DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1935.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1935 Session I, H-22

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1935. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1935.

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

g lß; __ «Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 4th September, 1935. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1935. J have, &c., The Hon. Sir Alexander Young, K.C.V.0., J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT.

Local Government. Counties.—The boundaries of the Hutt and Featherston Counties were altered by the transfer of lands. Four County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and adjusting representation Twelve 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 thirty-five County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply were conferred on the Otamatea County Council. The time for the preparation of the valuation roll of mining property m the Grey County WaS County : Close contact was maintained with the County Commissioner in connection with the administration of the Matakaoa County, and he made regular reports thereon to the Department. One meeting of the committee representing the principal local creditors of the county was held. The Commissioner attended this meeting. By section 2of the Local Legislation Act, 1934, the term of office of the Commissioner was extended till May, 1938. lam pleased to report that at the close of the year a substantial portion of the county's debts had been paid, and considerable progress had been made towards restoration of the financial position of the county. jßoroughs.—Two new boroughs, Matamata and Te Puke, were constituted, and the usual action taken for the election of mayors and councillors. Each of these boroughs was formerly a town district. The Greymouth Borough and the Cobden Town District were united. The boundaries of five boroughs were altered by the inclusion therein of certain lands. A petition for the exclusion of lands from the Carterton Borough was not granted. Three financial adjustments consequent upon boundary alterations were made. The Woodville Borough Council passed a special order reducing the number of councillors from nine to seven. The Birkenhead Borough Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity of water used by consumers. An irregularity in connection with a special meeting of the Te Awamutu Borough Council was validated. In March, 1931, shortly after the disastrous Hawke's Bay earthquake, a Proclamation was issued as an emergency measure giving the Wairoa, Napier, and Hastings Borough Councils, in collaboration with technical officers of the Public Works Department, complete control over building operations in their respective boroughs. This Proclamation was revoked. The Wellington City Council made a comprehensive set of by-laws for the purpose of regulating and controlling the design and construction of buildings m Wellington in relation to their resistance to earthquake shocks. These by-laws were made m full collaboration with Departments affected.

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The Municipal Conference was held in Christchurch on the 21st and 22nd March, 1935, when several remits and resolutions were passed on various 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 : Questions relating to the administration of the Borough of Thames againcontinued to occupy the close attention of the Department. Four further quarterly reports concerning the administration of the borough were received from the Commissioner and necessary action taken thereon. The Commissioner visited Wellington on three occasions for the purpose of conferring with the Department and others on matters affecting the borough. In accordance with the provisions of the Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932, the term of office of the Commissioner was due to expire in May, 1935. As it appeared that the time would not then have arrived when Thames should revert to normal administrative control, a conference was held in Wellington on the 24th and 25th July, 1934, for the purpose of discussing the situation. The conference was presided over by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs and was attended by the member for the district, the Borough Commissioner, and representatives of the Internal Affairs Department, Thames Borough Loans Creditors Committee, Thames Borough Advisory Committee, and certain Australian debenture-holders. After a very full discussion of the whole situation, certain resolutions were unanimously passed providing for — (a) The extension of the term of administration of the borough by a Commissioner for three years: (b) The acceptance of the 1931-32 valuations, with certain modifications, as special valuations for rating for the next three years : (c) The reduction of instalments of interest and sinking fund by one-third for the period of three years ending on the 15th July, 1938 : (d) The extension of the period in which the Council may convert its loans under the provisions of the Local Authorities Interest Reduction and Loans Conversion Act, 1932-33 : (e) The distribution to debenture-holders on account of arrears of interest and to sinking funds of certain moneys amounting to approximately £4,700 which would be available as at the 31st March, 1935, and which would otherwise be applied to commitments maturing between April and July, 1935 : (/) The acceptance by the debenture-holders of the total amount of interest paid to them at the close of the interest-year ending on the 15th July, 1935, in full satisfaction of the instalments of interest for the three years ending on that date : (g) The arrears of special rates levied during the three years ending 31st March, 1935, and collected after that date being used for payment of instalments of interest and sinking fund falling due after the 15th July, 1935. The proposals contained in these resolutions were subsequently ratified by the Thames Borough Advisory Committee, a meeting of Thames business people, a public meeting of ratepayers of Thames, and practically all the Thames Borough debenture-holders, both in Australia and New Zealand. Legislative effect was thereafter given to such proposals by means of the Thames Borough Commissioner Amendment Act, 1934. In addition, that Act contains provisions desired by the Commissioner for the purpose of assisting him in the administration of the borough. An Assessment Court was subsequently appointed to hear and determine certain objections to the special valuations. The adoption of the above-mentioned proposals will-be an important factor in ultimately restoring Thames to normal financial conditions. It was gratifying to note the ready desire on the part of those affected to make the concessions necessary to secure agreement on all points. Thames Harbour Board. —Further consideration was given to the question of the future administration of the Thames Harbour District, but no permanent arrangements were made. The Harbour Board was authorized to pay 4|- per cent, interest on its loans for a further year. Certain legislative provisions were made regarding the Board's rates. The time within which persons were prevented from applying for a receiver in regard to the Board's loans was further extended on a number of occasions. Dates for holding the general election of members of the Board were fixed, but subsequently the term of office of the members of the Board was extended until May, 1938. The last-mentioned step had the effect of continuing in force the power to appoint a Thames Harbour Board Commissioner, and action to that end was under consideration at the close of the year. Town Districts. —The boundaries of the Otorohanga Town District were altered by the inclusion therein of certain lands. Road Districts. —The French Pass Road District, in the Sounds County, was constituted. A proposal to form the Kenepuru Road District in the same county was well advanced at the close of the year. The Counties Act is not in force in that county, and the necessity has arisen for a simple form of local government in some of the more closely settled portions of the county. The Road Board form of local government will be sufficient for the immediate requirements of the localities concerned. River Districts. —A petition for the abolition of the Motueka River District was not granted. The powers of a Drainage Board were conferred on the Waipawa River Board. An extension of time was granted for holding the election of members of the Wairarapa South River Board. Members were appointed for the Inter-Wanganui River Board. Results of the election of members of several River Boards were gazetted in accordance with law,

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Land Drainage Districts. —Four drainage districts were abolished. The boundaries of four drainage districts were altered, two by the inclusion of lands and two by the exclusion of lands. The cost of maintenance of certain drainage works in the Sluggish River Drainage District was apportioned between the Sluggish River and Oroua Drainage Boards. Special orders were made by two Drainage Boards altering the boundaries of subdivisions of their respective districts. Several Drainage Board elections were held on the sth November, 1934, and the results thereof gazetted in accordance with lav. Extensions of time were granted for holding the elections of three Drainage Boards, and trustees were appointed for three other Drainage Boards. By-laws of Local Bodies. —The by-laws of the Waitemata County Council were approved in terms of section 109 of the Counties Act, 1920, and the by-laws of the Eyre County Council were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. Public Bodies' Leases Act. —The Akaroa County Council was declared a leasing authority under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. Local Elections and Polls. —The time for closing polls was extended in two cases. Rating Act. —A proposal to adopt the system of rating on the unimproved value in Dunedin City was rejected. Urban Farm-land Rating. —Several further farm-land rolls were prepared. Assessment Courts were set up for three boroughs and five town districts. Judges of Assessment Courts were appointed for three boroughs and two town districts. Legislation. Mutual Fire Insurance Amendment Act, 1934.—The purpose of this Act is to confer express authority on trustees to insure property with a Mutual Fire Insurance Association under the Mutual Fire Insurance Act, 1908. Counties Amendment Act, 1934. —This Act restores retrospectively to county councils the full maximum rating-powers over drainage districts which require to be classified for rating purposes, such powers having been affected by the decision of the Supreme Court in Kaipara River Board v. Narbey ([1934] Gr.L.R. 155). River Boards Amendment Act, 1934. —This Act altered the date for holding River Board elections from the second Tuesday in January triennially to the second Wednesday in May triennially, commencing with the year 1935. The Act also restored retrospectively to River Boards the full maximum rating-powers over their districts subject to classification for rating purposes, such powers having been affected by the decision of the Supreme Court in Kaipara River Board v. Narbey ([1934] (4.L.R. 155). Local Authorities (Members' Contracts) Act, 1934. —The purpose of this Act was to unify the provisions in the various Local Government Acts restraining members of local authorities from contracting with such authorities or restricting their doing so beyond certain limits. The Act applies to all local authorities previously governed by disqualification provisions of any kind whatsoever, and to certain additional classes of local authorities ; whilst power is given to apply the Act by Order in Council to such other local authorities as may be deemed necessary. Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1934-35.—This Act restored temporarily to certain defaulting ratepayers the right to vote at rural local-body elections notwithstanding the fact that they were in arrears with certain rates ; fixed the same day—viz., the second Wednesday in May triennially— for practically all local-body elections not then already fixed for such day ; authorized the Dunedin City Council to adopt the cross system of voting at elections and polls in Dunedin ; and made certain provisions, referred to elsewhere in this report, respecting the Thames Harbour Board. Finance Act, 1934-35. —Section 8 authorized local authorities to grant, for the financial year ended on 31st March, 1935, similar concessions to those authorized in former years in regard to the 10-per-cent. penalty on unpaid rates. Section 11 extended from the Ist May, 1935, till the Bth May, 1935, the time for holding the general election of members of the Auckland Transport Board. Local Legislation Act, 1934.—The usual Local Legislation Act contained forty-two clauses affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts. —Nineteen Local Bills were submitted to the Department by the Local Bills Committee for examination and report. Representatives of the Department appeared before the Committee and gave evidence on several of such Bills. Thirteen Local Bills became law. Town-planning. Town-planning activities were again severely restricted during the year. One meeting of the Town-planning Board was held. Mr. Malcolm Fraser, C.Y.0., 0.8. E., resigned his seat on the Board. Mr. R. B. Hammond, F.N.Z.1.A., M.T.P.1., A.M.T.P.I. (Lond.), was appointed as Town-planning Adviser to the Department, and entered upon his duties on the 18th February, 1935. The Napier Business-area Town-planning Amendment Scheme, 1933, was formally appioved by the Town-planning Board. The Committee held two meetings concerning the Timaru Borough Town-planning Scheme, 1932. Further progress was made towards finalizing that scheme. Progress was also made on the City of Christchurch Town-planning Scheme, 1933.

