances permit. The balance of the New Zealand Co.'s papers is practically ready for binding, and when this is done it is hoped to prepare a bulletin on the whole of the company's papers both in Great Britain and New Zealand. On the eve of the demolition of the barracks at Mount Cook the discarded papers of the Defence Department were roughly sorted, and a large quantity, amounting to more than a ton in weight, was taken over for the Archives. These will be sorted and arranged, as time permits, and will furnish a valuable deposit dealing particularly with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the field during the years 1914-20. The Archives have been consulted a good deal during the year by students of history and others. Rules have been drawn up to govern the use of the material by students and other inquirers. CINEMATOGRAPH-EILM CENSORSHIP. During the year 2,077 films of all classes, of a total length of 5,542,560 ft., were examined. Of this number seventy-six were rejected in the first instance, 243 were passed subject to excisions, and 106 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. Nine appeals were- lodged against the Censor's decisions. In two cases the films were passed with recommendations for adult audiences after excisions, and in one case excisions were made and the film released for universal screening. In five cases the Censor's decision was upheld, and one case is awaiting examination by the Appeal Board. An analysis of the work shows —

The countries of origin of the quota films were as follow : United States of America, 457 ; Great Britain, 54 ; Germany, 2 : total, 513. Of the British-quota films fifty were sound and four were silent, while the foreign-quota films were 407 sound and fifty-two silent. Rejections.— Of the rejected films thirty-four were quota and forty-two were non-quota. Of the quota films rejected five were of British origin and twenty-nine .originated in the United States of America, while the forty-two non-quota films rejected originated in the United States of America. ( Offices.— At the beginning of September the Censor's office was transferred to Hope Gibbon's Building in Dixon Street, where suitable sound equipment has been installed. Posters.—On_ 2nd; October, 1930, regulations under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, were gazetted governing•. the. censorship of posters. As the regulations are not retrospective, their objective will not be completely attained until after a period of about one year. Under these regulations an exhibitor has already been prosecuted and convicted for improperly adding certain printed matter to a poster after it had been passed by the Censor.

4

Origin. Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Number. Length. Number. Length. British Foreign Totals .. 54 459 405,150 3,484,660 137 1,427 125,180 1,527,570 513 3,889,810 1,564 1,652,750

H,— 22.

Census and Statistics Office. The need for economy has led to a restriction in the activities of the Census and Statistics Office, and to a further reduction in the bulk of its publications. Nevertheless, a high standard of statistical treatment and presentation has been maintained, and certain important and necessary special work has been carried out. Revision of Retail-price Index Numbers.—Reference was made in last year's report to the printing and distribution of household-account books, with a view to the collection of data for the revision of the Dominion's retail-price index numbers. The response from the public was considerably more satisfactory than in the case of a similar inquiry undertaken in 1919, some 318 budgets sufficiently accurate and complete for inclusion in the compilations being received, as compared with only 109 in 1919. Most of the books were excellently kept, and considerable difficulty was experienced in adjudicating on these for the allocation of the prizes offered. The immense amount of work involved in the working-up of the wealth of data for the revision of the " weights " has been completed, and the new index numbers have now been computed. Agricultural Statistics.—The taking of the somewhat extended census of agricultural and pastoral production, in accordance with the desires of the International Institute of Agriculture for a world agricultural census to be taken on uniform lines, was successfully carried out for the season 1929-30. The increasing inability of the Police Department to provide sub-enumerators, combined with the high cost and the demand for economy, led to a decision being made to attempt a postal collection in 1930-31, and an inter-departmental committee was set up to revise the form of inquiry and to reduce and simplify the questionnaire. The forms for the 1930-31 collection were duly posted to all farmers, and the great bulk of the replies are to hand, but it is too early yet to make a pronouncement as to whether the new system will yield such good results as that of the personal canvass by sub-enumerators. Census.— The Census Postponement Act, 1930, provided, as an economy measure, that the quinquennial census due to be taken in 1931 would be abandoned, unless a Proclamation were made to the contrary. It was subsequently decided not to issue such Proclamation, and the census was accordingly not taken. Unemployment Act. — The appointment of the Government Statistician as Unemployment Commissioner and administrative officer to the Board set up under the Unemployment Act, 1930, has imposed a huge volume of additional work on the Census and Statistics Office. This part of the Office's activities, however, does not come within the purview of this report. Town-planning." The progress during the year has been somewhat disappointing, due no doubt to the economic depression and the approach of the municipal elections, there being a natural disinclination on the part of the retiring Councils to enter into commitments. A series of inquiries in connection with the definition of the boundaries of regional areas—to which reference was made in the last annual report—was concluded on the 4th June, and, as a result of the recommendations of the committee of the Town-planning Board which had conducted the inquiries tentative proposals have been submitted to all local authorities concerned for their further consideration' and, so far, the replies received are, on the whole, satisfactory. Three meetings of the Town-planning Board were held, and three appeals under section 34 of the Town-planning Act were heard and decisions given. It is satisfactory to be able to report the continued growth of the Town-planning Institute and the widespread support which, it has received from local bodies throughout the country. The publication of a quarterly journal by the Institute is proving to be a very valuable medium for the dissemination of information on all matters relating to regional and town planning, and is performing an educational function which would otherwise have had to be undertaken by the Department. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing— -The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves now exceeds thirty-five thousand. The greater part of the books classified deal with Pacific literature. About five hundred volumes have been bound. Additions.— One hundred and thirty-three volumes, including those donated, were added to the library. Donations.— These include the following: " The Book of the Queen's Dolls' House "(2 vols) autographed by Her Majesty the Queen, and presented by His Excellency the Governor-General' Lord Bledisloe. Mrs. W. G. Mantell donated a Carlyle walking-stick inscribed to W B D Mantel! and a painting of a Christ's head by Duppa. Mrs. Lezard, Hataitai, " International Library of Famous Literature" (20 vols.). Mr. W. Ferguson, Silverstream, three autographed volumes of Beatrice Potter. The Department is gratefully indebted to the above-named and to some fortv-four others for valuable donations. It has been noted that a large number of adults and children have called to see " The Book of the Queen's Dolls' House."

