DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1934.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1934 Session I, H-22

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1934. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1934.

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

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 2nd July, 1934. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1934. I have, &c., Malcom Fraser, Under-Secretary. The Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT. Local Government. The year was again unique in the number of intricate and complex problems arising in the localgovernment activities of the Department. Counties. —Five County Councils passed special orders under the authority of the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, abolishing the system of separate-riding finance in their respective counties. This made a total of twenty-three County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation. Three County Councils held their annual meeting on a date other than the statutory one, and their action in each case was validated. The Counties' Conference was held in Wellington on the 26th and 27th July, 1933. A number of resolutions were passed recommending alteration in the law relating to county government. Several of such resolutions affected Acts administered by the Department, and such action as was necessary was taken in each case. The Department was represented throughout the whole of the Conference. Matakaoa County : Mr. C. H. Bull, of Gisborne, was appointed Matakaoa County Commissioner on the Ist May, 1933, and immediately entered upon his duties. He made an early tour of the county, reviewed the financial position, and submitted to the Department a report as at the close of the first three months of his administration. That report, after touching on certain geographical and administrative features, dealt mainly with the position of the county under the following headings :— (а) Problems of European occupation, arising out of land inferiority, market isolation, and excessive borrowing. (б) Problems with respect to Native rates and occupation. (c) Rating situation generally. (d) General administration, and administration of Hicks Bay Harbour. (e) Accounting statements. (/) A general review of the financial position. (g) A suggested scheme for the rehabilitation of the county.

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Subsequent to the receipt of such report, a meeting was held of the principal interested parties in Wellington, at which meeting a financial scheme, aimed at ultimately rehabilitating the county, was agreed upon. This scheme was subsequently ratified by such parties and by other substantial creditors. The essential features of the scheme are — (a) The " freezing " of unpaid debts for a period of three years free of interest: (b) The reduction of the current interest burden on the county to approximately 4 per cent. : (c) Drastic curtailment of administrative expenses : (d) The application of current revenues, after meeting administrative and other necessary charges, towards the reduction of the frozen liabilities. The Commissioner proceeded to carry out the administration of the county in accordance with such scheme, and he has pursued a vigorous policy of rate-collections. The payment of a substantial portion of the rates due is, after all, an essential factor in the successful carrying-out of the financial scheme and the general rehabilitation of the county. He again reported to the Department as at the 31st January, 1934, showing the results of his administration for the six months then ended. It is pleasing to record that ratepayers have responded in a marked degree to the demands made upon them for payment of rates, both current and arrears, and at the 31st March, 1934, the sum of £8,227 ss. 2d. had been received from rate collections. This was the highest amount collected in the county from this source since the year which ended on the 31st March, 1930. The receipt of that amount from rate collections enabled the Commissioner to pay administrative charges and current debts for the first year, and to reduce the amount of outstanding liabilities. A satisfactory feature of the financial scheme is the fact that any surplus is used for the purpose of paying off the " frozen " liabilities and not for payment of increased interest charges. Thus, there is a definite incentive to the ratepayers to pay their rates, thereby ultimately discharging the overdue liabilities of the county, and thus, in time, placing the county once more in a stable position. Boroughs. —The boundaries of five boroughs were altered, three by the inclusion of lands and two by the exclusion of lands. Three petitions for the alteration of borough boundaries were declined. The Ross Borough Council passed a special order reducing the number of Councillors from nine to six, and the Waikouaiti Borough Council similarly reduced the personnel of its Council from nine to seven. Minor irregularities in connection with a poll taken in the Tauranga Borough to decide the statutory closing-day for shops were validated. A financial adjustment was made between the Feilding Borough Council and Oroua County Council, consequent upon previous alterations of boundaries. The severe earthquake in the month of March, 1934, affected several North Island towns to such an extent as to warrant special powers being given to the Borough Councils to control immediate building construction therein. For this purpose an emergency Proclamation was issued under section 382 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, containing suitable regulations applicable to the Boroughs of Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua, and Eketahuna. The Napier Borough Council was authorized to use a portion of the moneys in the Depreciation Fund of the electricity undertaking of that borough for the purpose of carrying out certain restoration and replacement work rendered necessary by the Hawke's Bay earthquake in February, 1931. Following on the disastrous Hawke's Bay earthquake in February, 1931, and by virtue of section 49 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1930, and section 64 of the Hawke's Bay Earthquake Act, 1931, a special Committee of Management, consisting of John Saxon Barton, Esquire, Stipendiary Magistrate, and Lachlan Bain Campbell, Esquire, then Inspecting Engineer, Public Works Department, was appointed with full powers of control over the Borough of Napier. The powers of the Napier Borough Council were suspended during the term of office of the Committee. With the holding of the municipal elections in Napier in May, 1933, the term of office of the Committee came to an end, and the Napier Borough Council resumed control on the 10th May, 1933. As required by law, the biennial election of Mayors and Councillors throughout the Dominion was held on the 3rd May, 1933. The elections were of special significance in the Boroughs of Napier and Hastings, as they were the first held since 1929. The 1931 elections in those boroughs had been postponed on account of extraordinary conditions arising out of the earthquake of that year. Unusual interest was taken in the Stratford Borough election, where the Mayor was elected on the casting-vote of the Returning Officer. The election was upset on account of certain irregularities. At the consequential by-election, the same gentleman was elected Mayor with a more substantial majority. Certain difficult questions arising out of the proceedings were brought before the Department for consideration. The Municipal Conference was held in Wellington on the 14th and 15th March, 1934, when various remits and resolutions were passed on different phases of the law and practice governing the activities of Borough Councils and Town Boards. The Department was again represented throughout the whole of the proceedings of the Conference. Thames Borough : The Department again took an active part in matters arising out of the administration of the Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932. Four further quarterly reports were received from the Borough Commissioner, dealing exhaustively with the progress of his administration of the borough. Such action as was necessary was taken, arising out of each report. The Commissioner visited Wellington on two occasions for the purpose of conferring with the Department and others on matters affecting Thames. A petition was received from 562 ratepayers of the Thames Borough, asking for the appointment of an independent Commission consisting of three members, the Chairman to be a Judge of the Supreme Court, to have full power and jurisdiction to deal with the Thames Borough Council and the Thames Harbour Board indebtedness and unification of the collection of rates. Representatives of the petitioners visited Wellington and made representations to Ministers in support