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Animals Protection and Game Act. Acclimatization Districts. —The Conference of the New Zealand Acclimatization Societies Association discussed the question of reducing the number of acclimatization districts and the question of more adequate ranging. Discussions are taking place between a number of acclimatization societies as to the possibility of bringing about amalgamations, and the results are being awaited with interest. Birds. —Black teal was added to the list of absolutely protected birds. There is little doubt that bell-birds are definitely on the increase in many localities. Importations. —Owing to Psittacosis (parrot fever) having been detected in some Australian parrots, permission is not being granted for the importation of parrots and members of the parrot family from Australia. A number of birds have been added to the list of prohibited birds, owing to the fear that if they should escape they might establish themselves in the Dominion, and the general policy is to allow importation only in the case of birds that are unlikely to survive otherwise than in captivity. Representations are still being made from time to time that fur-bearing animals should be introduced, but they have been definitely not agreed to. Shooting-seasons. —Open shooting-seasons were declared for native and imported game in various acclimatization districts. Concern is being expressed at the decrease in numbers of grey duck, and the question of declaring periodical close seasons for these birds is to be considered shortly. It is evident that a policy of conservation of the grey duck has to be faced. Rotorua Acclimatization District. In summarizing the activities of the past year in connection with acclimatization matters in the Rotorua and Taupo districts it is again very gratifying to report that operations were carried out most successfully. The number of overseas anglers who visited the district must have created a record. Fisheries. —During the exceptionally hot and dry months of December, January, and February, fishing at Lake Taupo was difficult. A cool spell occurred in the latter part of February, and many excellent-conditioned rainbow trout were taken. Condition has been maintained and good fishing obtained. The fishing in Rotorua was exceptionally good at Waitete, Awahou, and Hamurana during December, January, and February. Many anglers, both overseas and local, considered that it had not been as good for the past twelve years. In fact, many stated that it was the best they had ever experienced. The rainbow congregated in thousands at the mouths of the streams. One very noticeable feature was their fine condition. Many specimens were examined, and it was found that at least 85 per cent, were in excellent condition. Another marked feature was the number of young fish up to 3J lb. taken showing all the characteristics of the Tongariro rainbow. This can be taken as an indication that the recent plantings of fry have been successful. With the exception of Rotorua, fish in all other lakes in the Rotorua district were wary up to the end of March, 1935, but anglers had good sport in Rotoiti during the last eight weeks of the 1933-34 season, the average weight of the fish being 6 lb. Ova and Fry. —An exchange of 250,000 rainbow eggs for 250,000 brown-trout eggs was for the third year arranged with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society. The exchange was again successful, and many young brown trout have been seen in the streams where the fry from these eggs were planted. The operations in connection with the collection of ova were confined to the Waihukahuka Stream, Turangi, and 6,400,000 eggs were taken, an increase of 545,000 over the number taken during the 1934 season. Fry to the number of 2,747,000 were planted in various lakes and streams in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty areas, 1,588,000 in various streams flowing into Lake Taupo, and 400,000 in Lake Waikaremoana and rivers in the Wairoa area. Food-supplies for Trout. —It was found that there was an abundance of trout-food in all lakes and rivers in both districts. Investigations were made at Tarawera and Okareka, and there is now no doubt that the smelt has been established in both these lakes. A small consignment of these fish taken to Taupo were seen there six weeks after liberation. With a view to establishing the smelt in Taupo, other lots will be taken there at suitable times. An effort has been made to establish the toitoi and smelt in the Blue Lake. Improvements were continued on the Taupo Landing Reserve, and all available boat-shed sites were taken up. Birds. —Bird life, both native and imported, has been well maintained throughout the district. In referring to the native birds there has been a decided increase in the numbers of korimako (bell-birds), particularly in the vicinity of Rotorua. The little grebe is now to be seen on all lakes excepting Rotorua. A very large increase has been noticed in the number of poaka (white-headed stilt) on Rotorua, Rotoehu, and Lake Taupo. Tuturiwhatu (banded dottrel) were very plentiful on the Government golf-links during February. Black teal are not so numerous at Hamurana as in other years, but are to be found on all other lakes in slightly increased numbers. The breeding-season was favourable for grey ducks, and black swans were seen in good numbers at Hamurana. Californian quail have increased. Pheasants are reported to be in fair numbers in various localities, but it cannot be said that there is a general increase. Scientific Operations. —In Rotorua the annual mortality amongst the toitoi, although not serious, was heavier than the previous season. In all other lakes in the Rotorua district the mortality was of no consequence.

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At Lake Taupo the death-rate was greater, but again was not serious. It was found that the Mollusc isadora died in thousands and washed up on the shores. During the past year, with the exception of fish taken from Rotoehu and certain parts of Waikaremoana, the nematode worm was seldom seen in trout. Statistical Records. —Much valuable information was gained from the monthly records compiled by the Rangers in connection with temperature of lakes and rivers, meteorology, biology, and troutfoods. Culling. —Systematic culling was not carried out, owing to the good condition of the trout in all the lakes. The only work of this nature was done in connection with stripping operations, and 170 males and 173 females were destroyed. Facilities for Anglers. —Booking of the huts at the Hatchery Camp site has again been heavy. Roads and tracks to many fishing-places were kept in order by the Rangers. Tagging of Trout. —No tags were returned, and although inspections of the fish at the Waingahe Barrier were frequent, none were found bearing tags. Opossums. —An open season for the trapping of opossums was declared again in the district during July and August. Nine permits and 101 licenses were issued. Royalty was paid on 12,004 skins stamped in this district. Pheasants. —During the year, 626 birds were liberated throughout the district. J)eer. —The destruction of deer was carried out throughout the whole district, and eighty-seven permits were issued to destroy these animals in the Waikaremoana Sanctuary. Seven thousand rounds of ammunition to be used for the killing of deer was sold from the Rotorua office. Ranging.—The Department has paid Rangers at Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo, Tokaanu, and Frasertown. As the result of their activities a number of prosecutions under the Rotorua and Taupo Fishing Regulations and the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22, were taken. The fines amounted to £71 10s. Deer. Departmental Party Operations. As the result of departmental party operations, 8,207 deer, 28 goar,s, and 6 wapiti were killed. Deer-skins to the number of 3,221 were recovered. The exceedingly rough nature of the country in some areas and difficulties of transport precluded the possibility of recovering a larger proportion of skins, this being particularly so in the Tararuas, Lake Wakatipu area, and considerable portions of the Lakes Hauroko, Monowai, and Manapouri regions. Details follow of the operations in the various localities :— Wellington (Tararua Ranges).—Operations were commenced at about the middle of January, and were continued throughout the summer and autumn. A total of 1,011 deer were killed and 55 skins saved. An analysis of the figures shows that the average strength of the party was six men over a period of 18| weeks, and that they killed an average of 54-3 deer per week. These figures appear low when compared with those obtained in the worst infested areas of the South Island, but this area proved to be the most difficult so far undertaken. Over the whole of this area there is a great preponderance of bush-clad country, and the small proportion of open country above the " timber-line " is so frequently enveloped in dense fog that it is seldom that shooting can be conducted there. The owner of a block of freehold country would not permit the party to continue to operate, and the men were withdrawn. The party was subjected to a great deal of interference by stalkers who, while shooting few deer, disturb all animals in the area, and thus render the task more difficult and less successful. The weather was, generally, very bad, especially during the " roaring " season and subsequent few weeks. Communications and transport were attended by many difficulties ; but, in spite of all this, the operations were very successful, and there can be no doubt that they will result in an immediate improvement in the condition of the forest, and prove a decisive factor in bringing the deer in this area under control. The deer-infestation situation in the Tararua Ranges is singular in that, while deer are excessively numerous in some localities, they are scarce in others, but the latter are comparatively small, and are widely separated. The whole area can, therefore, be regarded as having been pretty generally infested, and in places the concentrations of deer were, prior to these operations, so large that very serious damage has been done to the bush. It so happens that some of the worst damage has been done in localities where it is likely to prove the most harmful, as they are in the steep-sided valleys of the Hutt, Tauherenikau, Waiohine, Waingawa, Ruamahanga, and Mangahao Rivers, near their sources. In some of these localities the damage to the forest and the forest-floor is exceedingly serious, and is equal to that which has been sustained by forests in heavily infested areas of the South Island. In such places all the forest-floor covering of ferns has been killed (the dead stumps remain to indicate their previous existence), the ground has been trampled bare of mosses and grasses and is torn up to an extent which resembles a stock-yard, roots are laid bare, small slips and water-channels are already appearing ; all undergrowth has been killed by the eating of bark or rubbing of antlers ; all seedlings of the major species of trees, which effect regeneration, have been killed (the dead stumps and trunks of Nothofagus (beech), nothopanax, coprosma, &c., are evidence of this) and nothing remains but the adult trees of the beech, and these have but a precarious hold of the earth. In these localities it was noted for the first time that the deer have eaten the bark of even the konini or native fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), and thereby killed many trees. The fact that in all examinations of deer-infested forests conducted throughout both Islands the eating of the bark of this species by deer had not previously been encountered indicates the stage depredations have reached in the Tararuas, as this bark is definitely not attacked while other food is available, and the species is usually regarded as being immune.