5

H,— 22.

Exchanges. —In cases where more than one copy of a book is held in the Library a policy of exchange has been pursued. By this means copies of current New Zealand publications have been secured without any financial outlay. Etchings. —Through the kind offices of Mr. J. M. A. Ilott, of Wellington, and with the skilled assistance of Mr. S. P. Andrew, of Wellington, it was made possible to forward copies of the Rembrandt etchings in the Library to Mr. Harold J. Wright, a London expert, for examination. A detailed report in respect of each etching has now come to hand from Mr. Wright, who estimates that one of the etchings is worth £300 and the others of lesser amounts. The voluntary assistance of Messrs. Ilott and Andrew and the complimentary report from Mr. Wright are much appreciated. Readers and Students. —Forty-three new readers' permits were issued, and students have been working regularly in the library through the year, day and evening. The principal subjects studied were New Zealand politics, aspects of Maori life and history, provincial and district histories, and biographies of various New Zealand statesmen, &c. The classics and English literature, including drama and poetry, have also been much used. Visitors. —There were about six hundred and sixty visitors, as compared with about seven hundred in the preceding year. Correspondence. —Many inquiries have been received regarding books and pictures and their values, historical subjects, &c. Inward and outward communications number about 1,500. Accommodation. —The present building has almost reached its capacity for shelving, and the students and readers have increased to such numbers that two rooms have had to be arranged for them. The need for the provision of further accommodation has accordingly become acute. Dominion Museum. Maori Ethnology. —The repainting of the designs on the rafters for the Turanga house has now been completed. There is little more to be done to the house until the actual building in position in the new Museum takes place. The top strakes for the war canoe " Teremoe " have been completed and fitted. To finish the equipment of this canoe there remains to be carved the thwarts, while the decking, battens, and various ornaments have still to be added. The work of arranging the Maori exhibits for the new Museum is proceeding. The Director examined an ancient Maori oven on Mount Egmont which is of especial interest as indicating that the last eruption of the mountain was comparatively recent. Foreign Ethnology.—The exhibits from several of the Pacific Islands have been arranged in the showcase provided for the purpose of working out details for the new Museum. Birds. —The work of remounting the old collection has been carried on. The few additions made during the year have been mounted for exhibition. Insects. —The rearrangement of the New Zealand Lepidoptera is nearing completion. Some collecting was carried out in the Tararuas and the specimens mounted and added to the collection, which is now fairly representative of all orders of New Zealand insects. Herbarium. —A rearrangement involving an amalgamation of all the collections constituting the herbarium is being carried out. Collecting was done in the Tararuas on both Mount Holdsworth and Mount Hector by different members of the staff. International Exchange Service. —Thirty-four cases of publications from the Smithsonian Institute and a few publications from European exchange services have been distributed to various recipients throughout the. Dominion. Work for Publication. —A reference book on New Zealand birds by the Director was published in August last. Mr. Elsdon Best has completed the manuscript for a bulletin on Maori forest lore, the illustrations for which are now being prepared by the Museum artist. A paper on the plant genus Goriaria has been completed by the Director, and one on Coprosma is being prepared. Several papers on New Zealand fishes and some notes on Maori artifacts have been published by Mr. Phillipps. Office of Reoistrar-Genebal. Legislation.—The recent amending Act modified the requirements of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1924, in respect of the registration of births of illegitimate children, and also provided a modus operandi for the registration of deaths of members of the New Zealand Naval Forces occurring outside New Zealand. Registrations. —The following business was transacted during the year 1930 : Birth registrations (including correcting entries), 28,361 ; adoptions registered, 413 ; legitimations, 345 ; births registered under section 24, 102; death registrations (including correcting entries), 12,267; marriage notices, 11,191 ; marriages (including 2,314 by registrars), 11,138 ; dissolutions of marriage registered, 597 ; Maori birth registrations, 2,002 ; Maori death registrations, 907 ; Maori marriages under Native Land Act, 345 ; dentists registered, 13 ; searches and certificates (Head Office), 39,333. . '.; x

6

H— 22.