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of the prayer of the petition. The petition was declined on the general grounds that interference with the terms of the agreement entered into between the principal parties and embodied substantially in the Thames Borough Commissioner Act was not justified in the circumstances. Further legislative powers were conferred on the Commissioner by sections 20 and 21 of the Local Legislation Act, 1933. Town Districts. —The boundaries of the Normanby and Tahunanui Town Districts were altered by the exclusion of lands in each case. The Ohura Town District was declared not to form part of the Ohura County. Road Districts. —The Upper Ashburton Road District was merged in the Ashburton County. River Districts. —One new River District was constituted—namely, Te Ore Ore, in the Masterton County—the Masterton County Council being declared the River Board thereof. The statutory election of members of River Boards had not been held in two cases, and appropriate extensions of time were arranged in each case. Land Drainage Districts. —Three petitions for the inclusion of lands in drainage districts were considered. The boundaries were altered in two cases, the other case being still under consideration. The Freshfield and Uapoto Drainage Districts were abolished, such districts comprising lands which were also in the Taupiri Drainage and River District. A further petition for the abolition of the Tuatuamoana Drainage District was still under consideration. The Hauraki Plains West Drainage District was subdivided and the number of members of the Board thereof increased from five to six. The personnel of the Oroua Drainage Board was reduced from seven to five. Several Drainage Board elections were held on the 6th November, 1933, and the results thereof gazetted in accordance with law. An extension of time was granted for holding the election of the Kirikiriroa Board. A proposal, involving legislation, was before the Department for the purpose of amalgamating several Drainage Boards operating in the vicinity of Te Awamutu, bringing further adjacent areas under Drainage Board control, and making certain relevant provisions. The matter was still under consideration. By-laws of Local Bodies. —The by-laws of three County Councils were approved in terms of section 109 of the Counties Act, 1920. Two sets of by-laws were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. Public Bodies' Leases Act. —Two leasing authorities were declared under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. Rating Act.—A proposal to adopt the system of rating on the unimproved value was carried in the Papatoetoe Town District. Urban Farm-land Rating. —The year provided the first substantial opportunity for carrying the provisions of the Urban Farm-land Rating Act, 1932, into practical effect in the different boroughs, town districts, and road districts affected. The Department watched the progress of the Act with considerable interest, and was called upon to give information and decisions on numerous matters arising out of same. A number of local authorities were requested to prepare farm-land lists in terms of the Act, and Assessment Courts were necessary in several cases. At the close of the year, Assessment Courts had been set up for twenty-nine boroughs, two town districts, and one road district. Judges of Assessment Courts were appointed for ten boroughs, one town district, and one road district. Thames Harbour Board. —Matters arising out of the serious financial position of the Thames Harbour Board were again prominently before the Department. In the early part of the year, conferences were held of representatives of the Thames Harbour Board, the Thames Borough Council, the Thames Borough Commissioner, and the Loans Creditors Committee, and, as a result, proposals were submitted involving the following points :— (a) The appointment of a Thames Harbour Board Commissioner and Thames Harbour Board Advisory Committee. (b) The administration of the borough and the harbour district by the one Commissioner, with a view to unification of the levying of rates. (c) Suitable allocation of proceeds of rate collections. (■d) Retaining certain rights to Harbour Board debenture-holders. These proposals were later considered by the Thames Harbour Board debenture-holders. The debenture-holders were not prepared to agree to same, and submitted to the Department alternative proposals involving mainly — (a) The appointment of J. M. Fox, Esquire, Secretary to the Thames Harbour Board, as Thames Harbour Board Commissioner : (b) The conversion of Thames Harbour Board securities to a rate of interest of 4J per cent. without any rights to a premium. These proposals were not agreed to. Accordingly, the debenture-holders again considered the position, and submitted fresh proposals to the Department, involving— (a) The abandonment of the special legislation governing the administration of the Thames Harbour District: (b) The abandonment of the proposal to appoint a Thames Harbour Board Commissioner and Advisory Committee : (c) Proceeding with the above-mentioned conversion of the Harbour Board securities : (d) Special provisions regarding payment of interest and collection of rates : (e) The promoting of suitable negotiations with the Thames Borough debenture-holders with a view to evolving a satisfactory scheme for the protection of the interests of both sets of debenture-holders. These proposals were not subsequently advanced to' any substantial degree. Certain provisional legislation was, however, granted for the purpose of temporarily reducing the rate of interest on the Harbour Board securities to per cent, and authorizing the Harbour Board to pay the

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interest on its loans in two half-yearly instalments on fixed dates. Other machinery legislative provisions were also granted. The legislation is contained in sections 41 to 45 of the Local Legislation Act 1933. 'in the meantime, as it was deemed inadvisable to allow Thames Harbour Board debentureholders to take any steps for the appointment of a Receiver, Orders in Council were issued from time to time, under section 10 of the Thames Harbour Board Loans Adjustment Act, 1932-33, preventing such proceedings from being taken. Local-government Reform.—The Inter-Departmental Committee on local-government reform held further meetings during the year and decided upon certain lines of action which, in the opinion of the Committee, should be followed in bringing about reform of local government in the Dominion. The Committee furnished to the Government a first interim report containing its suggestions. Legislation. The following legislation affecting the Department was before Parliament Municipal Corporations Act.—'The Municipal Corporations Bill was again introduced. It was referred to the Local Bills Committee, which took considerable evidence thereon and reported the Bill back for favourable consideration with certain suggested amendments. The Bill was passed into law, with the alterations recommended by the Local Bills Committee, and came into force on the Ist April, 1934. ~ , The Act consists of 393 sections, and thirteen schedules, divided into eight divisions and thirtythree parts. It is a consolidation of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, and its various amendments, but revised and redrafted in such a way as to make for consistency and accuracy of expression and convenience of reference. In addition, it makes several important substantive amendments to the previous law, designed to remedy certain defects therein and meet the present-day needs of municipalities. The measure was framed in close collaboration with the Municipal Association, many of the alterations being made for the purpose of giving effect to remits of Municipal Conferences and suggestions of the Association. _ This is the most important statute affecting municipalities passed for some considerable time. Clearing of Watercourses by Drainage Boards.—An important provision contained in section 47 of the Finance Act, 1933 (No. 2), overcomes the difficult position arising out of the decision of the Court of Appeal in 'Thompson v. Wakiapuaka Drainage Board ([1929] N.Z.L.R. 548 ; [1929] G .L.R. 348), and gives Drainage Boards greater power in adequately maintaining watercourses and drains under their control. . _ . Local Legislation Act.—The usual Local Legislation Act contained sixty-four clauses affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts. —Twenty-one Local Bills were submitted to the Department by the Local isilis Committee for examination and report. A representative of the Department appeared before the Committee and gave evidence on several of such Bills. Nineteen Local Bills became law. National Art Gallery and, Dominion Museum Amendment Act.—-This Act gives additional representation to the Wellington City Council on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, and makes further provision as to an Acting Chairman. Summer Time Amendment.—This Act extends by approximately seven weeks the period during which what is popularly known as " daylight saving " is in force in each year, so that such period now begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the last Sunday in April. Local Government Officers Bill.—This Bill was again introduced and referred to the Local Bills Committee, which heard more evidence thereon. In view of certain representations made by the Municipal 'Association which necessitated further investigation progress on the Bill was again deferred. Town-planning. Town-planning activities were again severely restricted during the year. Two meetings of the Town-planning Board were held. The Timaru Borough Town-planning Scheme, 1932, was received from the Timaru Borough Council, considered by the Town-planning Board, and referred to a Committee for investigation and report. The Committee has held four meetings thereon. Progress is being made with the scheme, m collaboration with the Borough Council. . . The Napier Business-area Town-planning Amendment Scheme, 1933, was received from the JNapier Borough Council. The object of such scheme was to modify certain provisions in the Napier Businessarea Town-planning Scheme, 1931, in relation to — (1) Dalton Street widening : (2) Proposed Albion Street. The Town-planning Board approved of the proposed modification in regard to Albion Street, and rejected the Dalton Street proposal. The following additional schemes were received during the year (a) The City of Christchurch Town-planning Scheme, 1933. (b) A provisional town plan for the Borough of New Lynn. (c) A civic survey and provisional town plan for the Borough of Huntly. (d) A civic survey for the Mount Wellington Road District.