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Another disquieting phase of the damage noted was that in localities where ridges which are subjected to the high winds general in the area, had been extensively damaged by deer, the roots of the large trees were so bared by trampling that the swaying of the trees in the wind caused the whole root-spread to lift very perceptibly, and in some cases their hold had become so loosened that they had fallen. Where nature is permitted to follow its normal course such casualties are soon replaced by juveniles of the same species, but the constant browsing of the deer precludes the possibility of this taking place. It is frequently contended that goats cause a great deal of the damage which is attributed to deer. In the Tararuas there are some localities in which there are a considerable number of goats and few deer, but these are comparatively small and unimportant. It is significant that during the operations, which embraced the whole of the main divide and the sources of all the main rivers, although every effort was made to kill goats as well as deer where both were to be found together, only twenty-eight goats were killed as compared with 1,011 deer. Marlborough.—ln pursuance of the policy of taking advantage of the seasonal " drift "of deer in Marlborough from the remote and high country to their winter quarters in easily accessible country where good results can be obtained and a large percentage of skins recovered, a small party of two men conducted operations there from the beginning of August to the end of December. These operations were conducted during the winter and spring in the valleys of the Waihopai and Spray Rivers, and extended over the divide into those of the Acheron and Saxton as the summer approached. A total of 1,064 deer were killed and 796 skins recovered. Lake Wakatipu.—ln common with those throughout the Southland deer country, operations were commenced at the head of Lake Wakatipu at the end of November and were continued throughout the season, a total of 969 deer being killed and 338 skins recovered. This area contains a widely scattered but not very numerous herd of red deer, a considerable herd of fallow deer which is confined to a comparatively small area, and a very small herd of Virginian deer which occupies only a very limited area. It was found that the red deer, though occurring generally throughout the area, had not yet increased to such numbers that the bush feed was eaten out to the extent necessary to force them out on to the open "tops" in large numbers, and this rendered it necessary to spend a lot of time in killing a comparatively small number of deer. As has been previously stated, however, the value of operations depends entirely upon the proportion of the deer population killed, and cannot be estimated by the numbers killed during any given period. In view of the fact that the total deer population of this area is as yet comparatively small, it is considered that a high proportion was killed, and that therefore good results were obtained in the way of reducing the herd before it reached large proportions or did very serious damage. The fallow deer in the area present a separate and serious problem, as they do not frequent the open " tops," living instead almost entirely in the bush and on the small river flats.' They are exceedingly timid, take flight very quickly, and are more difficult to shoot. Although a considerable number of this species were killed, they were so difficult to deal with that it was felt desirable to investigate the possibility of doing so by other methods than shooting, and to this end experiments were conducted with various poisons. It was found that, although a few animals took carrots that were impregnated with strychnine, the great majority would not touch the carrots or other baits, and, while the experiments were to a certain extent inconclusive, they have so far proved unsuccessful. Waikaia.—The conditions obtaining in this area are somewhat similar to those in the Lake Wakatipu area in that the deer have not yet reached such numbers as to permit of results being numerically high, but they will prove of great benefit in retarding the increase. In all 348 deer were killed and 220 skins recovered. The operations in both the Lake Wakatipu and Waikaia areas were, in spite of the comparatively small numbers killed, of further importance and value than may at first be apparent in that they formed an essential and integral part of the comprehensive campaign commenced this season at the southernmost extremity of the South Island, and which it is proposed to continue systematically and progressively northwards through the whole of the Island. Lakes Poteriteri, Hauroko, Monowai, and Manapouri Area.—ln this area two small parties took the field on 26th November and a third (at Lake Manapouri) at about the middle of March. A total of 4,815 deer were killed and 1,812 skins recovered. Deer Infestation and Tactics. — The Lillburn Valley, in the vicinity of Lake Hauroko, was known to have been for many years subjected to serious depredations by deer, so a party started here and worked progressively through this valley to Lake Hauroko. As the season advanced, this party, having practically " cleaned up " the Lillburn Valley and adjacent country, crossed Lake Hauroko, and, commencing operations at " the Hump "•—only a few miles inland from the south coast—worked northwards along the Princess Range (between Lakes Hauroko and Poteriteri) to the north end of the former lake, and conducted reconnaissances to the west and north into the valleys of the Long Burn and the Seaforth River. It was early recognized that the activities of " cullers " and private commercial hunters, which had been conducted for a number of years in the Lillburn Valley, had been of little permanent benefit to that locality because they had not included, to any material extent, the summer feeding-grounds of the deer. Local farmers stated that the great majority of the deer disappeared from the valley, early each year, and it appears that the hunters referred to had been content to " let it go at that " and cease operations. A study of the country, however, soon revealed the fact that most of the deer of that region would spend the summer on the open " tops " of the Billow Mountains, which lie between the Lillburn Valley on the south and Lake Hauroko on the west and Lake Monowai on the north and east.

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Operations were, therefore, conducted on this range and its eastern extension known as the Hindley Range, and a very high percentage of the deer population was killed. This will undoubtedly result in a great diminution of the deer which have infested the Lillburn Valley, besides proving of great benefit to the forest-clad slopes and open tops of the Billows and Hindley Ranges. Simultaneously with those already referred to, operations were commenced at the head of Lake Monowai, and, as the season advanced, were progressively extended to the west and north in the valleys of the Grebe River and its western tributaries the Pamela, Florence, and Emerald Streams, along the Heath Mountains, and along the Cleughearn and Hunter Mountains and all other country between the Grebe and Waiau Rivers. As the sphere of operations was extended the personnel of this party was increased, all country was " covered " at least twice, and excellent results were obtained. It was hoped to be able to deal with the country right up to the south shores of Lake Manapouri by constantly pushing this party northwards, but it eventually became apparent that there yet remained so much to be done in the area described above that they would not be able to embrace the whole area to Lake Manapouri, so another party was established there with bases at the heads of the Hope and South Arms. This party operated over the north end of the Hunter Mountains, on Mount Titiroa, in the valleys of the Garnock Burn and lower Grebe River, and along the lake faces and shore area. Reconnaissances were conducted by this party also to the Seaforth Valley and on the Turret Range. This area —i.e., from the south coast to Lake Manapouri and between the general line of the Princess and Heath Ranges and the Waiau River —is the chief centre of deer-infestation in Southland, and a close study of the country and the situation generally has revealed the following facts : (1) Although farms, and forests adjacent thereto, in such localities as the Lillburn Valley have for years suffered considerable damage by deer, it is only comparatively recently that the deer have increased to such numbers in the majority of the more remote areas that they have eaten out most of the bush feed and taken to feeding on the open " tops." The result is that these operations were conducted at a stage when the forests will greatly benefit thereby. (2) The percentage of deer killed was very high, and this will result in checking the spread and depredations for some time, and permit of a considerable degree of forest-recuperation taking place. (3) While deer exist in considerable numbers in some of the country between the western limit of this season's operations and Preservation Inlet and Dusky Sound, their spread in that direction has been occasioned by the pressure of over-population of the area over which intensive operations were conducted. The far western areas are not as popular with the deer, nor as conducive to a high rate of increase, and not only will the relief of the outward pressure result in the cessation of this spread, but the great diminution of the population of the more favoured localities will induce many scattered deer to return thereto thus causing a reduction of the population of the more remote areas, and facilitate further successful operations in the future. (4) Special mention should be made of the country adjacent to the shores of Lake Manapouri, as deer have for years existed in such numbers in proportion to the comparatively limited area inhabited that they have caused very grave damage to the forest and the alpine vegetation above the timber-line. The country surrounding this beautiful lake, which is the most accessible and valuable portion of the Fiordland National Park, is very steep, and through it flow many mountain torrents, which, while very beautiful, are capable of causing widespread destruction of the forest-clad slopes of the lake-basin if erosion of their sources and water-sheds becomes general. In the forest itself there are many localities where all edible shrubs have been killed by browsing and bark-eating, most other saplings have been killed by antler-rubbing, regeneration of the major and predominating species of trees has ceased owing to the browsing off of all seedlings, the forest-floor covering of ferns, mosses, and grasses have been killed, the ground has been severely trampled, and the roots of the large trees laid bare. The forest in such places is now a community of adult trees only, with no possibility of their replacement when they die unless the deer population be kept numerically low. The conditions obtaining in the forest have, moreover, compelled the deer to seek sustenance —for as long a period as the snow will permit—on the open " tops," and here also very extensive damage has been done over large areas. The snow-tussock has been killed by excessive grazing, other grasses and shrubs have been killed, swampy patches have been trampled and used as " wallows " until they start slips, and considerable erosion is being caused by the melting of snow and water run-off on denuded slopes. (5) Although a few scattered deer inhabit the country between Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound and between Lake Te Anau and the west coast between Thompson and Milford Sounds, the great majority of the country is so unsuitable for them that they do not appear to be increasing to any great extent, and further spread can be checked by operations in the more populous areas. Auxiliary Reconnaissances. With a view to ascertaining the exact position with regard to deer, wapiti, and moose in the whole of the Fiordland National Park and the adjacent Takitimo Range, the opportunity was taken to conduct reconnaissances as under : (a) The country between Lake Hauroko and Preservation Inlet and Dusky Sound, and that between the Grebe River and the Seaforth River (two expeditions), including the valleys of the Seaforth River and the Long Burn : The deer situation of this area has already been referred to in the foregoing. The vicinity of Dusky Sound and the Seaforth are the known home of the herd of moose, and, although none of these animals were seen, signs of their presence there in small numbers were noted. The fact was established that the moose have not increased to any extent nor have they extended their range beyond the valley of the Seaforth, and it appears most unlikely that they will ever cross the divide or materially increase, although a more comprehensive survey is desirable. It was considered that the position did not warrant the despatching of a special expedition to kill moose, which would have proved very costly and have accounted for only a very few animals, when the same amount of money spent on the deer would meet a pressing need and account for a far greater number of animals. (b) In the Takitimo Mountains, which lie to the east of the Waiau River, and are an isolated range surrounded by open grazing-land, red deer were found to be present in

