DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1936.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1936 Session I, H-22

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1936. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1936.

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

Sin, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 13th August, 1936. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1936. I have, &c., The Hon. W. E. Parry, J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT,

Local Government. Counties. —Six 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 forty-one County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply were conferred on the Waipa County Council. The time for the preparation of the valuation roll of mining property in the Grey County was extended. The Counties Conference was held in Wellington on the 28th and 29th August, 1935. A number of resolutions were passed recommending alteration in the law relating to county government. Representatives of the Department, as usual, were present at the Conference. Matakaoa County : The close contact established with the County Commissioner in connection with the administration of the Matakaoa County was maintained during the year, and he made regular reports thereon to the Department. Further substantial progress towards restoration of the financial position of the county was made. A tour of inspection of the county was made by an officer of the Department in company with the County Commissioner. One meeting of the committee representing the principal local creditors of the county was held, the Commissioner attending this meeting. Boroughs. —The boundaries of the Borough of Eastbourne were altered by the inclusion of lands therein ; and lands were excluded from the Borough of Motueka. The Taumarunui Borough Council passed a special order reducing the number of councillors from nine to seven. The Wellington City Council was authorized to expend sums totalling £11,797, from the compensation-moneys held under the Thorndon Reclamation Act, 1921-22, for the purpose of providing additional bathing facilities in Wellington City. The scope of investment of Depreciation Funds and Reserve Funds was extended so as to include securities of the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand. The annual Municipal Conference was held in Napier on the 4th and sth March, 1936. The Conference was opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs, when an address was given relating to certain aspects of the Government's policy as more particularly applied to local government. Subsequently, by request, the Minister repeated to the Conference an address which he had given as Chairman of the Centenary Conference at Wellington on the 2nd March, 1936. As usual, the Department was represented throughout the whole of the proceedings of the Municipal Conference. Thames Borough : Close contact was again maintained with the Thames Borough Commissioner in connection with the administration of the Borough of Thames. Four quarterly reports were received from him and necessary action taken thereon. It js pleasing to record the further progress made towards restoring Thames to normal financial conditions. Thames Harbour Board. —An important conference respecting the future administration of the Thames Harbour District was held in Wellington on the 17th and 18th September, 1935. This I—H. 22.

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Conference was presided over by the then Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. Sir Alexander Young) and was attended by representatives of the principal Government Departments, local authorities, and financial organizations interested in the welfare of Thames. Proposals were made to the Conference for amalgamation of the administration of Thames Harbour District with that of the Thames Borough, but, as no agreement could be reached on conflicting financial aspects of the proposals, no practical results were achieved. The question of bringing about that amalgamation was subsequently again raised and was under consideration at the close of the year. Meanwhile, 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. Town Districts. —The Norsewood Town District was merged in the Dannevirke County. Road Districts.—The Kenepuru Road District, in the Sounds County, was constituted, and the necessary arrangements made for the first election and first meeting of the Board thereof. Arrangements were also made for the first election and first meeting of the Board of the French Pass Road District, which had been constituted during the preceding year. The Akaroa-Wainui and the Coldstream Road Districts were respectively merged in the Akaroa and Ashburton Counties. River Districts. —An extension of time was granted for holding the election of members of four River Boards. Results of the election of members of several River Boards were gazetted in accordance with law Land Drainage Districts.