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Animals Protection and Game Act. Acclimatization Districts. —Reference was made in the Department s annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1931, to the number of acclimatization districts and to the desirability of amalgamation of districts. While the Department is aware that there have been negotiations amongst a number of societies for amalgamation, unfortunately no progress has been made. Without wishing to detract from the work done by acclimatization societies, it is evident that with the revenue received from a number of the smaller districts it is impossible to provide funds for ranging and other matters connected with conservation. There is no question that better results would be obtained by an extensive and comprehensive amalgamation of districts. Importations. —The whole policy of granting permission for the importation of birds has been the subject of review on several occasions during the year. Authorities are now restricted to birds from England and Australia, excluding Victoria. The list of prohibited birds has been added to, and, while in the past authorities were granted in a number of instances for male birds only, it is now the practice to wholly prohibit the species in such cases. One of the conditions attached to authorities is that the birds have been six months in the country of origin. Suggestions were again received that fur-bearing animals such as beavers and musk-rats should be introduced, but they were definitely turned down. An application for permission to import fresh stock of mallard duck was declined. It is the considered opinion of the Department that special attention should be directed towards the conservation of the wild grey duck in its true species. It has been decided to refuse permission for the importation of tortoises. A consignment which arrived without any authority was refused admission. Birds. —Turnstone, Knot, and Eastern golden plover were added to the list of absolutely protected birds. Any policy of conservation must of necessity be supported by sympathetic public opinion, and it is gratifying to record an ever-increasing public interest in the preservation of our unique bird life. Numerous convictions have been secured for breaches of the Act, but there is ample evidence as to the necessity for more effective ranging to deal with illegal practices. Numbers of species of birds are definitely on the increase. Shooting-seasons— Open shooting-seasons for native and imported game were declared in various acclimatization districts. Reference was made in last year's report to the decrease in numbers of grey duck. The conditions governing the 1934 shooting-seasons were reviewed, and it was decided not to grant a longer period than two months for these birds, with a maximum bag-limit of fifteen. The maximum number of decoys allowed in one hun'dred yards square of water was reduced to fifteen. In the case of the Auckland District the limit was fixed at ten. A further condition was inserted providing that no unmoored floating stand, pontoon, &c„ or any boat artificially dressed or covered in any way shall be used. A provision which applied previously to the Rotorua Acclimatization District only to the effect that no person shall, in shooting from any shelter, maimai, &c., have or use more than one gun, was made applicable to all districts. The Auckland Acclimatization Society has decided to experiment with the breeding of grey duck with a yiew to liberation and increase in numbers. Rotorua Acclimatization District. Birds. —Bird life throughout the district has been well maintained. Black teal are not so numerous at Hamurana as in past years, but it is now noticeable that they are to be found on most of the lakes in small numbers. Grey ducks were plentiful, but mallard ducks were not so numerous, and have not shown any signs of increase. Black swans have decreased noticeably during the last four or five years. An increase in Californian quail was noticed in some places. Pheasants were not plentiful, except, perhaps, in one locality where they have not been disturbed. Most of the native birds are holding their own, and in some instances an increase is apparent. The little grebe (Totokipo) is now to be seen on all the lakes, and is decidedly on the increase. The tui and bell-bird are very plentiful and have increased in the vicinity of Rotorua. The Indian myna is plentiful in the Wairoa area, but has not spread to other localities. The policy of liberating pheasants was continued. Fisheries— One noticeable feature was the greater number of overseas anglers visiting the district as compared with previous years. The condition of the trout at Taupo was well maintained, and a decided improvement was shown in both Rotorua and Rotoiti Lakes. The average weight of fish taken in the former was in the vicinity of 3 lb. and in the latter 5 lb., including some fine specimens between 10 lb. and 12 lb. Ova and Fry—An exchange of 250,000 rainbow ova for a similar quantity of brown-trout ova was arranged with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society, and the ova received hatched out well. The collecting of ova was confined to the Waihukahuka Stream, where 5,855,000 eggs were collected. The number of fry planted in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts amounted to 2,787,000, and 1,193.000 in the rivers flowing into Lake Taupo. In Lake Waikaremoana and rivers in the Wairoa area 400,000 fry were planted. Growth of Marked Fingerlings. —The marked fingerlings planted in Lake Okaro in March, 1931, have continued to develop, and specimens up to 2J lb. were taken in December, 1933. Scientific Operations —The annual mortality amongst the Toi Toi was practically nil. Examinations were made of specimens of trout taken from all lakes in the district, and with the exception of Lakes Rotoehu and Waikaremoana it was found that the Nematode worm was only occasionally met with.

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Statistical Records. —Much valuable information has been gained from the monthly records compiled in connection with temperatures of waters, biology, meteorology, trout-food, &c. Tagging. —A trap was again built in the Waingaihe Stream at Rotorua. Fish to the number of 100 were tagged. One tagged fish was taken in Rotorua at the west end of the Ohau Channel. Culling. —In view of the generally good condition of fish no extensive culling was undertaken. Males numbering 221 and females 135 were destroyed. Facilities for Anglers. —The popularity of the huts provided at the Department's Campingground on the Tongariro River has been again demonstrated by the number of anglers who have patronized them. Already huts have been booked for various periods next season. At Taupo it was possible by a certain amount of clearing and filling to have made available sites for boat-sheds. The evidence of the demand for such sites was shown in the way in which they have been readily taken up. Roads and tracks leading to numerous fishing waters were kept in repair and blackberry and scrub cut back. Ranging. —The Department's Rangers were actively engaged in their duties during the year. Successful prosecutions numbered twenty-five, and fines amounted to £67. Opossums. —Seven permits and thirty-one licenses were taken out for the open season of two months. Royalty was paid on 7,239 skins. Beer. —With no protection, week-end parties and others have made a practice of going after deer. The policy of granting permits to accredited persons to enter the sanctuary at Waikaremoana for deer, wild pigs, and wild cattle has been continued, and the returns indicate that 105 deer, fifty wild pigs and twelve wild cattle were shot by the permit-holders. Deer. The Year's Operations. The Department had parties operating against deer in two localities (1) South Westland and (2) Waimakariri and Hurunui watersheds, and accounted for 8,917 deer and chamois. In South Westland work was commenced about the middle of October. A total of 4,891 deer were killed and 1,189 skins saved. This may be regarded as highly satisfactory, as nearly 5,000 were killed in the same locality the previous season. Eight hunters comprised the main personnel of the parties engaged. The average number of deer killed per man this season was slightly lower than for the previous season, but the value of operations cannot be gauged entirely on numbers of deer killed, but rather from the point of view of the proportion of the deer population destroyed, thus giving a lasting benefit in abating the nuisance. Moreover, more remote and difficult country was worked this season. As was to be expected as a result of last season's operations, deer were found to be not nearly as numerous in the country previously covered, and after subjecting the area to one shoot the parties moved on to new ground in the Okuru, Ngatau, Franklin, and Turnbull Valleys, and over the passes out of the western side of the watersheds of the Clarke and Landsborough Rivers into those of the Moeraki, Paringa, Otoko, Mahitahi, and Karangarua Rivers. It was found that, while the area wherein excessive damage had been done to the bush continued for some distance beyond the sphere of last season's operations in each direction of new penetration (i.e., south, west, and north), the limit of intense infestation was eventually reached, after which the forest was found to be damaged to only a comparatively slight extent, being inhabited only by the pioneers of the spread which (prior to operations) was being produced by the excessive population by deer of the original habitat of this herd. It having been proved that the greatest factor in inducing the spread of deer is this overpopulating of the " home forest," it is pleasing to state it has been established that, inversely, not only do intensive operations check that spread, but actually result in the ultimate diminution of the stock of deer in areas contiguous to the " home forest." Some areas are more attractive to deer than others, and it is reasonable to assume that such is the case with the " home forest," where the progenitors of the herds first established themselves. These, becoming more attractive with an abundance of feed as the result of intensive operations, produce the effect referred to. This conclusion has been arrived at after close observation in many localities and is important, as it facilitates the ultimate control of deer by permitting of their destruction in areas that are more accessible and with which the Department's operatives have become familiar during earlier operations and by scattered deer becoming thus concentrated. It has also been found that in such localities as South Westland, where the area of bushclad country greatly preponderates, the deer do not leave the bush for the open " Tops " in great numbers until the summer is well advanced. This fact is being taken full advantage of by increasing the personnel and working the higher country with greatest intensity during the latter part of the summer and the early autumn. The Waimakariri River Trust, having approached the Department with a request for co-operation by engaging in operations in areas contiguous to the Waimakariri River watershed simultaneously with operations which the Trust proposed conducting in the area under its control, an inspection of deer country in both the Waimakariri and Hurunui Rivers watersheds was made during July. The Department's Inspector then attended a conference at Christchurch on the conclusion of his investigations, when the Trust asked the Department to permit its deer-destruction organization to undertake the whole of the operations, and for their control and supervision to be placed at the Department's disposal. On the Trust agreeing to contribute the sum of £200 to the cost thereof, the Department acceded to the request and agreed also to operate in the watersheds of the Hurunui and Hope Rivers. Operations commenced at the beginning of September and terminated at the end of April. They can be regarded as very successful, as, in spite of the facts that the area was not one of