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small numbers ill several parts of this area, but the position is not such as to occasion undue concern at this juncture, and, in view of the programme already undertaken, it was decided not to operate there this season. Its accessibility is, moreover, to a certain extent a safeguard against rapid increase of the deer, as numerous sportsmen visit the area, and will assist in keeping their numbers down. (c) As regards the country between the middle and north arms of Lake Te Anau and Caswell and George Sounds, the deer situation of this area has been referred to in the foregoing. Wapiti. —The area referred to in (c) above is inhabited by the herd of wapiti which, having been liberated in the vicinity of the above sounds, have spread into the valleys of the rivers flowing into the middle and north arms of Lake Te Anau and down to the shores of the lake. It was proposed at one stage of the season to undertake operations against the wapiti, but all the evidence then available indicated the probability of their resulting in only a few of these animals being killed, with, the expenditure of a considerable sum of money, and, as it was apparent that the employment of the men and money available on deer operations in the Lake Manapouri area would produce greater results and meet a pressing need, the wapiti project was abandoned. ° It was ascertained also that several parties of stalkers were in the wapiti country, and as their presence would seriously militate against successful operations in such a limited area, this fact helped to influence the Department in deciding not to operate there this season. As the result of the reconnaissance, the following information regarding the wapiti herd has been obtained • (a) The animals have, as stated, spread from the area of liberation of the progenitors of the herd to new country. (6) The facts that they have so spread and that their original home-forest is still populated proves that they have considerably increased in numbers since liberation, (c) As they do not live on the open " tops " but almost exclusively frequent the bush, or fringes thereof, in the narrow valleys, the area inhabited by them is limited, and cannot be regarded as highly suitable or conducive to rapid increase, (d) The rate of fecundity appears to be low, or, alternatively, the rate of juvenile mortality is high in their present habitat, (e) A considerable amount of mortality occurs even amongst the adults, especially big stags, and this may be attributed to pneumonia caused by lack of sunshine and the cold and damp conditions obtaining in the deep narrow valleys in which they are, by reason of their weight and size, compelled to live. (/) In addition to the usual observation of evidences of browsing,, stomach-contents were examined to ascertain their feeding habits, and it was found that, although slight differences occur, their diet is very similar to that of red deer, these animals varying on y in size, colour, and a few unimportant habits, (g) The damage caused by them the bush is almost exactly similar to that by red deer, but is, so far, less severe only because of their smaller numbers. The fact that very little 'feeding is done outside the bush creates a point of difference from red deer, but its natural corollary is that this must result in greater damage to the bush, and the fact that each individual animal, being larger and requiring more food than a red deer, must do more damage. Although the position is not yet serious, quite a considerable amount of damage has been done, (ft) It is significant that odd stags have been seen in the Eglinton Valley—the animals must have swum across Lake Te Anau—near the Waiau River below Lake Manapouri and on the country immediately to the north of Lake Manapouri. Activities of Stalkers. As has previously been pointed out, parties of sportsmen shooting on country over which the Department's organization is conducting systematic operations seriously interfere with the plan of campaign and generally hamper the work. Recognizing this fact, it is the custom for runholders on whose properties departmental parties are operating to do everything possible, by refusing permission to sportsmen, erecting notices, and publishing notices in newspapers, to entirely prohibit other persons from shooting there during This season, however, the parties were considerably hampered by the activities of sportsmen in the Fiordland National Park and the Tararua Ranges. The success which has attended the Department's operations since their commencement is largely due to the fact that they are conducted to a carefully thought-out general tactical plan which provides for the complete co-ordination of the activities of every unit in the organization. An important feature of these tactics is so to conduct the work that disturbed deer will move into localities which give temporary sanctuary, but where they can be shot in large numbers when the proper time arrives ; but all these systematic methods are nullified by uncontrolled parties which scatter the deer. It has been contended that as sportsmen shoot some deer their object is identical with that of the Department, and they must therefore be helpful in bringing about a diminution of the herds. Experience has shown, however, that the numbers they kill are entirely negligible, while the scattering of deer and driving them back on to country which has already been worked and left causes serious reduction of the numbers finally killed. Co-operation by others.—Wherever privately controlled property was operated over, the Department's organization was generally accorded that valuable and whole-hearted co-operation by runholders which always contributes to the success of the undertaking. The manner in which the Southland Electric-power Board in general, and its resident engineer at Monowai (Mr. Walker) in particular, assisted the Department was outstanding. The Southland Acclimatization Society very kindly co-operated by placing at the Department s disposal their boat on Lake Hauroko and giving permission for members of the staff to occupy the living-quarters at their hatchery at Te Anau, both of which facilities were availed of. The several tramping clubs in and near Wellington accorded the Tararuas party all the co-operation which lay within their power.

8

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Deer-skins. During the year the Department accepted- 2,674 deer-skins from private commercial hunters and others and marketed the skins at the same time as skins saved by the departmental parties. There has been a very keen demand for skins, and, by the sale of 9,430 skins, the Department disposed of practically the whole of its stock. General. The policy of granting special permits to enter the sanctuary at Waikaremoana to shoot deer, wild pigs, and wild cattle has been continued. Returns received show that 125 deer, 30 pigs, and 23 cattle were destroyed during the year. There still seems to be some misunderstanding in some quarters as to the legal position in regard to deer, chamois, thar, moose, and wapiti. All protection on these animals has been removed, and there is no reason why they may not be destroyed at any time, subject, of course, to the consent of the owner or other controlling authority of the land. Opossums. Open trapping-seasons were observed in a number of acclimatization districts. The number of skins stamped was 252,556, an increase of 73,951 over the number for the previous year. N ATURALIZATION. During the year sixty certificates of naturalization were granted, including two certificates issued to persons naturalized under the provisions of previous Acts in New Zealand, and who took advantage of obtaining certificates under the Act of 1928, conferring the more complete status of a British subject both in and beyond the Dominion. Two British-born women who had married aliens were readmitted to British nationality. One certificate of naturalization was revoked, and this was done with the consent of the grantee, who is now advanced in years and has returned to his native land for the remainder of his days. During the year Parliament passed the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35. This Act adopts the recent amendment to the law of England relative to the nationality of women, whereby it is provided mainly that a British woman shall not lose her British nationality on marrying an alien, unless by reason of the marriage she automatically acquires the nationality of her husband. In future, also, the wife of a naturalized alien does not acquire British nationality by reason of the husband's naturalization unless she makes the prescribed declaration that she desires to acquire British nationality. The New Zealand Act went further than the Imperial Act, by allowing women who have married aliens and thereby acquired the husband's nationality to make a declaration that they desire to retain in New Zealand the rights of British subjects, and, upon such declaration being duly made, while they are not granted the status of a British subject, they are entitled to all rights, such as the franchise and pension rights. Passports. During the year 3,383 new passports were issued, as compared with 2,245 last year and 2,882 for the year ended 31st March, 1933. Renewals for varying periods were granted to 724 passports, as compared with 605 last year and 663 for the year ended 31st March, 1933. Visas were granted to 53 aliens leaving New Zealand, in order to enable them to land in other portions of the British Empire. It was found necessary to institute two prosecutions for false declarations, and in each instance the prosecution was successful. In one case an attempt was made to obtain a passport for a man and a young woman, posing as his wife, in order to travel to the United States. The man in question had a wife and family living in another part of New Zealand. A fine of £2 was imposed on the man, the woman being convicted and ordered to pay costs. In the other case a recent arrival from Australia obtained a passport by inducing a Justice of the Peace to certify as being correct false particulars regarding his name, age, birthplace, and conjugal condition. A conviction was recorded by the Court, and a fine of £7 10s. was imposed. The passport which had been falsely obtained was duly recovered and cancelled. The matter was investigated by the Justice Department, and the irregularity of his action was pointed out to the Justice of the Peace concerned. As there was evidently no guilty intent on his part, it is not thought that a recurrence is likely. . Land-agents. Six hundred and sixty licenses were issued and 6 transfers granted, as compared with 671 licenses and 4 transfers for the previous year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and five licenses were issued and 262 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 412 licenses and 285 changes of endorsement for the previous year. Chartered Clubs. From reports submitted by the Inspectors, the indications are that all the clubs which have charters under the Licensing Act, 1908, are being conducted in a proper manner and are carrying out the conditions upon which their charters were granted. No proceedings were taken against any club during the year. The total number of clubs still stands at 46, no new club charter having been granted since the year 1908.

2—H. 22.