War Geaves. Great War Graves in New Zealand. —The Department received notifications of the death in New Zealand of 432 returned soldiers, of which 126 were accepted as war graves — i.e., that death was due to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service. This brings the total number of war graves in New Zealand to 2,582. The total number of headstones ordered was 139, and temporary crosses were placed on 181 graves. The following additional work in soldiers' cemeteries was undertaken during the year : Wellington : Further permanent work on the lay-out of the extension to the Soldiers' Block at Karori Cemetery was proceeded with and concrete beams to take the headstones were laid down at the head of the first four rows of grave-plots, providing for an additional eighty burials. A commencement was made with the erection of a memorial arch connecting the extension with the original Soldiers' Block. On this arch will be recorded the names of those members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force belonging to the Wellington District who died and were buried at sea between New Zealand and the overseas bases. The arch is being erected jointly by the Government and the Wellington City Corporation. Palmerston North : The Borough Council, having set aside a special block in Kelvin Grove Cemetery for the burial of returned soldiers, permanent work on a portion of this block sufficient to suffice for some years to come was carried out. Blenheim : Further work was carried out in the soldiers' portion of Omaka Cemeterv in the way of kerbing, levelling, grassing, &c, and arrangements made for the future upkeep of the block. Permanent work was also undertaken in soldiers' cemeteries at Dunedin, Taumaranui, Featherston, Timaru, Masterton, and Christchurch. Veterans' and Historical Graves.— Wark in respect of these graves was carried out as follows :— Te Henui, New Plymouth : Memorials were erected to the victims of the Pukearuke (Whitecliffs) massacre of 1869 ; and the other Maori War veterans' graves in the cemetery were renovated. Buakiture : Permanent work was carried out on the graves of the Imperial and colonial troops who fell there in August, 1868. The cemetery has been fenced. Mahoetahi (near Waitara) : The graves of the Maoris who fell in the engagement there with the British troops in November, 1860, were cleaned up and the surrounding fence repaired. Tararua Cemetery, Southland : In conjunction with the Southland County Council the graves of those who lost their lives in the wreck of the s.s. " Tararua " in April, 1881, were attended to and arrangements made for their maintenance. Work was also carried out at the following cemeteries where veterans of the Maori wars are buried : Rangiriri; All Saints Churchyard, Howick ; St. John's Churchyard, Waimate North ; Ngaruawahia ; Tuakau ; Oamaru ; and Tuamarina. War Graves abroad.— All constructional work on war graves and memorials overseas has practically been completed, leaving only the matter of maintenance tobe attended to. Permanent maintenance of these war graves and memorials has been assured by the establishment of an endowment fund of £5,000,000 to which the Imperial Government and the Dominions contributed in proportion to their dead. 3,281 sets of photographs of graves of New-Zealanders in cemeteries in various theatres of war were distributed free of charge to next-of-kin, and 675 cemetery registers, containing regimental and personal particulars of those buried in such cemeteries, were sold. National Aet Gallery and Dominion Museum Act. This Act makes provision for the erection of a National Art Gallery, a Dominion Museum, and a War Memorial Carillon and Hall of Memories in Wellington City on part of the Mount Cook Reserve, which area has been vested by the Government in the Trustees constituted under the Act. The Board of Trustees comprises the Prime Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs ; the Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs ; the Director, Dominion Museum ; the President and Vice-president of the New Zealand Institute ; the Mayor of Wellington ; the Chairman, Wellington Harbour Board • the President of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts ; the Chairman, Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects ; the Chairman of the Wellington Carillon Society ; and three persons appointed by the Government. The latter are Sir Harold Beauchamp, Mr. G. A. Troup, and Mr. G. Shirtcliffe. It is estimated that the cost of erection of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum will not exceed £200,000, which amount will be met by public subscriptions, subsidized by the Government on a pound-for-pound basis up to £100,000. Towards the cost of construction of the cardlon, for which a contract has been let, the Government has agreed to contribute £15,000. Rotoeua Acclimatization District and Inland Fisheries. Acclimatization Activities,— A notable feature has been the taking-over of the administration of the Rotorua Acclimatization District and the Rotorua Fishing District which were formerly controlled by the Tourist Department. Liberation of Pheasants.— Since July, 1930, when the administration of the Animals Protection and Game Act in the Rotorua Acclimatization District was transferred to this Department, 509 pheasants have been liberated throughout the district. Opossums.— Eighty-two licenses and three permits were issued to trappers, the results showing that most of the trapping was carried out in the Waikaremoana area. Royalty was paid on 5 294 skins.