—A petition for the constitution of the Mangaorongo Drainage District, in the Otorohanga County, was declined. The Woodlands Drainage District, in the Waikato and Piako Counties, was abolished. Three alterations of boundaries of Drainage Districts were made. Results of the election of members of several Drainage Boards were gazetted in accordance with law. Urban Farm-land Rating. —Several further farm-land rolls were prepared. Assessment Courts were set up for three boroughs, four town districts, and one road district. Judges of Assessment Courts were appointed for two town districts and one road district. Local Elections and Polls.—The time for closing polls was extended in two cases. Minor irregular proceedings in respect of a loan poll by the Grey Electric-power Board were validated. The triennial general election of members of Borough Councils, County Councils, and River Boards was held on the Bth May, 1935. This involved consequential elections of members of Electric-power Boards, Harbour Boards, and Hospital Boards. This was the first step in carrying into effect the scheme contemplated by the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1934—35, of holding all local-body elections on the same day. By-laws of Local Bodies. —The by-laws of two local bodies were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. ' Public Bodies' Leases Act. —The Oamaxu Borough Council was declared a leasing authority under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. Designation of Districts. —The name " Mangamuka Bridge " was assigned to a locality in the Hokianga County. Legislation. Urban Farm-land Rating Amendment Act, 1935. —This Act provides that the special rateable value of any property is not at any time to exceed the ordinary rateable value of that property ; provides for a refund of rates which have been overpaid through a ratepayer obtaining a special rateable value under the Urban Farm-land Rating Act, 1932 ; makes it clear that special rateable values for properties which are situated outside a borough through exclusion from the borough are to be used for rating purposes by only the Borough Council that is still rating the excluded properties ; and provides that after the preparation of a farm-land roll no property under 3 acres in area can be added to that roll unless, at the time of the preparation of the roll, it was actually urban farm-land. Rating Amendment Act, 1935. —This Act amends section 79 (6) of the Rating Act, 1925, by providing that, when the proceeds from the sale of lands for non-payment of rates are being apportioned, local authorities may share in the apportionment in respect of any unpaid rates, whether or not the rates are protected by judgment or statute-barred. The position created by the judgments of the Supreme Court in Hewlett v. Kelly and others (1935, G.L.R. 495 ; 1935, N.Z.L.R. 170), and the Mount Albert Borough v. Registrar of the Supreme Court (1935, N.Z.L.R. 807) is thus overcome. The Act also validates all classification lists for land-drainage and river-protection purposes previously used, or in actual use at the passing of the Act, by Land Drainage Boards, River Boards, ancl County Councils, and provides that a separate classification list must be prepared or expressly adopted by any such local authority for the purposes of the special rate for any future loan raised by it. The position created by the judgment of the Supreme Court in Lower Mangapiko Drainage Board v. Public Trustee (1935, G.L.R. 670 ; 1935, N.Z.L.R. 789) is thus overcome. Housing Survey Act, 1935. —This Act requires certain Borough Councils, Town Boards, and Road Boards to make housing surveys within their respective districts, preparatory to the inauguration of a Dominion housing scheme. Finance Act (No. 2), 1935. —Section 21 validated expenditure by local authorities in connection with the celebration or commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty King George the Fifth, or public functions of welcome to Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Viscount Galway and La.dy Galway. Local Legislation Act, 1935. —The usual Local Legislation Act contained forty-three sections affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts. —Eighteen 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 those Bills. All those Bills were passed into law, several being amended.

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Town-planning. There was a noticeable increase in town-planning activities during the year. The statutory period for the preparation and submission of town-planning schemes by Borough Councils and certain other local authorities is fixed as the Ist January, 1937, and the information before the Department showed that a number of the local authorities are taking steps to have their schemes prepared and submitted by due date. This factor alone entailed a good deal of correspondence and other work for the Department. Two meetings of the Town-planning Board were held, and the Committee appointed to consider and report on individual schemes also met on a number of occasions. Mr. J. W. A. Heenan, LL.B., was appointed a member of the Board to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Malcolm Fraser. The Timaru Borough town-planning scheme was provisionally approved by the Board, after which it was deposited and advertised in accordance with statutory requirements. The City of Christchurch town-planning scheme was further considered by the Board, and, although correspondence thereon was taking place with the Christchurch City Council, it had not reached the stage where provisional approval could be given. Schemes were received from the Dannevirke Borough Council and Papatoetoe Town Board, and certain progress was made thereon. Three appeals were received under section 34 of the Town-planning Act, 1926, and the necessary action for the consideration of them by the Board was under way. Death of His Majesty King George V. Profound sorrow was caused throughout the Dominion on receipt of the news of His Majesty the King's death on 21st January. Appropriate action was immediately taken by this Department to advise local authorities of the procedure to be followed in connection with the arrangements for a period of mourning. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was proclaimed King on the 23rd January, His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Galway, G.C.M.G., D.5.0., 0.8. E., reading the Proclamation of Accession from the steps of Parliament Buildings before a very large gathering of the public. The Proclamation was also read at the same time by the Mayors and Chairmen of Counties, Town Boards, and Road Boards at the different centres throughout the Dominion. New Zealand's Centennial. Although New Zealand's Centennial does not fall due until 1940, some preliminary action has already been taken by the Government to prepare for this important event. Early in March a conference of Mayors of the main centres, as well as of cities and boroughs which were old provincial capitals, was called by the Hon. W. E. Parry (Minister of Internal Affairs) to lay before a representative gathering, tentative ideas and to obtain views of the local government representatives as to the nature of the celebrations intended. As result, a National Centennial Committee, with the Minister as Chairman, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, and the Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedm, and the heads of the Departments of Internal Affairs and Industries and Commerce, was set up to assist in the formation of a policy for the whole Dominion and to report back to the Government within three months, in order to enable it to gain an idea of what finance and organization would be required. Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. Birds. —It is pleasing to note the ever-increasing public interest in our native birds. There is definite evidence that some species, particularly the tui and bell-bird, are on the increase. The planting of suitable trees by bird lovers is resulting in attracting birds to localities where they had not previously been observed for many years. Importations. —The ban placed on the importation of parrots and members of the parrot family from Australia, owing to pssitacosis (parrot fever) having been found in some parrots, is still in force, and has been extended to apply to birds coming from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Shooting-seasons. —Open shooting-seasons were declared for native and imported game in various acclimatization districts. There has been a good deal of discussion as to ways and means of conserving the grey duck and breeding and liberating ground birds to provide sport for the large numbers of shooters who are prepared to take out licenses, provided they have a chance of obtaining reasonable " Sanctuaries.—The list of sanctuaries under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22, is a lengthy one, and additions are made from time to time. During the year an area of 9,026 acres at Chatham Islands was added to the list. This is the first area in Chatham Islands to be declared a sanctuary, and the Department appreciates the steps which were taken by the owners of the property in bringing the matter under notice. Rotorua Acclimatization District. It is very gratifying to report that many overseas and New Zealand visitors to the district have expressed their appreciation of the Department's efforts to maintain the high standard of fishing which is to be had. Many anglers visited the district for the first time, and there were many overseas sportsmen who paid their annual visit. _ Fisheries— Owing to most unseasonable summer weather, fishing at times difficult. While the number of fish taken was less than the previous year, the condition was maintained, and

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anglers of experience have stated that they consider the condition of fish in Taupo was better than they had experienced since 1927. Specimens of fine-conditioned fish ranging between 81b. and II lb. were taken. Similar conditions applied to Lake Rotoiti, and one 14 lb. and one 13-J lb. fish were caught on the fly at Lake Okataina. Rotorua fish were up to the standard of last year, and a great improvement was shown in Lakes Tarawera and Okareka, the former fishing exceptionally well. Several large catches of young fish, averaging 31b., were reported from Waikaremoana. Brown trout up to 7 Ib. in weight were caught in the Waipunga River, a river which the Department has been stocking in recent years. The Bay of Plenty rivers were subject to floods during the year and comparatively little fishing was possible. Fry and Ova.