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Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Nine warrants were issued authorizing the export of genuine Maori antiquities. Authority wa§ granted in twelve instances to the export of articles of modern make of the souvenir type, which do not come within the scope of the Act. Since the amendment of the postal regulations to facilitate the posting of tourist souvenirs, the number of such applications has shown a considerable falling-off. 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, condenses and amalgamates advertisements before insertion, and effects economies by reducing advertising accounts which are overspaced or incorrectly measured. Estimates of expenditure for any proposed advertising by Departments are prepared and supplied by the Office as required. The work is growing steadily, particularly in the Cutting Section, where the demand for press references is constantly increasing. Accounts.—The number of advertising accounts recorded, checked, and certified during the year approximated 9,430, an increase of 1,100 on the previous year's vouchers —viz., 8,330. Yearly Expenditure. —The total expenditure for Government advertising for all Departments during the year under review amounted to £23,802 Is. 3d., as compared with £21,108 10s. lOd. for the financial year ending 31st March, 1934. Cuttings.—Press clippings supplied to Ministers and Departments were well in excess of the number handled during the previous year, which approximated from 1,500 to 2,000 weekly. Distinguished Visitors. During the year the Dominion was honoured by a visit from a member of the Royal Family. After a tour of Australia, where he opened the Melbourne Centenary Celebrations, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester arrived at Wellington in the H.M.A.S. " Australia " on the 15th December, 1934. After a few days spent in Wellington, he commenced a comprehensive tour of the Dominion, which officially ended with his departure from Lyttelton on 21st January, 1935. Four thousand five hundred miles, 2,800 miles by road and the remainder by rail, were travelled and some forty-one centres and scenic resorts visited. A special reception was accorded the Royal guest by assembled Maori tribes at Rotorua. The tour was marked in town and country alike by unbounded enthusiasm on the part of the people, and it served to demonstrate further the loyalty and devotion of the people of this Dominion to the Royal Family and to the Throne. The complete arrangements for the tour were in the hands of this Department, and I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my cordial thanks and appreciation to all Government Departments, particularly the Railway, Police, and Post and Telegraph Departments, for their able and courteous co-operation throughout. The thanks of the Department are also due to the mayors, to the local authorities, and to all those concerned in the various places visited for the loyal and whole-hearted manner in which they undertook the framing and carrying-out of the reception arrangements and assisted the Government to the utmost of their ability to ensure a warm welcome everywhere. Coincident with the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, the captain, officers, and men of the H.M.A.S. " Australia," which remained in New Zealand waters for the duration of the Royal tour, were extended the usual Government privileges and hospitality. Other distinguished visitors to New Zealand during the year included —Lord Nuffield; General Sir A. Godley ; Mr. Malcolm Macdonald, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Dominions, and son of the Prime Minister of Great Britain ; Mr. G. Bernard Shaw; Grenadier Guards Band ; Admiral Byrd ; and the Italian cruiser " Armando Diaz." During their stay in the Dominion the Department was wholly or partially concerned in arranging their itineraries and carrying out the policy of hospitality generally. The Department here records its appreciation of the assistance rendered by various organizations, local bodies, private individuals, and other. Government Departments. War Graves. New Zealand. —The number of notifications of deaths of returned soldiers received by the Department was 502, of which 87 were accepted as war graves—i.e., that the cause of death in these oases 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 2,936. Temporary crosses to mark the graves until such time as the soldiers' headstones are erected were placed on 245 graves, and headstones to the number of 96 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the soldiers' cemeteries at Bromley, Christchurch ; Omaka, Blenheim ; Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North ; Taruheru, Gisborne ; and Karori, Wellington ; whilst a large number of graves in Birkenhead, O'Neill's Point, Ashburton, Kaiapoi, and Waikumete and Waikaraka Cemeteries, Auckland, were renovated. All soldiers' cemeteries continue to be suitably maintained under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Veterans' graves also continue to be attended to. In addition to the graves previously dealt with, those of Captain Travers and others who lost their lives in the attack on Orangikawa Pa, Ruatahuna, in the Urewera Country in May, 1869, were put in order and a memorial erected. Further veterans' graves in Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth, were also permanently marked. Visit of Vice-Chairman, Imperial War Graves Commission. Sir Fabian Ware, the Vice-Chairman of the Imperial War Graves Commission, who visited Australia in connection with the Victorian Centenary celebrations, passed through New Zealand on his journey back to England.

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Whilst here, he lectured in the main centres on the work and objects of the Commission. He met with a very cordial reception from the various ex-servicemen «and women's organizations, and those interested in the care of war graves in the Dominion, and his lectures were followed with great interest. Sir Fabian, within the limits of the time at his disposal, visited as many of the soldiers' plots in the local cemeteries as possible. According to reports appearing in the London press on his return to England, he expressed himself as favourably impressed with the standard of maintenance of soldiers' plots in New Zealand. 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 for that purpose, and to which the Imperial and Dominion Governments contributed in proportion to the number of graves of their dead. War Funds. During the ten-year period ended 31st March, 1935, the number of registered war funds in active operation has been reduced from eighty-three to fifty-four, a reduction of three for the year under review. Details of the funds are summarized as follows £ s - d - Twenty-seven incorporated societies .. .. •• •• 491,310 14 0 Seven Red Cross organizations .. • • ■ • • • 102, 884 6 6 Three Blind Soldiers and Veterans' Homes Funds .. .. 71,646 0 7 Twelve unincorporated funds .. .. •• 8,412 13 3 Six Returned Soldiers' Clubs .. • • • • ■ • 29,889 8 5 704,143 2 9 National War Funds Council .. 123,952 2 7 Total £828,095 4 Of this apparently large sum, a considerable percentage consists of advances to soldiers (the majority of which will doubtless eventually be written off as grants), farm property (Flock House), Red Cross and Veteran Homes, and other fixed assets, so that approximately only 60 per cent, is in liquid assets, which are represented by sound investments. The policy of conserving the funds that has been pursued by the trustees as a general rule has been fully justified, as calls for relief and assistance have not diminished to any appreciable extent as the years have passed. Totalizator Inspection. A representative of the Department attended each race meeting at which the totalizator was in operation. A marked feature of the year was the number of betting-systems which have been tried. The New Zealand Racing Conference has amended the rules of racing to permit of a choice of one of two systems only by racing and hunt clubs, but several systems are available to trotting clubs. A barometer totalizator, showing the odds for each horse, has also been in use at several meetings. Raffles. Six hundred and fifty-four licenses under authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these, 440 were for works of art, 202 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 12 for alluvial gold as follows : — One for £100, to enable New Zealand to be represented in the eight-oar race at the Melbourne Centenary Regatta. One for £300, to assist in financing the Manawatu Aero Club's entry in the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. One for £1,500, in aid of the Auckland Aero Club's entry in the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. Two of £5,000 and seven of £4,000 each, principally for the relief of distress. The following table shows the results of the art unions that were subject to lottery duty in terms of section 2of the Stamp Duties Amendment Act, 1931—i.e., those for mineral specimens in excess of a total value of £100 :—

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11

License No. and Name. Gross Sales. Comi^ on on Expenses. Prises. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. Net Profit. £ s d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. •50 Luckv Cat .. 22,812 7 6 3,421 17 2 2,969 0 0 4,000 12,421 10 4 2,281 4 9 10,140 5 7 31 Happv-Go-Lucky .. 18 158 17 6 2,723 16 8 2,883 2 10 4,000 8,551 18 0 1,815 17 9 6,736 0 3 32 Change of Luck .. 18 917 12 6 2,837 12 11 2,916 1 4 4,000 9,163 18 3 1,891 15 3 7,272 3 0 33' My Lucky Star .. 17 729 10 0 2 659 8 6 2,891 4 6 4,000 8,178 17 0 1,772 19 0 6,405 18 0 34 Great Air Race .. 12 227 4 0 1,528 8 0 2,863 11 7 1,500 6,335 4 5 1,222 14 5 5,112 10 0 35 Best of Luck .. 1« 986' 2 6 8 5 2,813 3 2 4,000 6,732 10 11 1,593 12 3 5,138 18 8 36 Lucky for Me .. 16,366 15 0 2,455 0 3 2,854 12 1 4,000 7,057 2 8 1,636 13 6 5,420 9 2 37' My Luckv Number . 16,803 0 0 2,520 9 0 2,898 3 5 4,000 7,384 7 7 1,680 6 0 5,704 1 7 38 Bis Prize List " 18,981 10 0 4 6 2,785 4 2 5,000 8,349 1 4 1,898 3 0 6,450 18 4 39. The Grand .. 19,855 10 0 2,978 6 6 2,888 9 3 5,000 8,988 14 3 1,985 11 0 7,003 3 3 Totals .. 177,788 9 0 26,362 11 11 28,762 12 4 39,500 83,163 4 9 17,778 16 11 65,384 7 10