7

H.—22.

Fisheries. —The figures quoted hereunder in connection with, the output of ova and fry, denote that all past records have been exceeded. Collection of Ova. —The number of ova stripped from rainbow trout at the Tongariro hatchery was 7,369,000, in addition to which 930,000 eggs were collected in the Te Wairoa Stream at Lake Tarawera. This total of 8,299,000 is an increase of 1,695,000 over last season's output. The yields from the various streams were as follow : Hatchery Creek, 6,437,000 ; Waiotaka River, 506,000 ; Whitikau River, 426,000; Te Wairoa Stream, 930,000. Eyed Ova. —Of the 7,369,000 eggs collected and eyed at the Tongariro hatchery, 1,675,000 were forwarded to the Rotorua hatchery, 4,450,000 were sold, 12,000 were planted in the hatchery creek, 827,000 were hatched into fry, and 405,000 were sent to the hatchery at Waikaremoana. The 930,000 ova collected at Te Wairoa were eyed and hatched at the Rotorua hatchery. Fry planted. —From the Tongariro hatchery 827,000 fry were planted in the streams flowing into Lake Taupo, which is an increase of 137,000 over the previous season. From the 405,000 eggs sent to Waikaremoana, 401,000 fry were reared and planted in the lake and surrounding streams. From the Rotorua hatchery 245,000 fry were sold and 2,359,000 were released in various parts of the Rotorua district. Importation of Ova. —As the result of representations made by the Auckland Acclimatization Society, 100,000 eyed ova were imported from California from which consignment 87,000 fry were reared ; of this number 75,000 were sent to the Auckland Acclimatization Society, 10,000 were released in the Tongariro Stream, and 2,000 were held for experimental purposes. The hatching into fry of 87 per cent, indicates that the ova was of good quality and was well cared for during transhipment. It was observed that the California fry did not grow as rapidly as the Tongariro fry, and that they were somewhat more shy of human beings. Comparison of Growth of Fry. —Some two thousand of the Californian fry and an equal number of the Tongariro fry were reared under identical conditions, and when sufficiently grown were marked by the cutting-ofi of the adipose fin. After recovery from the operation the Californian fry were released in a tributary of the Tongariro and the Tongariro fry were released in Lake Okaro, near Rotorua. It is proposed to ask anglers to furnish details of any fish caught without an adipose fin in order that the growth of the two lots may be compared. Food-supply for Trout. —No shortage of any particular food is apparent in the Rotorua and Taupo lakes and rivers, with the exception of the koura and this applies only to Lake Taupo. A quantity of koura, heavy in spawn, were caught in the dam at the Tongariro hatchery and transferred to a suitable tributary of the Waitahanui where it is hoped to establish this crustacean. The shrimps that were introduced into Taupo district disappeared until January last, when several specimens, carrying spawn, were netted in the Waikato River about 250 yards from the lake. Scientific Operations. —The study of the life-history of the Nematode worm found in trout in Lake Taupo is still being continued. A slight epidemic occurred amongst the toitoi in Lake Rotorua. Specimens were examined and were found to contain the Nematode worm similar to that found in trout. Destruction of Shags and Hawks. —The policy of paying for shags' heads was continued, and 1,205 were paid for in the Taupo and Rotorua districts. Hawks' feet were also paid for at the rate of 6d. per pair and 1,267 pairs were accounted for. Facilities for Anglers. —To meet an increasing demand for the use of huts at the Tongariro hatchery camp, two of the Department's buildings at Tokaanu have been removed to the camp-site. New mattresses have also been provided for each bed. A full-time officer has been appointed to take charge of the Information Bureau at Taupo, and anglers can obtain licenses and information during the fishing season by applying at the bureau. Smoking of Trout. —The arrangements whereby anglers may have their trout smoked at Taupo and Tokaanu has been availed of, and has been appreciated by fishermen. Prosecutions for Breaches of Regulations. —One information was laid for a breach of the Taupo Trout-fishing Regulations and seven for breaches of the regulations pertaining to the Rotorua Acclimatization District. In all cases convictions were made and fines imposed. Tagging of Trout. —The experiment of tagging rainbow trout has been continued, and 238 fish taken from the hatchery creek were tagged. The following table gives particulars of the fish tagged and retaken.