—An exchange of 250,000 rainbow ova for 250,000 brown trout ova with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society was again arranged with satisfactory results. An attempt was made to collect ova in the Whitikau Stream, but again resulted in failure. Large runs of rainbow took place in the Waihukahuka Stream, a tributary of the Tongariro River, and from these fish sufficient ova was taken to fill all requirements, The total number of eggs collected was 7,719,000. Fry totalling 1,517,000 were liberated in Taupo waters ; 2,762,000 in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty waters, and 405,000 in Waikaremoana and Wairoa waters. A number of overseas orders for ova were supplied, but it has been decided to discontinue the sending of .ova outside New Zealand. Food-supplies for Trout.—This matter has been and is still the subject of investigation. Smelts are now well established in Lakes Okareka and Tarawera. In spite of difficulties of transport, fifty-one cans, each containing about five hundred smelts, were taken to Lake Taupo in March, and further lots will be taken there. Investigations as to koura in Lake Taupo are in progress. Culling of Fish. —The usual work of this nature was carried out during stripping operations, and 590 fish (306 males and 284 females) were destroyed. It has been decided to carry out netting operations in another tributary of the Tongariro River during the winter, with a view to culling out degenerate fish. All possible data will be collected from which no doubt an idea can be formed as to the proportion of degenerate fish and the policy which should be adopted in the future. Scientific Operations.—The annual mortality amongst toi toi in both Rotorua and Taupo waters, was very light, and mollusca was not affected. It is noted that when lower temperatures prevail the mortality is considerably less. The nematode worm was very seldom observed in trout taken from Taupo, and other lakes appear to be very free from the parasite except Lake Rotoehu and parts of Waikaremoana. Facilities for Anglers. —Much work was done on the motor-track down the Tongariro River, but floods continue to give trouble. Tracks were cleared to various fishing spots. The Department's huts at the camping-ground on the Tongariro River, were again available for renting by anglers. The Department is indebted to Wairakei Limited for allowing anglers access to the"Waikato River through its property. Camping-sites.—The Taupo district is very popular with campers, who also patronize other parts of the Rotorua Acclimatization District. Many of the sites used are outside the Department's jurisdiction, but the condition in which some sites are left is to be deplored. The litter gradually accumulates and is a veritable eye-sore. All the blame cannot be attributed to anglers, as there are many campers who do not fish. The Department makes an earnest appeal to anglers and campers generally to observe strict rules of tidiness and to dispose of all refuse before leaving. Quite apart from the litter being objectionable and distasteful to orderly campers, it detracts from the natural beauty of the spots. It behoves all campers to set a high standard and endeavour to create a very keen sense of appreciation in the minds of all as to the necessity for preserving the camping-sites in their natural state. Shags. —Ammunition was supplied to the Department's Rangers for the destruction of these birds in various parts of the district. The stomach contents were examined, and there was no evidence found that many trout were being taken. The shag is, however, the host of the nematode worm in trout, and this aspect weighs heavily with the Department in a policy of destroying the shags. Bonus was paid on 673 shags' heads. Bird Life. —Black teal have increased in numbers on Lake Rotoiti, but are not so plentiful at Hamurana, Rotorua. Korimako and tui appear to be on the increase, and can be seen in good numbers in the State forest plantations near Rotorua. The bush in the vicinity of Okataina and Rotoiti is well populated with tui, popokatea, tiwakawaka, tou-hou, and korimako, and the ruru has increased. There are large numbers of kereru in the Urewera Country, and kiwi are holding their own. Black swans have been seen in larger numbers than usual at Hamurana and are plentiful on the Whakaki Lagoon near Wairoa. Grey ducks are holding their own throughout the district, but any drainage of favoured swamps would result in a diminution of numbers of ducks. Pheasants.—Difficulty was experienced in securing pheasants, with the result that only 279 had been liberated, but inquiries were in progress regarding further supplies. Opossums. —An open trapping-season was declared, but only twelve licenses and three trappingpermits were taken out. Royalty was paid on 2,879 skins stamped at Rotorua and Wairoa. Deer. —Under the system of granting permits to enter the sanctuary at Waikaremoana to shoot deer, wild cattle, and wild pigs, 120 permits were issued. The returns received show that 277 deer, 13 wild pigs, and one wild beast were killed. The supply of ammunition at a cheap rate was continued, and 3,700 rounds were sold. Ranging and Prosecutions. —As the result of the activities of the departmental Rangers, prosecutions were taken against twenty-six persons. The fines amounted to £56 10s., in addition to the proceedsfrom sale of forfeited articles.