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Of the net profits of these art unions no less a sum than £48,000 was distributed to the various mayoral funds for the relief of distress, and £11,600 to charitable and philanthropic organizations for social-relief purposes. Of the balance, £5,112 10s.—being the profit of the " Great Air Race " Art Union, No. 34, promoted by the Auckland Aero Club —was allocated to that club to finance its entry in the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. Fire Brigades Act, 1926. The number of Fire Boards now operating stands at 53. The Dunedin Metropolitan Fire District was constituted upon a joint application made by the Dunedin Fire Board and the Mosgiel Fire Board. The district comprises the area of the City of Dunedin and the Borough of Mosgiel. As a result, the Dunedin Fire Board and the Mosgiel Fire Board became dissolved as from the Ist January, 1935. Following the usual practice, the annual report of the Inspector of Fire Brigades will be submitted separately. Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Licenses. Importation licenses were as follows : Gelignite, 1,017,550 lb. ; blasting-gelatine 20,600 lb. ; gelatine dynamite, 9,650 lb. ; A2 monobel, 254,500 lb. ; samsonite, 213,600 lb. ; blastingpowder, 143,750 lb. ; blasting-pellets, 131,250 lb. ; Polar gelignite, 7,500 lb. ; Polar samsonite, 1,500 lb • detonators, 1,515,000 ; E.D. fuses, 589,000 ; fireworks, 50,827 lb. Other licenses were (corresponding figures for previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance 224 (234) ; sale, 584 (581) ; storage, 387 (394). J Examination of Explosives.—Regular examination of all shipments of explosives imported into the country has been maintained, and all such explosives were found in good condition. Low Freezing Explosives.—lt has been the general experience since the introduction of nitroglycerine explosives that a number of accidents occurred—a fair proportion with fatal resultsowing to the freezing of the nitro-glycerine during the winter months. The winter temperatures throughout the South Island and the inland areas in the North Island are sufficiently low to cause the freezing of the nitro-glycerine, and accidents arise both from the irregularity of the action of the explosive when frozen and from the use of improper methods of thawing by miners and other users. A similar experience is common in America and in most European countries, and a modified explosive has now been developed where the nitro-glycerine is partly replaced by a nitrated ethyleneglycol, or poly-glycerine, which does not freeze except at very low temperatures. This has come into general use during recent years and in Great Britain has completely replaced the old type of nitroglycerine explosives. During the year negotiations were arranged between the technical representatives of the suppliers of explosives, the officers of the Mines Department, and the Employers' Association with a view to the introduction of these explosives into New Zealand. Arrangements were made for a trial shipment to be forwarded from Great Britain, and these will be stored in selected localities during the 1935 winter and observations of the behaviour of the explosives under winter conditions will be recorded. It is anticipated that the cost of these non-freezing (Polar) explosives will be slightly higher than the corresponding types at present imported, owing to the fact that some of the raw materials are not manufactured in Australia, from which country the bulk of the nitro-glycerine explosives are received. If, however, the tests to be made prove that the explosives will satisfactorily resist New Zealand winter conditions the increased safety of a non-freezing explosive should more than justify the small additional expense involved in the use of this type. Accidents. Several fatal accidents in the handling and use of authorized explosives were reported during the year, and details of two of these are given below. The first occurred during blasting operations at a quarry and resulted in the death of the foreman. Evidence at the coronial inquiry showed that the deceased was engaged in charging with lithyte a shot-hole, which had previously been " bulled " with gelignite. The charge could not be pushed down to the bottom of the hole owing to a blockage in the bore, and the foreman was attempting to clear the hole with a steel drill when the charge exploded, causing fatal injuries to the foreman and seriously injuring his assistant. The second accident was caused by the ignition of blasting-powder stored in a tent when a small piece of fuse which had been lit for testing was dropped on the powder. As a result of this accident two men died, one received serious burns, and three injuries which subsequently proved not serious. As all six men were actually in the tent at the time of the explosion, the wonder is that any escaped alive. A number of minor accidents was also reported, arising from causes such as children playing with detonators, explosion of apparently misfired charges, carelessness in the handling of explosives, &c. Sodium Chlorate.—Despite the wide publicity already given to this subject and the numerous warnings issued, accidents in which the use of sodium chlorate is involved appear to be as frequent as ever. No fatal accidents in spraying with sodium chlorate have been reported this year, but the use of sodium chlorate mixed with an organic compound as a blasting-explosive was responsible for one death. It appears that the deceased was tamping the mixture into the shot-hole when it exploded The deceased's brother, who was standing close by, also received painful injuries. The dangers attendant on the use of chlorates as components of explosives and also the illegality of such practices have already been fully explained in previous annual reports, but it must here be reiterated that any explosive mixture containing a chlorate is exceptionally dangerous to handle as it is readily exploded by friction or a moderate blow. For this reason the manufacture and use of chlorate explosives is forbidden in New Zealand and in most other countries.

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Carelessness in the handling of sodium chlorate spray solutions was responsible for a number of accidents. In all cases clothing impregnated with the solution was ignited by a lighted match or other open flame and burst into fire. The precautions which should be adopted by persons using these sprays were fully explained in the last annual report. The exercise of a modicum of common-sense would reduce the number of such accidents to a fraction of their present total. Prosecutions.—One prosecution was taken and a conviction obtained for the manufacture and use as an explosive of a mixture of chlorate with organic matter. The person concerned had been considerably injured by an accident which occurred in the use of the mixture, and under the circumstances the Court recorded a conviction but did not impose any additional penalty. Dangerous Goods. Local Authority Administration. —No new licensing authorities were appointed during the year. Practically all licensing authorities were visited at least once by the departmental Inspectors. Departmental Administration. —A fairly complete inspection of all districts under the control of the Department was carried out during the year. Licenses issued totalled 1,940, as against 1,690 for the previous year. Accidents. —Ignition of the vapours of inflammable spirits was responsible for three persons losing their lives. The first fatality was due to an explosion of vapour of petrol being used to light a fire. In the second case the ignition of petrol fumes during the filling of the supply-tank of a benzine-lighting plant caused the operator to be so severely burned that he succumbed to his injuries. At the inquest it was brought out that the deceased had, despite instructions to the contrary, taken an open lantern into the shed which housed the plant, and this was the cause of the accident. It was shown also that the shed was provided with an electric light which gave ample illumination and that the unfortunate man's death was attributable to his having forgotten the instructions against taking naked lights into the building. The third fatality was of a less common type than usual and illustrates a danger that is not generally enough recognized—viz., the hazard of ignition of inflammable vapours by the electrical short-circuit. Briefly, the circumstances were that a mechanic was engaged in cleaning with petrol the engine of a truck when the fumes were ignited by a short-circuit in the electrical wiring. It seems that a fault had previously developed in the ignition system and the wiring had been disconnected at the distributor, the loose ends being left lying around in the cab. Contact with the steering column or gear lever produced a spark which fired the petrol vapour and the mechanic received burns from which he subsequently died. Accidents without fatal result were numerous and were of diverse origin, embracing most of the commonly-known and frequently recurring causes, such as lighting fires with petrol, smoking whilst using petrol, home dry-cleaning, smoking whilst refuelling tank of motor-car, petrol fumes in contact with hot exhaust of motor-vehicles, &c. Most of the reported accidents were due to direct breaches of the regulations. The necessity for the provision of a fire-extinguisher at all petrol-supply stations was evidenced by several accidents in the filling of motor-vehicle tanks or other containers. In every case reported where a Foamite or a tetra-chloride extinguisher was used only minor damage to property or injury to persons was involved, and the only serious case of damage was one where no extinguisher was available. Cinematograph Films Act. Licenses.—During the year ended 30th September, 1934, the following licenses were issued (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Exhibitors, 435 (378) ; circuit exhibitors, 23 (29) ; renters, 17 (13) ; storage, 16 (5). Accidents.—Five fires occurred in theatres during the screening of film. The number of fires for the previous year also totalled five. It is satisfactory to note that in no case did the fire involve the full programme, but was confined to two spools at the most. Legislation.—During the year an inquiry was made into all phases of the motion-picture industry by a parliamentary Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. A. Harris, M.P. The evidence tendered to this Committee mainly concerned the business side of the industry and the trading relations between renters and exhibitors. The Committee submitted a report, which formed the basis of the Cinematograph Films Amendment Act, which was passed during the year. The principal provisions of this Act are — (1) The amendment of the censorship provisions of the principal Act respecting the nature of the certificate to be issued by the Censor, the publication of the Censor's certificate, and the appeal against the Censor's decision. (2) The provision of a statutory rejection right of 25 per cent, of all films " block-booked." (3) Requiring the adoption in the industry of a standard form of contract, to be approved by the Minister. (4) Making certain provisions with respect to the prevention of monopoly of film-supplies. Advisory Committee.—A number of meetings of the Advisory Committee were held during the year, mainly to consider the draft of the proposed legislation resulting from the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry. The draft Bill was approved by the Committee before submission to Parliament. Film Censorship. During the year 2,171 films of all classes, of a total length of 5,314,410 ft., were examined by the Censors. Of this number, 28 were rejected in the first instance, 140 were passed subject to excisions, and 227 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences ; while

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1 was passed conditionally that it should not be exhibited to persons under sixteen years of age. Five appeals were lodged against the Censor's decisions. In one case the Censor's decision was reversed, and in four cases it was upheld. An analysis of the work shows : —

Quota Films. —The countries of origin of the quota films were as follows : Great Britain 113, Australia 7, Canada 1, United States of America 354, France 2, Germany 4. Rejections. —Of the twenty-eight films which were rejected, nineteen were " quota " and nine " non-quota." Two of the quota films were British, one was German, and sixteen were from the United States of America, while the nine non-quota films were all from the United States of America. Dominion Museum. Preparations for New Museum. —The new Museum building will be completed in a year's time, and, after furnishing, will be ready for occupation. The work of the staff has accordingly been directed as much as possible towards the preparation of exhibits and labels suitable for the new showcases. The endeavour is to give an educational bias to the exhibits, and this has entailed a considerable amount of research for the compilation of labels. Descriptive labels are being prepared for all subjects, and it is hoped that at the time of the opening of the new Museum a sufficient number will be completed to make an adequate showing. The preparation of new labels has been made necessary, as the space to be occupied by the new building is much more extensive than in the old, where, indeed, only a portion of the specimens can be exhibited. For this reason, in some departments, it is necessary to obtain additional exhibits. Several fishes have been obtained locally and casts made, while efforts are being made to increase certain branches of the geological and botanical sections. Some Government Departments and private firms have been approached and have promised to assist as far as is in their power. In order to complete a programme adequate for opening the new Museum, however, it will be necessary to purchase and collect some additional specimens. In the case of certain sections of the Museum —namely, astronomy, oceanography, meteorology, and New Zealand history —the exhibition will be essentially by pictures, maps, and diagrams. Work in these departments is proceeding, mainly on account of gifts by the Wellington Harbour Board, the cost of preparation being derived from an amount of £225 allocated from the interest accrued on the donation to the Building Fund of the new Museum before it was transferred to the Trustees. In other departments the preparation of pictures is proceeding more slowly, as the Museum has no facilities for making photographic enlargements, nor any artist assistant for making diagrams. A considerable extension in the numbers of wall pictures and diagrams is, however, necessary if the Museum is to be adequately furnished on the opening-day. Collections. —Judging by the additions to the collections through gifts, it is apparent that public interest in the Museum is increasing ; and there can be little doubt that this is due to the fact that the new building is nearing completion. Among the Maori artifacts received by donation was an old historic greenstone mere presented by Mr. W. H. Tripe. Other donations of especial interest were a wakarapa or fishing trap presented by Mr. L. S. Mackie, an old wakakereru presented by Mrs. J. J. Clark, an old Maori paddle presented by Mr. J. H. E. Tilling, a specimen of the Kerguelen petrel (first record of the species in New Zealand) presented by Mr. H. A. Fraser, a number of fishes from Mr. A. Tait; also a rare shark, Acanthidium, from New Zealand Fisheries, Ltd., and a large sting-ray taken at Seatoun by Mr. L. E. Benge. Numerous specimens, photographic slides, and blocks, prepared in connection with his studies in coal and botany, have been presented by Mr. H. W. Lawton. Among the specimens received by exchange were bones of the giant birds of Madagascar (Aepyornis and others), useful for comparing with those of the moas, and a selection of Arctic species received from the Stockholm Museum. A specimen of the crab-eating seal which came ashore at Petone was acquired for the Museum. This is the fourth record of the species in New Zealand. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing.—The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged on the shelves is now 44,000. About 200 were sent for binding. In addition, over 400 volumes of the New Zealand Philatelic Society's collection of philatelic literature, housed in the library, have been catalogued, also about 200 MS. letters. The cataloguing of about 600 prints and sketches kept in Solander case's has been completed.