8

Tag No. Sex. Date tagged, j Date retaken. Locality tagged. Locality retaken. Weight when tagged. Weight when retaken. lb. oz. lb. oz. 387 M. 24/10/30 22/12/30 Hatchery stream Stump Bay 5 8 6 8 396 M. 24/10/30 5/11/30 Tongariro River 2 8 3 12 250 F. 10/6/29 11/6/30 Hatchery stream .. 5 0 7 4 529 F. 12/6/29 10/6/30 >> 5 8 6 4 543 F. 20/6/29 8/8/30 >> 8 0 9 0 642 F. 24/10/30 7/11/30 Tongariro River 5 8 6 0 645 M. 24/10/30 2/11/30 ,, Birch Pool 9 0 9 0 996 M. 24/10/30 25/11/30 Hamaria, Hatepe .. 4 0 4 8 1072 M. 24/10/30 10/2/31 . Whanagamata 5 0 3 12 1146 M. 24/10/30 9/1/31 Rangitira Point 4 8 3 12 1156 F. 24/10/30 7/11/30 Tongariro River .. 1 8 2 0 1178 F. 24/10/30 31/1/31 Waihi Bay 5 8 6 0 1318 F. 13/7/29 23/7/30 Hatchery stream .. 6 12 7 8 1321 M. 13/7/29 17/7/30 >> 6 12 8 8 1345 M. 25/7/29 23/7/30 " 3 12 5 8

H,— 22.

Animals Pbotection and Game Act. Opossums. —Open seasons were again declared in a number of districts for the taking of opossums. The number of trappers' licenses issued was 1,152 and the number of skins taken amounted to 112,300. Importations. —The ban which was placed on the importation of birds for twelve months was lifted on pigeons, as it was established that these birds were immune from parrot-disease. The whole matter was later reviewed, and it was decided, after obtaining the views of the Health authorities, that the policy should be : (1) That no authorities be issued for the importation of rosellas, female galahs, and Norfolk Island parrots and parrakeets, unless required for medical or veterinary research ; (2) that consideration be given to applications for permission to import any other parrots or members of the parrot family for public zoos or by a person desiring to import such birds otherwise than for sale ; and (3) that the ban in regard to other birds be removed. Persons desirous of importing birds must make application for the necessary permission for importation before making arrangements for shipping. Birds. —From reports received it is evident that in many localities our birds are not only holding their own, but are increasing. The caretaker of the Gouland Downs Reserve reports a noticeable increase in kiwis and other birds in the sanctuary. Reports from other sanctuaries are also very satisfactory. Acclimatization societies have been active in securing prosecutions for breaches of the Act both as regards game and absolutely protected birds. There were a number of additions made to the list of absolutely protected birds. They were the Chatham Island mollymawk, brown kaka, Chatham Island shag, Bounty Island shag, Auckland Island shag, Campbell Island shag, spotted shag, blue shag, Stewart Island shag, and the bronze shag. Protection was removed from the sea-hawk. The Department's Inspector has furnished valuable reports on the bird-life in localities which he has visited, and has also investigated a number of reports regarding the shooting of native pigeons. These offences are very difficult to detect, and, as indicated in previous years, the Department would appreciate any information which would lead to offenders being traced. An authority was issued for the taking of six pairs of paradise ducks for reliberation on Kapiti Island. The birds were secured from Southland and liberated on the island. As in the past, open seasons for game shooting were declared in various acclimatization districts. A new regulation, limiting the length of cartridges which may be used for the taking or killing of native and imported game to 2| inches, has been brought into operation. Acclimatization Districts. —There are at present thirty acclimatization districts in the Dominion, including the Rotorua District, embracing the Taupo District, which is administered by the Department. With a full appreciation of the good work done by acclimatization societies in the past, it is the considered opinion of the Department that still better results would be achieved were there an amalgamation of a number of these districts. There is no question that with fewer acclimatization districts the cost of administration by acclimatization societies could be considerably reduced. Any one who has taken an interest in acclimatization matters realizes that effective ranging is essential. Public interest is, of course, necessary, but adequate ranging is also imperative. There cannot be too much ranging, and even if only the savings from administration expenses were devoted to this purpose the results would be an increase in our absolutely protected birds and native and imported game and fish through the greater protection afforded against poachers. The tendency in recent years has been in the direction of amalgamation, Opotiki district having been linked up with Rotorua, and Coromandel with Auckland. Proposals have also been put forward for other amalgamations, but with no definite result. Acclimatization matters are entitled to consideration on broad lines, and, while there may be minor points on which differences may arise, these should not be allowed to influence what is undoubtedly a progressive step. The matter is one which is entitled to the serious consideration of acclimatization societies at their next conference. Deer. The Conference referred to in last year's annual report was held in May in Christchurch. There was a large attendance of delegates from all parts of the Dominion. Following the Conference, it was decided to remove protection on all deer, chamois, and thar ; and action in this direction was taken as the stalking seasons in the various acclimatization districts expired. It was decided that protection should be reimposed in certain areas for a period of two months, and stalking seasons were declared in portions of the Wellington, North Canterbury, Westland, Lakes District, and Southland Acclimatization Districts on the understanding that the resultant revenue would be devoted to further deer-destruction. The effect of the removal of protection is that persons may, subject to the consent of property-holders, destroy deer at any time. The Department has made every endeavour to give prominence to the fact that the rights of property-holders must be respected. The removal of protection is not in itself a solution of the deer problem, as it was known that in parts of the South Island where there had been no protection for many years, the animals were very numerous. It was therefore decided to extend the payment of the tail bonus to the whole of the South Island, the bonus previously being payable only in portions of the Island. During the year the bonus was paid on 20,870 deer, an increase of 4,447 as compared with the previous year. To further assist persons who desired to undertake deer-destruction as a private venture or property-holders wishing to destroy deer, arrangements were made to supply acclimatization societies with ammunition from the Defence Department at a cheap rate (£5 a thousand) and the societies have distributed the ammunition either free or at cost price. The Department was provided with financial provision to organize special parties to undertake deer-destruction.