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the most heavily infested and that the Trust had anticipated that about one thousand deer would be killed in the Waimakariri River watershed, the following results were obtained :— In Waimakariri River watershed : Deer killed, 2,885 ; chamois killed, 17 ; skins recovered, 1,306. In Hurunui and Hope Rivers watersheds : Deer killed, 1,124 ; skins recovered, 542. A total of 4,026 deer and chamois killed, and 1,848 skins recovered. Operations were commenced simultaneously by a party of three men on Mount White Station, in the Waimakariri River area, and one party of two men in the valley of the north branch of the Hurunui River above Lake Sumner. The spheres of operations of these two units differ so widely topographically, with regard to the proportion of bush-clad country, their degree of infestation, and the habits of the deer in each, that it is necessary to refer to them separately. The operations in the Waimakariri area being commenced so early in the year, all high country was then under snow and work was confined chiefly to the lower and more sheltered sheep-grazing country for the first two months. In the valley of the Esk River, which comprises a large part of " Mount White," there is little bush, and the deer live at that time of the year on scrub-covered slopes and sunny " faces," where good results were obtained. As the season advanced and the snow receded, the party maintained contact with the deer by pushing on into the higher country above the timber-line in the vicinity of the Candlesticks, and finally concentrated on the main divide at the sources of the rivers during February, March, and April. While the foregoing was the general trend of the tactics pursued, every sector was revisited at least once and most of it twice, not being left until practically no'deer were seen, with the result that an exceedingly large proportion of the deer population was killed. By the end of November it was found that it would not be possible to thoroughly cover the whole area in the season with the personnel then engaged, so the party was increased to four hunters and one packman-hunter. Towards the end of January the officer in charge of the party and one other man were taken into the region lying between Arthur's Pass and the head of the Waimakariri River. These two men remained and operated in this area for a month, after which they returned to the Poulter Valley and took part in the general move towards the main divide. Deer were found to be comparatively scarce in the Arthur's Pass - Upper Waimakariri area, but as a very large proportion of the few seen (and fifteen chamois) were killed, the effect of the expedition would be beneficial. In the upper bush-clad portions of the valleys of all the rivers and streams rising in the Candlesticks, the Dampier Range and the neighbouring portion of the main divide, considerable damage had been done by deer to the bush and alpine vegetation above the timber-line. A disquieting feature noted was evidence of very considerable numbers of deer having " wintered " in small sheltered hollows just above the timber-line where, apparently, having been hemmed in by snow for considerable periods, they had completely killed the snow-tussock and other vegetation in patches of considerable size. All the evidence pointed to this herd having increased very rapidly since its establishment in 1907, and the damage caused, though severe, is comparatively recent in its present intensity. The damage to alpine vegetation referred to has not, therefore, yet had time to reveal its full potentialities for inducing serious erosion, but this would undoubtedly have soon occurred had these operations been long postponed. The amazing increase of this herd can be understood when the Inspector states that nowhere else has there been such a high rate of fecundity combined with such a low rate of mortality amongst juveniles. In fact, every adult hind of breeding age had a strong, healthy fawn at foot after the end of the " calving " season. The manager of Mount White Station has advised since the operations terminated that deer are now very scarce and feed is far more abundant. Operations were actually extended over the main divide and down the valleys of the Teremakau River and its tributaries for some little distance so as to deal with the deer which regularly cross the range. In the Hurunui River area, owing to the fact that the sides of the valleys are entirely bush-clad, the deer, at the time operations were commenced, were living chiefly in the bush and the thick scrub immediately above the timber-line. After once going over the Hurunui country the party moved into the valley of the Doubtful River, near the Lewis Pass, where they resumed at the point where the operations of two seasons earlier terminated. The- country was then worked systematically to the south, the party returning to the Hurunui towards the end of February, and thence working out over the main divide and making contact with the party in the Waimakariri area in the vicinity of Harper's Pass. In this sector, also, operations were extended on to the western side of the divide, so as to include the upper portions of the watershed of the Ahaura River. In comparison with the areas to both the north or south thereof, deer were not very numerous in the watersheds of either Hope or North Hurunui Rivers, and it is apparent that this area is the actual point of contact of the herds which had their origins in the Nelson and Poulter River districts, and is, therefore, the last point to feel the full effect of the increase and spread. Visit to South Westland. It was very gratifying to me to have had an opportunity of accompanying you on your visit to South Westland to gain first-hand information as to the necessity for a vigorous continuance of the campaign against the deer. It revealed the amount of organization necessary for the continuance of operations on the extensive scale to which they had developed. A most encouraging feature was the fine spirit in which the men were carrying out the work entrusted to them : they were indeed rendering a national service under most difficult conditions. Deer-skins. The policy of making payments to private commercial hunters where difficulty is experienced in disposing of skins has been continued, and the skins are marketed at the same time as those saved by departmental parties. A very definite standard of general treatment and condition of skins has been