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Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. r- ; : —r; —\ —■—; ; —— tNumber. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 121 868,300 554 562,820 Foreign .. .. .. 360 2,679,390 1,136 1,203,900 481 3,547,690 1,690 1,766,720

H.—22.

Additions*. —About 244 volumes were added during the year, including 210 donated ; those added by purchase were continuations of sets. Donations: — Mrs. B. Hunter, Heretaunga —Water-colour sketch of the redoubt at Maketu, by H. M. Atcherley. Oxford University Press—" Supplement to the Oxford Dictionary." Australian Council for Educational Research, Melbourne—Education and Research Series, Nos. 24-32. Dr. F. A. Bett, Nelson —2 volumes containing a very representative collection of New Zealand's Queen's Head stamps (from first issue), all on original envelopes. A. T. Bothamley, Wellington —■" Stones of Venice," 3 volumes, large paper (1851, 1852, 1853), by John Ruskin. Mrs. W. 6. Mantell, pencil sketch by Frank Nairn. George Lambert, Wellington, Estate of—" Topographical Dictionary of England and Wales," 7 volumes. •» Mrs. Carroll, Wellington —The Australian and New Zealand Trade Register (1931-32), and several volumes of the New Zealand Trade Review, Nos. 11-34 (1884-1906) and 37-49 (1909-1922). Melanesian Mission Press, Guadalcanar —Several publications in native dialects. Mr. Philpott, Wellington —Illustrated London News, volumes 1867-1901 (28 volumes). Thomas Ralph—The Art Journal, 1891-1910 (14 volumes). Mrs. Hewitt, Karori —Diaries, sketches, &c., 12 volumes of William Simpson, special artist of Illustrated London News. Dr. Corkill, Wellington—" Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1835," by J. A. Froude (1881); " Thomas Carlyle, 1831-1881," by J. A. Froude (1882) ; " Thomas Carlyle," by M. D. Conway (1881) ; " Reminiscences," by Thomas Carlyle (1881); " Early Letters of Jane Welsh Carlyle " (1889); " Letters and Memorials of Jane Welsh Carlyle " (1883); Fors Clavigera, set of original numbers (1871-77) ; Ygdrasil, 1890-91 (a magazine containing writings by noted Victorians) ; Cassells Encyclopaedic Dictionary, 7 volumes. Mrs. Montague, Oamaru —Works of William Wordsworth (1832), 4 volumes. Mrs. Barkwith, Woodville —" The Empty Chair " (engraving of Charles Dickens's study). Brother George, Guadalcanar —Recent publications (in native dialects) of the Catholic Mission Press. Bertram G. Theobald, London —" Francis Bacon concealed and revealed " (1930) ; " Exit Shakespeare " (1931) ; " Enter Francis Bacon " (1932). James Laurenson, Khandallah —" Lowrie," by Joseph Gray (1933); " Shetland," by William MofEatt (1934). Mrs. W. Jenkins —Diary of her father-in-law, Robert Jenkins, Wesleyan Missionary (1863). Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., Otaki—" History of the Colonies of the British Empire," by R. M. Martin (1830). Mrs. R. Tait, Wellington —Odd volumes of the Edinburgh Review. New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers —Proceedings, 1933-4. G. F. Dixon, Wellington —Victoria University College Foundation Professors, Memorial (1934). J. A. Plimmer, Khandallah —List of buildings damaged in the Earthquake of 1848. A. P. Godber, Silverstream —Account of the Jubilee Pole at Otaki. J. C. Dickinson, Stockton-on-Tees, England—Two publications relating to bi-centenary of Captain James Cook. Percy J. Marks, Sydney —Order of Service in Memory of Rabbi Cohen. H. I. Priestley, University of California—Spain and Spanish America in the Libraries of the University. Bishop of Waiapu (H. W. Williams), Napier—" Grammar of the Kiwai Language," by Sidney H. Ray (1932); " Grammar of the Language of Edugaura," by John Arnold (1931). Union Steamship Co., Wellington—" The British Shipping Crisis," by Hon. Alexander Shaw (1934). H. A. Swarbrick, Te Awamutu—" Early History of the Parish of St. John's " (1934). University of Washington Library, Seattle —" Introduction to some Problems of Australian Federation," by Kenneth 0. Warner (1933). A. W. Reed, Wellington —" The Coming of the Maori " (1934) ;" A White Boy among the Maoris " (1934). New Zealand Sheep-breeders' Association, Christchurch —New Zealand Flock Book, Vol. 30. Corriedale Sheep Society, Christchurch —Flock Book, Vol. 11. H. Lundius, Wellington—" Om Skogsodling," by G. von Paykull; "Om Sverigs Skogar, by J. F. Nordwall (1902) ; " Lidantets Jordevandring, 1884," by Carmen Sylva. L. 0. Tripp, Wellington —" Sanscrit Grammar in German, 1827," by Frances Bopp. Miss M. M. Macdonald, Wellington —Official Record of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, 1926.

* These 244 volumes do not include the upward of 200 volumes secured as donations by Mr. Taylor and in part listed at the end of this report.

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H.—22.

Randolph G. Adams, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor—" The Whys and Wherefores of the William L. Clements Library " (1932). F. M. Leckie, Heretaunga—" Early History of Wellington College." Cawthron Institute, Nelson—Cawthron Lecture for 1934, by F. Milner, C.M.G., and several reprints from the New Zealand Journal of Science and Technology. Mrs. Kerr, Wellington—" Morceaux Choisis," by F. M. Ronan (1847); European Magazine, 1817 ; three Tasmanian Almanacs, 1833, 1835, 1850. Mrs. Rounthwaite, Lyall Bay—" Law in relation to Engineering," by Frame Thomson (1913) ; " The Principles of Accountancy in relation to Engineering," by Frame Thomson (1912). Miss E. Hodgkinson, Invercargill—" A Handful of New Zealand Verse," by E. Hodgkinson (1935) ; " Under the Longwoods," by E. Hodgkinson (1913). Miss Thorp, Wellington —Typed copies of three letters from James Busby to Joshua Thorp. F. A. de la Mare, Hamilton—" Academic Freedom in New Zealand." A. H. Gibson —Ngaio long ago; Johannes Andersen, Wellington —" Premier Voyage autour du Monde "by Pigafetta (1801); Bishop Museum Bulletins (Report of Directors for 1933, 1934) ; " Mangaian Society," by Te Rangi Hiroa (1934); " Keats's Craftmanship," by M. R. Ridley (1933); " Melanesian Design" (2 volumes), by Gladys A. Reichart, 1932-33; " The Ayar Incas " (2 volumes), by Miles Poindexter (1930); "The Elfin Doll," by J. C. Andersen (1934); "Maori Music," by J. C. Andersen (1934). The thanks of the Government are due to the donors of these volumes, pictures, and manuscripts. Readers and Students.—Sixty-two new readers' permits were issued, and students have been working in the library throughout the year, day and evening, as before. Subjects studied were —Maori mythology, history of Samoa, Antarctic exploration, provincial and district histories, biographies of New Zealand statesmen. The English-literature section has proved useful to readers who have at time been unable to consult or obtain the material sought elsewhere in the Dominion. Students included numbers from the other centres in New Zealand. A considerable amount of correspondence has taken place with writers in England engaged on books on Omar Khayyam, and Charles Brown the friend of Keats, and with libraries in America regarding Browning material. Journals, <&c.,for copying.—Original journals of settlers and others have been received in sufficient quantity to keep two typistes constantly at work copying them and other manuscript material lent for the purpose. Whilst original documents are desirable, -typed copies give the same information, and are easier to read. These documents throw. much light on many phases of early history of the country, and are invaluable as furnishing a background for historians and atmosphere for writers of fiction. Visitors. —Over 900 visitors were shown over the library, as against 850 the previous year. Correspondence.—lnward and outward correspondence numbered about 2,100 letters. Endowment.—The Mitchell Library has a very considerable endowment fund, which enables it to spend several thousands every year not only in securing all current publications in or on Australia and New Zealand, but also in purchasing manuscripts and objects of historic interest, so enabling a fine bequest to be maintained and added to. The Turnbull Library has no endowment, but is dependent on a year-by-year vote by Parliament. Recognizing the great benefit an endowment would be, Mr. George Shirtclifie, of Wellington, for himself and his wife, during the year made a donation of £100 as a nucleus for such an endowment, the principal to be set aside, and the interest used for the purchase of books or manuscripts or other objects on the lines of the collection left by the late Alexander Turnbull. Mr. Shirtclifle's generosity is greatly appreciated, and it is hoped others may be induced to add to this nucleus from time to time. Its benefit will be evident; it will ensure a fixed and known amount being available year by year. Visit abroad of Mr. C. R. H. Taylor, Assistant Librarian. —During the year the assistant librarian, having been awarded a Library Fellowship by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, travelled in England, America, and the Continent studying library method, principally in specialized libraries there. Details of the results of this tour have been incorporated in a special report, but. it appears desirable here to record, on behalf of Mr. Taylor as much as of the library, appreciation of the generosity of the Carnegie Corporation which made the project possible. At the same time, thanks are due to the many institutions and officials encountered for their ready help at every point, and, moreover, for their generosity in presenting valuable publications to the library. Not only are these documents valuable monetarily, but their bibliographic worth is no less to be stressed, and, in addition, they strengthen a collection of such material that is even now second to none in New Zealand. The following is a list of donors of books, pamphlets, &c., to whom the Library is indebted for these desirable acquisitions, and thanks are accorded with all sincerity : — Library of Congress, Washington. —Complete set of reports, 1897-1933 ; Thatcher Catalogue of Incunabula, 1915-31 ; A. L. A. Portrait Index (1906); History of Library of Congress (1904); List of Subject Headings (1928); Set of L. C. Classification Schedules, 1915-27 ; Hubbard Catalogue of Engravings (1905) ; many valuable pamphlets on cataloguing, exhibits, &c.