2 —H. 22.

9

H,— 22.

Earlier investigations in deer-infested country had revealed the fact that deer-destruction operations could only be conducted successfully if carried out to a preconceived and comprehensive scheme, as sporadic efforts, although capable of producing numerically greater results over a short period, would have the effect of scattering deer and thereby ultimately increasing the area of infestation, resulting in fewer being killed over a large area and longer period. With a view to applying this principle, it was hoped to commence operations in the Makarora Valley, which is bounded on the west by the Southern Alps, and to work progressively in a north-westerly direction towards Mount Cook, working each valley in turn. As, however, a small party was already operating in the Makarora Valley, it was necessary to modify the plan for this Department's operations by commencing at Lake Hawea and thence to extend the operations through the valleys and watersheds of the Hunter, Dingle, Ahuriri, Hopkins, and Dobson Eivers and their tributaries and to include the area known as the Morven Hills and Timaru Creek. One party commenced operations in the country near Lake Hawea on the 10th November, and at the end of January moved into the Hunter Valley. A second party commenced on the 21st January in the country lying between the Makarora and Hunter Valleys, operating chiefly in the valleys of the long tributaries on the western side of the Hunter. The Department having decided that an endeavour was also to be made to reduce the number of deer on Stewart Island, operations were commenced at the head of Patterson Inlet on the Bth December. Four men were engaged until Christmas and three from the 9th January till the middle of February, after which two men only were employed. A total of 263 deer were killed and 217 skins recovered. On the 3rd March a party commenced operations in the Morven Hills area, working in a northerly direction towards the Dingle and Ahuriri Valleys. While the Morven Hills were not as badly infested as most of the other areas where operations were conducted, it was considered desirable to include the area in the general plan. Another party took the field on the 16th March in the Valley of the Rakaia River. At the 31st March a total of 3,807 deer had been killed and 2,415 skins recovered. The property-owners welcomed the Department's activities and showed their appreciation by extending all possible assistance and co-operation, in the form of providing pack-horses and vehicles conveying men, stores, equipment, and skins by launch free of charge, giving the use of huts, and assisting in maintaining communications to isolated parties. The areas selected for the commencement of operations comprised some of the main distributing centres and where efforts for some years had failed to seriously abate the menace. It was early discovered that the effect of killing deer in the actual valleys and grazing areas of the back country runs was merely to deal with the natural increase, without really reducing the main herds, which occupy the high " basins " and open " tops " which have been the never-failing source of supply from which the overflow spreads on to new country and invades the pastures and crops of the stations. The operations were therefore directed chiefly against these large concentrations, and much country which had never before been the scene of systematic deer-destruction was worked with marked success. The operations have been conducted entirely with a view to killing the greatest possible number of deer at the lowest possible cost. Terms such as "culling" and "deer-stalking" are often. erroneously used in connection with these operations. These are misleading, as they do not apply to effective methods of wholesale deer-destruction. What are known as " drives " were found to be so successful that they were generally adopted wherever the nature of the country permitted. The largest one-day kill by one party was 204, while many others of over a hundred were obtained. These drives, which are carried out to a carefully arranged plan, are conducted in valleys and gorges where large numbers of deer live or have been driven by operations elsewhere and where there are few or no avenues of escape at the top. Where such passes do exist, men are posted in them before the drive commences and the remainder drive all deer in the gorge ahead of them, until they can be shot at effective ranges. In this way the maximum proportion of kills is obtained and in some cases the numbers that escape are exceedingly small, while in some cases more escape. It was found also that to be fully successful, operations must be systematic and country must be, as nearly as possible, thoroughly " cleaned " before being left. In other words, surviving deer must be kept ahead instead of being allowed to escape on to country which has been worked and left. The " party " organization has been proved to be the best possible as it permits of systematic methods and " drives " being employed, and ensures adequate control and supervision. While it might be argued that it is bad business to save skins that have only a problematical value, and that time spent in skinning could be more profitably spent in killing, there are aspects of this matter that must be taken into consideration. The extent to which deer-destruction can be continued is largely governed by the question of cost, and it must be borne in mind that as the result of the policy adopted the Department is now in possession of 2,415 skins. Furthermore, this Department realizes that a reliable market for deer-skins will greatly help in the future control of the herds by inducing persons to undertake deer-killing as a commercial venture, besides establishing industries or export trade of considerable value to this country. This desirable result cannot be achieved without an adequate supply of skins with which to create and foster such a market and keep it supplied until private enterprise supplies the demand. Where extensive drives are conducted in areas that are very remote and difficult of access the collection of skins is not allowed to preclude the fullest possible advantage being taken of the opportunity to obtain a big " kill," and in such cases few or no skins are recovered, as the cost of carrying them in would make their recovery unprofitable.