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laid down based on the Department's own experience of handling skins, and this has resulted in a verymarked improvement in the lines of skins handled, a fact which has been favourably commented on by algQ tQ find ttat) in addition to the great economic benefit to the country which will result from the destruction of deer, the actual work of killing has been accompanied by commercial gain in the value of deer-skins. , . , It has been ascertained that during the four years 1931-34 approximately 35,000 skins, worth nearly £9,000, have been recovered through departmental parties and private hunters, and either exported or used in New Zealand in the manufacture of high-class leather goods. The actual shooting has provided employment for a number of private commercial hunters, m addition to departmental employees, and employment has also been created by the tanning of the skins and the manufacture of goods from deer-skin leather. _ New Zealand deer-skins enjoy a high reputation in the overseas deer-skin markets, with the result that a satisfactory demand exists. This plays an important part in bringing the deer-herds under control at a minimum of cost to the State. Progress Report, 1931 to 1934, and Future Operations. As the season just ended was the fourth during which active measures have been taken by the Department to deal with the deer menace, it may be of interest to review the progress so far made. It is revealed by information of which the Department is in possession that during the past four, years approximately one hundred thousand deer are known to have been killed, and no doubt a great many more must have been killed by persons and means unknown to the Department with the total removal of protection on the animals. If one hundred thousand deer were concentrated into one herd it would completely fill, allowing each beast just comfortable standing-room, a road a chain wide for a distance of approximately four miles. Again, estimating the carrying-capacity of a small sheepstation at, say, two thousand sheep, and considering that a deer eats as much as two sheep, it means that the deer killed were capable of consuming as much as the stock of one hundred sheep-stations. It is not suggested, however, that all these deer were inhabiting country capable of carrying sheep, but a large number were, and, in any case, they were eating something which was of value to the country either as sheep or cattle food, or in fulfilling the natural functions of native forest or alpine vegetation. Recognizing that these facts refer only to deer killed, it will be realized that by the addition of those remaining the effect of the total infestation is a problem of national importance. Even the foregoing, however, does not reveal the full potentialities of the position, as it is necessary to consider the effect of the natural increase which would have resulted from this one hundred thousand deer had they not been destroyed. It will be recognized, therefore, that the time was rapidly approaching when such numbers would have been compelled to feed entirely on what are now sheepstations, and that the forests could not possibly have survived the depredations of the hordes which were so rapidly developing. if The Department has been endeavouring to account for the destruction of the largest number ol deer with the finance available. It realizes, however, that even in the localities which have been covered it would have been desirable to have had an even more extensive clearing-up, but this was not possible owing to limited funds. With the exception of action taken in the AVaikaremoana district some time ago, all the party operations have been in the South Island. It seems evident that as far as the South Island is concerned consideration should be given to a plan whereby the whole of the deer-infested areas can be dealt with on comprehensive lines under a scheme covering a number of Ypn T»O Concern is being expressed at the damage to bush by deer in the Tararua Ranges in the Wellington District. The Department has had reports from its own officers on the conditions in this locality, and it is proposed to give consideration to the question of having this area covered by a departmental party. During the last two years some 3,200 deer-skins have been handled at the Department s depot in Wellington, the majority of which have been from deer from the Wellington District, but, from the information available to the Department, party operations will have to be resorted to to meet the situation satisfactorily. Opossums. Open seasons for the taking or killing of these animals were observed during the year. Following the close season in 1932 the number of opossums taken (178,605) showed a very considerable increase over the 1931 figures (44,715). Natubalization. During the year seventy-four certificates of naturalization were granted, and this includes one person who was previously naturalized in New Zealand and who took advantage of obtaining the more complete status of British nationality under the existing Act whereby British status is conferred both in and beyond the Dominion. Four widows who were British prior to marriage with aliens were readmitted to British nationality. The machinery of revocation was set in action in three cases. In one instance an inquiry was conducted by the Supreme Court, and as a result an order of revocation was made on the grounds that since the date of the grant of naturalization the person had been disaffected and disloyal to His Majesty. It was stated in the last report of the Department that a close watch was being kept on the problem'of persons who declare their intention of residing in His Majesty's dominions and'who after being naturalized and taking the Oath of Allegiance promptly leave New Zealand for foreign parts. Two certificates were revoked in such circumstances, where it was_ established that the persons affected had been long absent from New Zealand and had failed to maintain substantial connection with British territory. Other cases are under observation, but it is obviously not easy to obtain evidence from foreign countries to prove intention in respect of future residence of such persons.

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Passports. While other lands maintain the requirement of a passport to enter their territory, it is still essential to provide passports for our people going overseas, except for British subjects travelling between New Zealand and Australia. There were 2,455 new passports issued and 605 passports renewed for varying periods. Aliens leaving New Zealand were granted visas in 53 cases. Land-agents. Six hundred and seventy-one licenses were issued and 4 transfers granted, as compared with 730 licenses and 11 transfers for the previous year. One case of a defaulting land-agent was considered, but the bond was not enforced. Auctioneers. Four hundred and twelve licenses were issued, no transfers granted, and 285 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 434 licenses, 10 transfers, and 329 changes of endorsement for the previous year. Two cases of defaulting auctioneers were considered, and in one case the bond was enforced, and a dividend paid to creditors. Chartered Clubs. The number of clubs remains unaltered at 46. Reports of the inspectors indicate that the clubs are properly conducted, and carrying out the conditions upon which their charters were granted, although in one instance a conviction was recorded for a breach of the licensing laws. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Ten warrants were issued authorizing the export of articles made according to ancient Maori methods, and twenty-four authorities were given to send away specimens obviously modern and not subject to the provisions of the Act. The postal regulations have since been modified so as to allow postmasters certain discretionary powers when tourist souvenirs or similar modern Maori carvings, &c., are desired to be exported, [f the Post Office officials are satisfied that such articles are of recent make, the requirement of submitting them to the Department for examination and approval is dispensed with. Advertising Office . This section of the Department deals with matters affecting Government newspaper advertising for all Departments. It records, checks, and certifies all departmental advertising accounts. Approximately 8,330 vouchers were handled during the year. A close oversight is maintained over all advertising expenditure, and, consistent with adequate publicity value being obtained, advertisements are condensed and amalgamated before insertion, and economies effected by reducing accounts for advertisements which are overspaced or incorrectly measured. Estimates of expenditure for any proposed advertising by Departments are supplied as required. All Government advertising has necessarily been considerably curtailed during the depression period, the total expenditure for the year amounting to £21,108 10s. 10d., as compared with £24,804 2s. 3d. for the financial year ending 31st March, Ī933. A press-clipping service is maintained in the office and handles approximately from 1,500 to 2,000 clippings weekly. Distinguished Visitors. The Hon. F. H. Stewart, Minister for Commerce of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Hon. R. W. D. Weaver, Minister for Public Works and Health in the State of New South Wales, represented their respective Governments at the Waitangi Celebrations in the Bay of Islands during February last. Among other visitors at various times were — Sir Philip Game, Governor of New South Wales ; Sir Murchison Fletcher, Governor of Fiji; Sir John Sandeman Allen, a member of the British House of Commons; and Sir Daniel Levy, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales. His Majesty's Australian warships "Canberra" and "Australia" were in New Zealand waters for some weeks, and made calls at Bay of Islands; Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers. Foreign countries were represented by visits from the French sloop " Savorgnan de Bragga " and the Japanese Government training-ship "Shintoku Maru." Rear-Ad.miral Byrd and the members of his expedition made a call at Wellington en route to the Antarctic. War Graves. New Zealand.—The number of notifications of deaths of returned soldiers received by the Department was 464, of which 90 were accepted as war graves —i.e., that the cause of death in these cases was attributable to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service. The total number of war graves in New Zealand at the close of the year was 2,849. Temporary crosses to mark the graves until such time as the soldiers' headstones are erected were placed on 206 graves, and headstones to the number of 63 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the Soldiers' Blocks in Omaka Cemetery, Blenheim, Taruheru Cemetery, Gisborne, and Masterton and Taihape Cemeteries. All soldiers' cemeteries continue to be suitably maintained under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Overseas. —All New Zealand graves and memorials overseas have been maintained by the Imperial War Graves Commission out of the income derived from the Endowment Fund of £5,000,000 established

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for that purpose, and to which the Imperial and Dominion Governments contributed in proportion to the number of graves of their dead. In addition to maintenance, structural repairs were completed on the New Zealand Battle Exploit Memorials at Longueval (Somme) and Chunuk Bair (Gallipoli). War Funds. The activities of the various patriotic organizations throughout the Dominion have for some years been of a routine nature. With the passage of time, however, the need and calls for relief are shown to be increasing, due in the main to the breakdown of ex-soldiers who were discharged as fit. There are still fifty-seven societies open and they administer assets amounting in the aggregate to £738,867 14s. 2d. In addition, the National War Funds Council has £136,735 7s. lOd. under its control. Details are as follows :— £ s. d. Twenty-eight incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 519,418 6 0 Seven Red Cross Organizations .. .. . . . . 106,330 4 2 Three Blind Soldiers' and Veterans' Homes Funds . . . . 72,639 14 10 Fourteen unincorporated societies .. .. .. . . 8,930 6 4 Six Returned Soldiers' Clubs (one is part of an incorporated society) 31,549 210 738,867 14 2 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 136,735 710 £875,603 2 0 Although the total appears to be high, it should be noted that a large proportion of the assets are represented by loans to soldiers, disabled soldiers' homes, farm property (Flock House), and other fixed assets, and that for various reasons a considerable number of loans will eventually require to be written off. The experience of the years seems to show that the policy of conservation of funds has been a wise one, and that relief for ex-soldiers will be needed for some considerable time to come. Totalizator Inspection. The practice of having a representative at each totalizator meeting has been continued. While a number of clubs are adhering to the " Win and Place " system of investments, others have reverted to the one-pool system. Some clubs are not availing themselves of the days allotted to them, and these days are being loaned to other clubs. Raffles. Four hundred and eighty-six licenses under the authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these 406 were for works of art, 63 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 7 for alluvial gold to the value of £4,000. The following table discloses the financial results of the seven large alluvial-gold art unions. The aggregate net profit amounted to £64,059 Bs. 7d. after making provision for lottery duty, totalling £14,944 10s.