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Deer. Departmental Party Operations. As the result of departmental party operations, a total of 19,145 deer (Cervus etaphus) and 6 chamois (Rupicapra tragus) were killed, and 10,182 skins recovered during the period Ist June, 1935, to 31st March, 1936. It is also possible to fairly accurately forecast the final total results which will be obtained for the whole season, ending at 31st May, 1936, though the services of the majority of the men will be terminated early that month. It is estimated that these totals will reach approximately 23,500 deer killed and 11,500 skins recovered. Details of the operations in the various localities are as follows : — Marlborough.—lt having been found in previous years that winter operations could be very effectively conducted in certain valleys in Marlborough, this policy was again pursued with marked success. Advantage was taken of the seasonal " drift " of deer from their remote summer habitat into these sheltered valleys, where a high percentage of the deer population could be killed and almost all skins recovered. A total of 896 deer were killed and 800 skins recovered by a party of three men operating during the months of July, August, and September, 1935. Otago-Sout.h Canterbury.—The season proper, which commenced on 11th November, 1935, was devoted entirely to what has for many years been one of the main strongholds of red cleer in New Zealand, the main divide of the Southern Alps, from Mount Aspiring to the vicinity of Mount Cook, including on the eastern side, the whole of the water-sheds of Lakes Wanaka, Hawea, and Ohau, and the Ahuriri and Lindis Rivers and, on the western side, the whole of the watgr-sheds of the Turnbull, Okuru, and Haast Rivers, and the head basins of the Moeraki, Paringa, Otoko, and Mahitahi Rivers. Operations had been conducted in almost all parts of this area during previous seasons, but financial limitations imposed had precluded the possibility of operating simultaneously in all parts of the area. It had long been apparent that, to produce the highest possible degree of success, deer-destruction tactics must provide for operations in an area of this nature to be on a sufficiently comprehensive scale to permit of parties operating in all valleys at the same time between which the deer might pass when disturbed. Increased funds having been made available, this principle was put into operation, with the marked success indicated by the results obtained. It is significant that, although deer were, at the beginning of the season, considerably less numerous than at the beginning of the previous operations, greater numbers were killed. In South Westland, each of two seasons' previous operations resulted in less than five thousand being killed, while this season's forecasted total will reach approximately six thousand five hundred. Operations conducted in the Lake Hawea water-shed five seasons earlier resulted in 5,061 deer being killed, while this season's total will reach approximately five thousand seven hundred. A very pleasing feature of the season's work is the knowledge that, although marked progress had been made even by the small-scale operations of previous years, such big " kills " were obtained this season and such a high percentage of the previously surviving deer population has now been accounted for. In some portions of the area the country was almost entirely freed of deer, and over the whole area the deer have been reduced to such numbers that their future control and the cessation of spread is fully possible. There was noted further evidence that, as previously observed, many scattered deer had returned to their original " home forests," thus not only checking spread but actually extending the benefit of the operations beyond the areas worked. It is also gratifying to be able to report that, in several localities, a definite, though slight, improvement in the state of the forests was noted. In view of this fact, there is ample reason to believe that, although the forest in some areas hag suffered damage from which it will never recover, most of it can be saved if the present policy be vigorously pursued and future vigilance maintained. A striking feature of this season's operations is the fact that, although they embraced the most remote and mountainous country in New Zealand, the skins of over 50 per cent, of the deer killed were recovered, and the net cost of the undertaking has been materially reduced thereby. The run-holders in the area were, without exception, most helpful and enthusiastic over the results obtained. They were unanimous in expressing their approval of the comprehensive scale of the operations as they realized that deer which had temporarily escaped to neighbouring valleys would not survive to return later as was the case with the fast small-scale operations. Personnel of Parties. —Considerable difficulty was experienced in keeping the parties up to strength and, although plenty of inexperienced men were available, it was not possible to obtain sufficient men with the necessary experience or of the type capable of attaining to the standard required. The generally improved tone of the labour market resulted in suitable men, who would otherwise have been available, engaging in more congenial, and in some cases, better-paid occupations. The necessity for engaging a considerable number of comparatively inexperienced men increased the difficulties of the officer in charge and the head men and area supervisors, and great credit is due to them for the manner in which they trained these men and so directed their activities as to produce such splendid results. A pleasing feature of the season's work is the enthusiasm and energy displayed by the more capable men, who appeared to be inspired by the success of the operations to even greater efforts. In previous years many unsuccessful attempts have been made by members of departmental parties to bring their season's individual tally up to one thousand, but this season five men have reached this mark, while one has exceeded one thousand two hundred.