10

H.—22.

A system of payment was evolved which combined wages and the payment by result and was found to be highly satisfactory in that it ensured to the employee a living wage and a reward for his endeavours, while it permitted the Department to conduct its operations on the lines which the •circumstances demanded. The whole operations were conducted under close supervision. It has been suggested that all payments should be by results, but when it is borne in mind that the Department's object is to deal effectively with infested areas, not just to kill as many deer as possible in a .given time, it will be realized that it is only by paying a wage that the men can be compelled to operate in the areas decided upon by the officer conducting the operations. It would be impossible to compel effectively men who are paid entirely by results always to conform to the general scheme and refrain from the undesirable practice of working scattered profitable patches of country and so scattering the deer and leaving the remainder to be cleaned up by more costly methods. The contract system has also been advocated, but this is, at all events at the present stage, manifestly unsound. While it is possible to have a number of deer about equal to the annual natural increase— i.e., the easily getatable deer—killed by contractors at a figure below the cost per head of all deer killed by the Department's parties, the cost is an annually recurring one, and no actual permanent progress is made towards terminating the deer menace. Contractors will naturally kill only such numbers that are most profitable to them, and the remainder, which have then been made wilder and more scattered, would still have to be coped with by some organization employed on a basis similar to that of this Department ; while past experience has shown that the great distributing groups of deer which keep up the supply and, incidentally, provide constant employment for the contractor, remain unmolested. The actual cost of destroying a deer during the period under review worked out at 6s. 4|d. Any return from the sale of skins will reduce this cost. To considering this cost special consideration must be given to the very high cost of the operations on Stewart Island. Although only 263 deer were killed there, the herd of red deer was very much depleted as the result of these operations, and very definite progress has been made towards keeping them in check. The heavily wooded nature of the country, however, precluded the possibility of concerted efforts or large daily kills, and the very wet season occasioned a great deal of lost time. To obtain the above results it was necessary to keep the men in the field for a long time and to spend a considerable sum on transport, launch-hire, boat-fares, freight, &c, and, as there were no interested property-owners there, the Department did not receive the free assistance that was forthcoming in areas on the mainland. It can be confidently anticipated that later costs will be lower, as the initial stages of any operations are always more costly and expense has been incurred in exploring possible avenues of marketing skins, antlers, tusks, &c, and in conducting investigations with regard to future operations. Furthermore, unavoidably, the scattered areas in which the operations were conducted (from the Rakaia River to Stewart Island) has increased costs which, with the possibility of working parties in closer proximity to one another will be remedied in future. No figures are available as to the number of deer destroyed in the North Island, but it is known that the Wellington Acclimatization society has been active, and, from reports received, it appears that week-end parties and others have accounted for numbers of deer in various localities. Taking the Dominion as a whole, it is apparent from the number of deer on which the tail bonus was paid in the South Island, the numbers destroyed by this Department, the State Forest Service, acclimatization societies, and others, that deer-destruction has been extensive during the year. The rougher and inaccessible country is, of course, the problem ; and as this Department has been entrusted wholly with the Government's policy of deer-destruction, special attention will be paid to this class of country. Explosives and Dangebous Goods. Explosives Licenses. —lmportation licenses for the following explosives were issued during the year : Gelignite, 840,0001b.; blasting-gelignite, 1,4001b.; A2 Monobel, 318,6001b.; quarry monobel, 12,5001b.: samsonite, 315,450 lb. ; blasting-powder, 116,250 lb. ; blasting-pellets, 47,500 lb. ; smokeless gunpowder, 13,600 lb. ; detonators, 2,015,000 ; E.D. fuses, 763,000 ; fireworks, 377. Other licenses were issued during the license year ending 30th June, 1930, as follows (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 240 (256) ; sale, 624 (641) ; • storage, 385 (374). Legislation. —As a result of several serious accidents with fireworks, special regulations under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Act, 1908, were gazetted. Briefly stated, the new regulations provide for the division of fireworks into two classes, viz. : (1) Fireworks of a harmless nature, which may be sold and discharged without restriction ; (2) fireworks of an explosive nature, which may be sold only by licensed dealers and discharged by persons who have obtained a permit for this purpose. In addition, importers of fireworks must deposit samples of all types of fireworks which they propose to import. These samples, after test, are classified as indicated above, and the importer is then notified accordingly. New regulations were also put into force raising the fees for importation of explosives from £1 to £3 for each 2,000 lb. imported. Examination of Explosives. —All shipments of explosives were submitted to the usual examination on arrival, and were found in good condition, except that which arrived from England on the " Port Hardy." In this shipment a number of the cases of explosives were wet, having apparently been loaded in such condition. A thorough overhaul of the consignment was made and where exudation was found to have developed, the explosives were reconditioned and rewrapped. No complaints as to the condition of these explosives were subsequently received.