Of the net profits, £34,500 was distributed to local Mayor's or other officially recognized central funds for the relief of distress, and £13,300 was paid to a number of organizations rendering social relief in some form or other, whilst the balance was allotted to various bodies carrying on services of community value. Fire Brigades Act. The City of Nelson was declared to be a fire district, and the number of Fire Boards now operating stands at 54. Legislation was enacted to enable the Borough of Martinborough to become a fire district, subject to the proposal being carried by the ratepayers, although the population was less than is ordinarily required by statute. Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Licenses.- —Importation licenses were as follows : Gelignite, 657,350 lb. ; blasting - gelatine, 12,5001b. ; gelatine dynamite, 10,2001b.; A2 monobel, 233,7001b.; quarry monobel, 10,0001b.; samsonite, 266,6501b.; blasting-powder, 31,2501b.; blasting-pellets, 42,5001b.; sporting-powder, 8,5501b.; detonators, 1,500,000; E.D. fuses 310,000 ; fireworks, 58,531 lb. Other licenses were (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 234 (234) ; sale, 581 (590) ; storage, 394 (374).

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License No. and Name. Gross Sales. COm ™ales° n 011 Expenses. Prizes. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. Net Profit. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 23 Luck at Last .. 22,405 5 0 3,360 15 9 2,898 3 10 4,000 12,146 5 5 2,240 10 6 9,905 14 11 24 My Lucky Chance .. 21,346 0 0 3,201 18 0 2,746 5 10 4,000 11,397 16 2 2,134 12 0 9,263 4 2 25 BetterTimes .. 21,006 17 6 3,151 0 8 2,749 4 6 4,000 11,106 12 4 2,100 13 9 9,005 18 7 26 Happy Moments .. 19,510 10 0 2,926 11 6 2,744 14 1 4,000 9,839 4 5 1,951 1 0 7,888 3 5 27' Smiling Thru .. 22,958 7 6 3,443 15 2 2,938 19 5 4,000 12,575 12 11 2,295 16 9 10,279 16 2 28' Lucky Surprise .. 21,433 5 0 3,214 19 9 2,900 10 11 4,000 11,317 14 4 2,143 6 6 9,174 7 10 29. Golden Chance .. 20,704 15 0 3,105 14 3 2,986 7 9 4,000 10,612 13 0 2,070 9 6 8,542 3 6 Totals .. 149,365 0 0 22,404 15 1 19,964 6 4 28,000 78,995 18 7 14,936 10 0 64,059 8 7

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Examination of Explosives.—The usual examinations of explosives arriving in the country have been carried out during the yea.r, all shipments being found in good condition. Accidents. —One fatal accident in the storage of authorized explosives was reported during the year. A country roadman was in the habit of keeping a small quantity of gelignite in his hut. It is presumed that he was getting his daily requirements of gelignite and detonators when the explosion occurred, but there is no evidence to show the actual cause. Several accidents of a more or less serious nature took place during the year, principally from premature explosions while using explosives for log-splitting or well-boring. It is necessary once again to stress the dangers arising from careless and improper use of the chlorates of sodium and potassium. Chlorate of sodium is now largely used as a weed eradicator, and it is highly important that the public should be aware of the possible dangers in its use. The accidents reported are caused either through the ignition or explosion of the chlorates when used for weed-killing purposes, or due to premature explosion of home-made blasting-powders, composed usually of sodium chlorate mixed with some organic matter such as sugar or sulphur. Two fatal accidents occurred during the year. In one case the deceased had been spraying ragwort in the afternoon with a solution of sodium chlorate and had neglected to change his clothing afterwards. Later in the evening the lighted head of a match fell on his clothes, which immediately burst into flames. In the time which had elapsed after the spraying was finished the moisture had dried out of the clothes and they were in a highly inflammable condition, being impregnated with finely divided chlorate. The second fatal accident was caused through the use of a mixture of chlorate of sodium and sugar as a blasting-explosive. A youth was engaged in ramming the mixture into a bore-hole in a log when the charge exploded prematurely. The youth received injuries from which he died later, and his brother, who was standing by, sustained painful injuries. It is to be noted that the manufacture of such explosives is a breach of the regulations under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Act, 1908. In addition to the above, a number of non-fatal accidents mostly serious, Occurred during the year in connection with the use of sodium chlorate. One of these accidents is particularly worthy of note as showing the extreme sensitiveness of this material. The chlorate was being carried by a farmer in a small tin in his hip pocket, and at the time he was driving a mowing-machine. It is evident that a small quantity of the chlorate escaped from the tin into his pocket, where it was probably mixed with organic dust. Friction between the tin and the seat of the .mower was sufficient to cause a minor explosion, which caused the ignition of the clothing and resulted in painful burns. The number of accidents in which chlorates are involved appear to be steadily mounting. Two prosecutions were taken during the year, both arising from the illegal use of chlorates in blastingpowder mixtures. Convictions were secured in each case, but heavy penalties were not imposed, as in both cases the defendants had been seriously injured in an accident with the explosive, and the purpose of the prosecutions was primarily to call public attention to the hazardous nature of chlorate mixtures, and to the fact that their manufacture and use in New Zealand is not permitted by law. It is proposed that in future a prosecution will be taken in every case where persons are found manufacturing chlorate mixtures for explosive purposes, and heavy penalties will be asked for. In a large percentage of cases the accidents in connection with chlorate-spraying arise from ignorance of the hazards involved. The chlorates are rich in oxygen, which is readily given off when the material is heated, even to the slight degree involved in friction between two hard surfaces. It is therefore dangerous to expose any material impregnated with chlorate to fire, or even to submit it to rough treatment. From the accidents which have occurred the following are indicated as necessary safeguards in its use : — 1. Chlorate should be stored only in metal containers, and steps should be taken to prevent the powder being spilt on wooden floors. 2. Extreme care should be taken that organic materials (oil, flour, manures, floorsweepings, &c.), are not mixed with it. Any building where chlorate has been stored should be well washed out with plenty of hot water. 3. When spraying with chlorate special clothing should be worn, preferably a knee-length coat, of "waterproof material and rubber thigh boots. These can be easily and quickly washed free of chlorate after the work is finished. 4. If ordinary clothing is used it should be of wool as this is less inflammable than cotton. The clothing should be reserved for this work and removed immediately the day's spraying is completed. The clothing used for spraying should not be taken into ordinary wear until it has been well soaked in water and afterwards washed and rinsed with changes of warm water. 5. Smoking should not be permitted during spraying operations, or while wearing clothing which has been used while spraying. Dangerous Goods. —Local-authority administration : The number of licensing authorities stands at 163, no new licensing authorities have been appointed during the year. Supervisory inspection visits were made by departmental inspectors as in past years. Departmental administration : Inspection work in districts directly under the control of the Department was carried out to the fullest extent possible. Licenses to the number of 1,691 were issued as against 2,033 for the previous year. No new legislation was passed during the year. Accidents : The departmental records contain reports of three fatal accidents during the year. The. first accident, which resulted in the death of a woman from burns, arose from the ignition of the vapour from some petrol which was being used for dry-cleaning purposes in a kitchen whilst the range was alight. The second case was somewhat unusual. Briefly, the circumstances were that, after reading in bed for some time, a woman reached over to put out the light and in doing so knocked over an uncorked bottle of benzine nearby, the vapour immediately igniting at the lamp and the flames burning the woman so seriously that she died shortly after. In the. third case, a preparation