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New York Public Library, New York.—Bibliography of Thomas Holcroft (1922); The Illustrated Book (1919) ; Illustrated Books of Four Centuries (1920) ; A List of Mediaeval Manuscripts (1930) ; A Thirteenth Century Illuminated Manuscript (1928) ; A Manuscript of Valerius Maximus (1929) ; " The Pilgrimage of the Soul," Manuscript (1928); The Tickill Psalter (1932); The Landevennic Gospels (1929) ; Livre du petit Artus (1928); The Photostat in Reference Work (1925); Works relating to Lycanthropy (1920); " Berlin and the Prussian Court in 1798 " (1916) ; The Plates of the Winthrop Books (1918); " Behind the Magicians Curtain " (1928) ; Macpherson's Ossian and The Ossianic Controversy (1926) ; A Work-book of Ben. Franklin (1930); The Pitcairn Bible (1934) ; The Hornbook (1927) ; The Spencer Collection of Illustrated books (1928); Catalogue of Shakespeareana (1916); Variant Copies of Poliphilus (1932); Deterioration in Book Materials (1929) ; Catalogue of the Lenox Library (1880); The Columbus Letter (1892) ; The Manuscript Divisions (1915) ; " The Librarian himself," (1916); " The Love of the Library " (1923); An Article of Faith (1919); Herman Melville Family Correspondence (1929); Annual report, 1933. Elmer Adler, Pynson Printers, New York. —The Colophon (Parts 9-16); "Decorative Work of T. M. Cleland " (1929) ; Examples of fine printing. Melbert Carey, Continental Typefounders Co., N.Y.—Examples of fine printing. American Anderson Galleries, New York.—Series of catalogues, past and current. Pierpont Morgan Library, New York.—Collected reports, 1924-29. Carl Pjorzheimer (Private Library) New York. —"Catalogue of Shelley Letters" (1927). New York State Library, Albany.—Many pamphlets on library science. Douglas C. McMurtrie, Lxidlow Typograpli Co., Chicago.—" Dutch Claims to the Invention of Printing" (1928); "Pacific Typograph Society" (1928); " Jotham Meeker, Pioneer Printer of Kansas " (1930) ; " The First Printing in Alberta " (1932) ; " The Earliest British Columbia Imprint " (1931) ; " The First Printing in British Columbia " (1929) ; " The First Printing in Ceylon " (1931) ; " The First Printing in Dominica " (1932) ; " The Pioneer Printing Press of Madagascar " (1933) ; " The Early French Press in Manitoba " (1932) ; " The First Printing in Manitoba " (1931) ; " Beginnings of Printing in the Middle West " (1930) ; A Memorial printed by Fleury Mesplet (1929) ; " The First Printing in Nova Scotia " (1930) " The First Printing at St. Helena " (1933) ; " The Printing Press Moves Westward " (1934) ; " Massachusetts Broadsides of 1711 " (1934) ; " Pioneer Printing in Minnesota " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in New York " (1933) ; " Pioneer Printing in Mississippi " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in Rhode Island " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in Tennessee " (1931) ; " Pioneer Printing in Maine " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in California " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in Illinois " (1931) ; " Pioneer Printing in Nebraska " (1932) ; " Pioneer Printing in Maryland " (1932) ; "Pioneer Printing in North Carolina" (1932); " Pioneer Printing in Iowa" (1932); " Introduction of Printing into South Africa " (1932) ; " Curfew Law was first Printing in Australia " (1932) ; " A Century of Progress in the Graphic Arts " (1933) ; Specimen Book of Types ; also forty-two pamphlets on type and printing generally. Newberry Library, Chicago. —Catalogue of Fifteenth Century Books in Chicago (1933) ; "Materials for the Study of English Drama " (1912); " Narratives of Indian Captivity," 1912-28; " The Arthurian Legend" (1933) ; English Poetry (2 parts), 1918-20; " Religions " (1925) ; Book Arts (2 parts), 1919-20 ; " American Revolutionary War Pamphlets " (1922) ; Books in English before 1641 (1923) ; " Philosophy " (1922) ; Manuscript Maps (1927) ; Books by Aldus Manutius (1933) ; " Asa Wilcox Book of Figures " (1918). Kleerfect Paper Co., Chicago.—" The Old Masters of Printing " (1934). Cuneo Press, Chicago.—" From Gutenberg to the Cuneo Press " (1934). John Howell, Bookseller.—" R. L. Stevenson Baby Book " (1922). Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass. —" Catalogue of the Browning Society " (1897); Series of Publication " More Books." Harvard University Library, Boston, Mass. —" Library Handbook of Harvard " (1934). Rosenbach Co., Philadelphia, Pa.—Rare Book Catalogues, 1931-33 ; Books and Bidders (1927). J. J. Hill Reference Library, St. Paul, Minn. —Notes on cataloguing MS., maps, &c. Edward F. Stevens, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn. —" The Warden " (1932); Reports and pamphlets on Library Service ; " Fifty Best Books " (1932) ; " The Alcove " (1933). American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.—Annual Reports of the Library, 1932-3. W. S. Mason, Private Library, Evanston, 111. — Franklin facsimile (letter on New Zealand), 1773 ; " Franklin Monographs —Political Theories " (1928) ; " Vocabulary " (1928) ; Postmaster-General (1928) ; " Economic Views " (1928) ; " Project of Universal Peace " (1922) ; " The Way to Wealth " (1922) ; " Franklin and Galloway " (1925). W. L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Mich. —" The Papers of Lord Germain " (1928) ; " Notes on George Washington " (1931-32) ; " The Death of Wolfe " (1928) ; Henry Clinton Maps (1928) ; " Census of Hariots Virginia " (1931) ; " Report on the Vaughan Papers " (1929) ; " Facsimiles and Forgeries " (1934) ; " Franklin's Proposals " (1927) ; "De Contemptu Mondi " (1929). Edwin Grabhorn, Printer, San Francisco. —" The Plantin-Moretus Museum " (1929).

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John Henry Nash, Printer, San Francisco. —"A Morris Keepsake" (1927); "A Franklin Keepsake " (1924) ; " Laudes Virgilianae " (1930) ; " The 19th Psalm of David " (1930) ; " The William Morris Centenary " (1934) ; " The Lighthouse " (1934) ; Examples of fine printing. Huntington Library, San Marino, California. —Annual Reports, 1927-33 ; Handbook of Art Collections (1934); " Tudor Drama " (1933); Report on Exhibitions (1933); "George Washington Exhibit" (1932) ; " Medical Knowledge in Tudor England " (1932) ; " Rare Newspapers and their Precursors " (1931) ; " California History " (1933). Mrs. G. Madison Millard, Pasadena, Col.— " A William Morris Exhibition " (1934) ; " T. J. Cobden-Sanderson " (1934). Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver. —" Jubilee History of British Columbia " (1927) ; Report of North-west Library Conference (1933). British Columbia University Library, Vancouver. —" Libraries in Canada " (1933). E. Zaehnsdorf, Bookbinder, London. —Set of Alexander Turnbull armorial dies. K. Sisam, Oxford University Press, Oxford. —Robert Bridges Poems (1932). Bodleian Library, Oxford. —Pamphlets on library organization. John Rylands Library, Manchester. —"Stepping Stones to the Art of Typography" (1928); " The Art of Reading " (1929) ; " Rules for the Cataloguing of Incunabula " (1932) ; " Beginnings of Book Illustration " (1933). Lincoln Cathedral Library.—" Catalogue of Incunabula " (1925) ; " Reproductions of Printers' Marks." Newcastle Public Library, Newcastle.—" Local History Catalogue " (1932) ; " Catalogue of Bewick Collection " (1904). Public Library, Edinburgh. —Examples of Binding Materials and Methods; Maps of Edinburgh (1932) ; West Indian Libraries Report, 1934 ; American Libraries Report, 1926. Mitchell Library, Glasgow. —Catalogue, 1915-29 (1929). Marsh's Library, Dublin.—" Catalogue of French Books " (1918) ; " Account of Marsh's Library " (1926) ; " English Books before 1641 " (1905). International Institute of Intellectual Co-operation, Paris.—" School Text-book Revision " (1933) ; " The International Co-ordination of Libraries " (1928) ; " Guide des Services Nationaux de Renseignements" (1933) ; " International Code of Abbreviations of Periodicals" (1930). Deutsche Bucherei, Leipzig.—" Das Deutsche Museum fur Buch und Schrift" (1934) ; " Dorfliches Leben " (1934). Bauerische Gisserei, FranJcfurt-am-Main. —Many examples of fine printing, and type catalogues. The foregoing shows how fruitful Mr. Taylor's visit has been not only in the matter of added volumes and new useful contacts, but also in knowledge that will be available in the future for the benefit of the Library ; and, so far as the administration of the Library and the direction of its activities are concerned, I have every hope and confidence. Conclusion. I desire to express my appreciation of the exceedingly willing and efficient service rendered to me by officers of the Department at all times. I have also to acknowledge with gratitude the valuable assistance rendered by other Government Departments.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing 485 copies), £25 10s.

By Authority: Gr. H. LiQNEY, Government Printer, Wellington. —1935.

Price 0(1.]

18