11

H,— 22.

Dangerous Goods.— Local authority administration : During the year four new licensing authorities undertook the administration of the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, viz. : Tahunanui and Kaikohe Town Boards, Awatere and Inangahua County Councils. Inspection work in connection with licensing authorities has been carried out as in the past years. Departmental administration: Regular inspections of districts directly under departmental control have been maintained as heretofore ; 1,922 licenses were issued as compared with 1,666 for the previous year. Accidents. —No accidents involving loss of life were reported during the year, but in several cases severe injuries were sustained by persons in fires which occurred through carelessness in the handling of dangerous goods. A man was having the tank of his lorry filled at a service station in Dunedin when he struck a match to see how full the tank was. In the resulting fire both man and girl attendant received burns, the girl being taken to hospital. The man was prosecuted by the police and a fine was imposed. Several accidents have occurred in the use of benzine for home dry-cleaning, injuries to the persons concerned being more or less serious in each case. Failure to observe the precautions laid down in the regulations accounted for a number of fires which occurred during the refuelling of tanks or cars at service stations. Lighted matches, lighted acetylene lamps on motorcycles, and leaving the engine running were the main causes of ignition. Except in two instances, the fires were extinguished with the equipment which the regulations require to be kept in the vicinity of the pumps. Hawke's Bay Earthquake.— After the recent Hawke's Bay earthquake a careful inspection was made of all dangerous-goods depots in the area. The results disclosed were extremely satisfactory. The large case-stores had suffered like other brick buildings and most of them were either destroyed or rendered unfit for use. In no case were the contents affected. At Napier a very fierce fire raged on the opposite side of the road, but the brick walls of the petrol stores, although damaged, offered sufficient resistance to the heat to protect the contents. The above-ground petrol-tanks at Napier and Hastings were undamaged, as also were the pipe-line connections. The reinforced concrete compound wall round the tanks at Napier, which was built on a shingle-bed, was practically undamaged, only hair cracks being found after the quake. Petrol-pump installations also came through very satisfactorily. In two cases the concrete pit in which the tanks are placed were tilted by the earthquake and the tanks had to be reinstalled ; but in no other case was serious damage done. The petrolpumps were thrown down or tilted, in many cases, but the connections were not broken, and in no instance was the petrol in the tank affected, even though the building overhead was destroyed by fire following the earthquake. It is a remarkable fact that petrol was about the only commodity not affected by either earthquake or fire. Cinematograph Films.— Administration : Under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, licenses are now issued to the actual exhibitors, and not, as was often the case under the old Dangerous Goods (Cinematograph Films) Regulations, 1925, to the theatre or hall owner. Circuit exhibitors may obtain an itinerant exhibitor's license covering as many as ten premises. The number of licenses issued does not therefore indicate the number of licensed premises. During the year licenses were issued as follows : Exhibitors, 446 ; circuit exhibitors, 51 ; renters, 19 ; storage, 6. Legislation : During the year it was found necessary to introduce legislation further defining the rights of rejection of films contracted for which, were contained in the Cinematograph Films Act Regulations were also issued prescribing additional terms for renters' licenses. Accidents : Ten fires occurred during the projection of film as against eight for the previous year.. In only one instance was more than one spool of film involved, the flames from the spool which first ignited spreading to the second machine which was threaded up ready for the change-over. Experiments were subsequently made to determine how the fire entered the spool magazines and why the film in the second machine became involved in the fire. These experiments demonstrated, that the design of the fire-traps on this particular type of machine was faulty, and also that the gauzes with which the spool-magazines were equipped permitted the discharge of flames from the burning spool, thus firing the contents of the spool-magazine on the second machine. Instructions have been issued to the agents to have these defects remedied. Conclusion. In view of my retirement from the Public Service as from the 30th June next, I desire to avail myself of this opportunity to express to the present and past Governments my deep appreciation of the courtesy and consideration accorded to me during my official career. To all the officers of the Department I wish to convey my sincere appreciation of their unfailing loyalty and of the assistance extended to me at all times. I also wish to thank those officers of other Departments with whom I have been associated for their co-operation and material help.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (500 copies), £13.

By, Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l.93l.

Price (id.]

12