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consisting of paraffin wax and petrol was being used to dress tarpaulins. Whilst the mixture was being poured into a jar some of it splashed over the operator's clothing and the fumes ignited from an adjacent copper fire. The man received burns which proved fatal. Six persons received grave injuries as the result of accidents arising from the use of dangerous goods, and a number of persons sustained injuries of a minor nature in similar accidents. The causes of the accidents were various, embracing such operations as the use of petrol for home dry-cleaning, lighting fires with benzine, and generally the bringing of naked lights into contact with highly inflammable vapours. Accidents arising from the use of petrol for home dry-cleaning, however, are the greatest single cause of injury. Despite the publicity given per medium both of the press and of these reports, many persons still persist in carrying out home dry-cleaning with petrol with complete disregard of the risks they run. If dry-cleaning must be done at home it should certainly be done in the open, well away from all fires or naked lights. There are obtainable dry-cleaning liquids, such as the mineral turpentine substitutes, which are relatively non-hazardous, and which are practically as convenient for use as petrol. Many of the dry-cleaning concerns are now using these liquids for their business in preference to petrol. Cinematograph Films Act. Licenses. —During the year ended 30th September, 1933, licenses were issued as- follows (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Exhibitors, 378 (436); circuit exhibitors, 29 (25); renters, 13 (13); storage, 4 (5). Accidents. —The number of fires occurring in theatres during the projection of film was five, as compared with seven during the previous year. In only one case was more than one spool of film destroyed. The circumstances of this fire were investigated immediately after, and it was ascertained that f;he film in the programme-box was fired by a spool of film burning on the floor close by. Had the operator obeyed the instructions circulated by the Department and removed the programme-box from the projection-room immediately the fire reached the film in the spool-magazine, the fire loss would have been confined to the two spools exposed at the time. It is satisfactory, however, to note that the fire was confined to the projection-room, and as the safety shutters operated immediately the fire occurred the audience was not alarmed and left the theatre quietly. Motion-picture Industry Inquiry. —As a result of representations which were made to the Government during the year by persons interested, a Committee of inquiry was set up at the beginning of the present year to make a general investigation into the conditions existing in the motion-picture industry. This Committee, after hearing evidence, issued a report recommending that amendments should be made in the Cinematograph Films Act, and it is expected that these will be considered by Parliament during the coming session. Film Censorship. During the year 2,010 films of all classes, of a total length of 5,280,360 ft., were examined by the Censors. Of this number 32 were rejected in the first instance and 166 were passed subject to excisions, while 194 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. Ten appeals were lodged against the Censor's decisions. In three cases the Censor's decisions were reversed and in seven cases upheld. An analysis of the work shows : —

Quota Films. —The countries of origin of the 508 quota films were as follows : Great Britain 144, Australia 2, United States of America 359, Germany 1, Russia 2. Rejections.—Of the 32 films which were rejected 28 were " quota " and 4 " non-quota." One of the " quota " films was of British origin, 2 were Russian, and 25 American, while the 4 " non-quota " films were of American origin. Posters and Press-sheets.—Censorship of posters and press-sheets is being maintained. In some cases considerable amendments were necessary in the more lurid types of posters and objectionable words and views eliminated from press advertisements. Dominion Museum. Preparations for New Museum.—Whan not engaged in routine work such as attending to the preservation and classification of the collections and answering inquiries, the work of the staff has been directed to preparing exhibits and labels suitable for the new Museum... As far as possible,.'attention is being paid to exhibits of direct educational value —that is, those explanatory, of biological, ethnological, or geological processes. Work is proceeding with the two Maori patakas, there still being several missing parts to be replaced by new carvings. Collections.—Collecting expeditions have been made by the Director to the Three Kings and other islands to the north of Auckland, and by Miss Heine to the Garvie Mountains in Otago. A considerable range of specimens was brought back from the northern trip including plants, rocks, mollusca,

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Quota or Long Films. ! Non-Quota or Short Films. Origin. Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 146 1,001,360 ■ 534 544,350 Foreign .. .. .. 362 2,733,940 968 1,000,710 508 3,735,300 1,502 1,545,060

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and a few birds. From the Garvie Mountains a good series of alpine plants was obtained. The Museum has been particularly indebted to the Curator of the Newtown Zoo who has handed over the bodies of mammals and birds that have died in the Zoo. In this way several interesting specimens have been added to the Museum. Another source for obtaining foreign birds in good condition for mounting has been local bird fanciers who have supplied numerous specimens—many of rare species. Several exchanges with Museums both outside and within New Zealand have been successfully arranged. Numerous donations from private persons have been received, so that the year has been a successful one as far as additions are concerned, while an increasing interest taken by the public has to be recorded. This has been reflected in the press, where, in addition to accounts of the progress of the new building, frequent notices of specimens received have been published. The principal additions to the collections have been a crab-eating seal, a specimen of the Mediterranean Shearwater collected by Major R. A. Wilson at Foxton (addition to the New Zealand avifauna), forty-eight bird-skins from Norway, twelve pigeons' skins from Polynesia, many Australian birds from local bird fanciers ; several casts of fishes made in the Museum from specimens received, fishes from Aitutaki presented by Mr. D. Low; collections of mollusca and brachiopoda from America and Europe ; seventy-four species of plants from Uruguay ; Stone adzes from Tahiti, Japanese armour presented by Mr. R. F. Blair ; Grave post from Melville Island ; several firearms, of which the Museum has now a considerable and varied series. Mosquito-control.—Means were provided by the Department of Public Health to enable Mr. W. J. Phillipps to experiment further on mosquito-control in northern parts of New Zealand. Some hundreds of top minnow (Gambusia) were introduced into a lake on the edge of Ninety-mile Beach. This lake, previously devoid of fish-life is a prolific source of mosquitoes. To date the experiment of transplanting the fish has been most successful. Experiments in keeping Gambusia with native fish and trout are proceeding in experimental ponds at Masterton. It has been found that Gambusia will not breed readily in the Wellington Province. At the request of the Resident Commissioner, Cook Islands, Gambusia have been sent there for experimentation in the taro swamps. International Exchange Service. —About thirty cases of publications from the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and several parcels from other countries, have been received and distributed to various recipients throughout the Dominion. Carnegie Grant. —During the year information was received that the Carnegie Corporation of New York had granted $50,000 for Museum development in New Zealand. The expenditure will be allocated by a committee to be set. up for the purpose. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing.—The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves is now, 41,600. Three hundred and sixty volumes were sent for binding. Additions. —About 287 volumes, including 106 donated were added to the library ; those added by purchase being continuations of sets. Donations.—Books and pictures: A number of volumes of the New Zealand Gazette and Appendices to the House were received from the Internal Affairs Department to complete sets. Mrs. T. Williams, Hawke's Bay —" Life of Wm. Gilbert Puckey," and " Puckey's Translation of The Pilgrim's Progress into Maori " (MS.). E. D. Scammell, South Australia—Pencil sketch of Great Barrier Island (? by Bambridge) 1843. Cecil W. Jones, Wellington—" Paul et Virginie, Methode naturelle pour apprendre le jrancais." by G. Hogben (part 2); "M. Twain, Editorial Wild Oats " ; volume of New Zealand ferns pressed and mounted. A. H. Reed, Dunedin—" Not of Genesareth "; " Rutherford Waddell, Memoir" ; "First New Zealand Christmases." Rev. J. G. Laughton, Taupo—"Presbyterian Maori Service Book." Mrs. Johnston, London—Four water-colour drawings by Major J. T. Johnston, 1865 (" Mount Egmont," " Ohinemutu," " Rotomahana," " Picton "). Miss A. Woodhouse, Wp.Hingt.nn— Seven one-act plays. Mrs. Rounthwaite, Wellington—Fine collection of architectural drawings; volumes of proceedings of Select Committee on Turnpike Roads, 1821 ; on Turnpike Trusts and Tolls, 1836. Melanesian Mission Press, Guadalcanar—A number of publications in local dialects. A. P. Godber, Wellington—Reminiscences by H. P. Washbourn; a number of Maori photographs. Rev. M. A. Rugby-Pratt, Christchurch—" The Pioneering Days of Southern Maoriland." John Houston, Hawera—" Turi of the Aotea Canoe." Waianiwaniwa Ex-pupils and Teachers Association, Invercargill —" A Souvenir of Waianiwaniwa School." Miss M. Tewsley, Wellington—" Madge Livesey," by Dora S. Shorter. J. B. MacEwan and Company, Limited, Wellington—N.Z. Produce Review, May, 1925-June, 1926 (complete). E/cetahuna Express—Eketahuna Jubilees. Chas. S. Thomas, .Christchurch —Jubilee of Canterbury Caledonian Society. R. Holloway and Miss A. M. Hardcastle, Auckland—" A Book for Bookmen," by John Drinkwater. C. A. McDonald, Blenheim—" Pages from the Past." Jas. Hornell, England—Several pamphlets on Canoes in the Pacific. R. J. Thomson, Wellington—Panorama of Napier after earthquake. A. C. Hanlon, Auckland —Poems (fourth series), Mrs. Sheat, Blenheim—Biographical material relating to T. J. Thomson, Barnicoat, and others. Methodist Mission, Bougaineville—Mission Press Publication. Miss Maxwell, Tauranga—Maori Bible. R. W. de Montalk, Wellington—" Milford Sound." G. H. Cunningham, Palmerston North—" Rust Fungi of New Zealand" ; Fungous Diseases of Fruit-trees. Sir Joseph Kinsey, Christchurch— " Edward Wilson of the Antarctic." Gerald FitzGerald, Wellington—" N.Z. Holiday," by Rosemary Rees ; " Early Days of Canterbury," by A. Selwyn Bruce ; " Waitangi," by A. D. McKinlay. E. M. Lovell-Smith, Christchurch —" The. Story of St. Peter's Parish.'.' Australian Council for Educational Research—l 9, 22, and 23, volumes of Research Series. Corriedale Sheep Society, Christchurch — Flock-book, vol. 10. Consul-General of Italy, Sydney—" Christopher Columbus, Documents and Proofs of his Genoese Origin." Roland Powell, Wellington—"Gleanings." F. W. Reed, Whangarei —Translation of A. Dumas' " Les Baleiniers." Warwick, R. Lawrence, . Carterton—"Three-mile Bush "(a history of Wairarapa). Mrs. E. W. Kane, Wellington—Butler's " Hudibras," 1700 ; Letters concerning Toleration, by John Locke, 1765.

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Warm appreciation is expressed to all tlie donors who have been so liberal in times when the collection otherwise can be added to only sparingly. Readers and Sudents. —Sixty-five 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 Relations of New Zealand with other parts of the Empire, general history, aspects of Maori life and history, provincial and district histories and biographies of various New Zealand statesmen, histories of New Zealand dependencies and other Pacific Islands. English literature, including drama and poetry, have as usual been much used. As noted before, students come from the chief towns of New Zealand to obtain information for theses, and authors for information of various kinds. Missionary Letters. —The Church Missionary Society, responding to a request to that effect, sent out for copying several hundred letters and journals of missionaries stationed in New Zealand, nearly all in the North Island. These date from 1830 to 1869, and as the period concerned is a very important one in the history of New Zealand, and the missionaries reflect more or less of what was happening around them, these letters are of great interest to students of our history. The letters are now being copied. Visitors.^-There were 850 visitors, as compared with about a thousand 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 nineteen hundred. Accounts Section. Cash. The accounting system has been framed to show separately the financial result of subdepartments, branches, and activities, and each is regarded as a separate entity. The dissection and classification of revenue and expenditure necessary to produce analysed financial statements is comprehensive, as is indicated by the varied branches, &c., controlled—namely, Head Office, Advertising Office, Government Actuary Branch, High Commissioner's Office (London), Dominion Museum, Explosives Section, Turnbull Library Section, Censorship of Films Section, War Graves Division, and Fresh Water Fisheries. In addition trading accounts for each trading venture are prepared annually. These include the Rotorua and Taupo fishing activities (production and sale of fry and ova, license issue, camp-sites, &c.), Explosives and Dangerous Goods Section, and Censorship of Films Section. The expenditure of the Prime Minister's Department is recorded also. The net debit to vote, " Internal Affairs " for the financial year 1933-34 was £320,415. Sjores.—The purchase, issue, record, and disposal of stores is wholly supervised in the Accounts Section. Consumable stores to the value of £5,000 are purchased annually for distribution and usage in various parts of the Dominion —in fact, in every town where charing or similar work is undertaken by the Department. Where possible, purchases are arranged in bulk and central markets are exploited ; costs are thus reduced to the minimum. Government-owned transport organizations are utilized for distribution. The consumption of stores is recorded by means of a specially designed stores system, and where stores are issued to groups of employees—namely, charwomen—the periodical supply of each class of article is made uniform. All writings-off are approved from Head Office. Revenue. Practically all the incomings to the Department are classified as revenue and are not reflected within vote, " Internal Affairs." The revenue aggregates approximately £32,572 per annum and is derived from—Naturalization, censorship of cinematograph films, issue of land-agents and auctioneers licenses, passports, explosives and dangerous goods licenses, sale of fishing and opossum licenses. General—The staff of the Department numbers 833 throughout the Dominion, and the annual salary bill amounts to £138,925. In addition to non-consumable stores, the Department has on charge land and fixed assets, including buildings, Turnbull Library, museum exhibits, motor-vehicles, &c., at a total valuation of £375,236. The existence of these assets is verified each year, and the valuations are periodically adjusted to maintain conformity with residual values. The policy of the Government in respect to assistance to stranded New-Zealanders necessitates a proper record of all loans made and repayments thereof. At 31st March, 1934, the live accounts under this heading totalled 99, whilst during the year 51 accounts were finally closed, including 28 written off as irrecoverable. Writing-off takes place only after every effort to obtain payment is found to be fruitless, and then with Parliamentary approval. The financial affairs of all racing and trotting clubs are reviewed annually with a view to advising whether the extension of Government assistance is warranted or otherwise. The accounts of acclimatization societies likewise are examined and reported upon. The estimates and annual accounts of Fire Boards are referred for review, and it has now been possible to bring the accounts of practically all the Fire Boards into uniformity. The amount of subsidy paid to Fire Boards for the financial year ended 31st March, 1934, was £3,306. Conclusion. 1 wish to express my appreciation of the willing and efficient service rendered to me by officers of the Department at all times. The valuable assistance rendered by other Government Departments is also gratefully acknowledged.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (465 copies), £15.

Price 6d.j

By Authority : G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1934.

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