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Deer-skins. There is a very keen demand for deer-skins, and at times it has not been possible to fill orders. The total number of skins sold during the year was 7,847, and negotiations were in progress for the sale of remaining stocks. Private deer commercial hunters have also continued to save skins, and in many cases have sold them to the Department. Skins handled from this source numbered 1,601. Cheap Ammunition. The Department supplies -303 ammunition to commercial deer hunters and others desiring it for deer-destruction. It is also issued for use in destroying wild pigs and wild goats. The price is 10s. 6d. per hundred, plus freight. Deer Antlers, &c. This season antlers have been collected where possible, with a view to sending a supply overseas to test the market. It is not possible to save the antlers of any large proportion of the stags shot, owing to transport and other difficulties, and the price will have to be attractive if antlers are required in any quantity. Chamois and Thar. There is ample evidence to show that these animals are spreading in the South Island, and investigations have been made by officers of the Department. The animals were originally liberated in the Mount Cook region, and although in past seasons a few were shot by the departmental parties in other areas, it was evident that it was necessary in any campaign against the menace to pay special attention to the area which has been the source of increase and spread. Departmental parties will operate in the Mount Cook locality during the winter. Opossums. Open trapping-seasons were declared in twenty-four acclimatization districts. The number of skins stamped was 139,725, compared with 252,556 for the previous year. Naturalization. During the year 180 certificates of naturalization were granted, including four to persons naturalized (but within the limits of New Zealand only) under the provisions of previous Acts, and who took advantage of obtaining a certificate under the Act of 1928, so as to obtain 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. No certificates of naturalization were revoked. One prosecution was instituted for false declaration. A conviction was recorded and a fine of £10, in default six months' imprisonment, was imposed. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35, allows a woman, who was British prior to marrying an alien, and who has acquired the husband's nationality by reason of marriage, to make a declaration of desire to retain, while in NewZealand, the right of a British subject. Forty-three women made such a declaration. It confers the rights, but not the status, of a British subject, and is operative in New Zealand only. The Act also allows the wife of an alien becoming naturalized after the year 1934 to take her choice of acquiring British nationality. Previously, the wife automatically acquired British nationality. Thirty-six wives of naturalized aliens exercised their option in this direction. Passports. During the year 3,641 new passports were issued as compared with 3,383 last year, and with 2,245 for the year ended 31st March, 1934. Renewals for varying periods were granted to 721 passports, as compared with 724 last year, and 605 for the year ended 31st March, 1934. The noticeable increase of passports issued may be taken as an index of the recent improvement in economic conditions as compared with previous years. Visas were granted to thirty-eight aliens leaving New Zealand and requiring visas to facilitate their landing in other portions of the British Commonwealth. Although no prosecutions were instituted during the year, it was found necessary to recapture a passport which had been issued some years ago to an individual who has since been discovered to be of undesirable character and unfit to hold a passport. Land Agents and Auctioneers. Land Agents. Six hundred and ninety-one licenses were issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 660 licenses and 6 transfers for the previous year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and sixteen licenses were issued and 287 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 405 licenses and 262 changes of endorsement for the previous year.

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Chartered Clubs. The total number of clubs remains at forty-six, and no new club charter has been granted since the year 1908. From reports furnished by the Inspectors of Chartered Clubs, the indications are that all the clubs which hold charters under the Licensing Act, 1908, are being properly conducted and are carrying out the conditions upon which their charters were granted. It was not found necessary to take proceedings against any club during the year. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Nine warrants were issued authorizing the export of articles made according to ancient Maori methods. Authority was granted in eight instances for the export of various articles of the souvenir type and of modern make, and not therefore coming within the scope of the Act. Advertising Office. The work in this section of the Department continues to expand ; it being found necessary to strengthen the cutting staff during the year to meet the increasing demand for press clippings. Accounts. —Advertising accounts recorded, checked, and certified in the Office during the year approximated 10,990, an increase of 1,560 on the previous year's vouchers —viz., 9,430. Yearly Expenditure. —The total expenditure for Government advertising for all Departments during the year under review amounted to £27,807 3s. 7d. as compared with £23,802 Is. 3d. for the financial year ended 31st March, 1935. Cuttings.—Press clippings supplied to Ministers and Departments were again in excess of the number handled during the previous year, approximating 1,800 to 2,200 weekly. Distinguished Visitors. During the year, thirty-two distinguished visitors from other countries were the recipients of Government privileges and hospitality, among them being Lord Barnby, of England; General Evangeline Booth, of the Salvation Army ; General Sir C. N. MacMullen, General Officer Comma,nding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, India ; Hon. R. S. Vincent, Minister of Forestry, New South Wales ; Right Hon. J. Lyons, Prime Minister of Australia ; Hon. R. L. Butler, Prime Minister of South Australia ; Hon. G. L. Goudie and members of the Victorian Delegation ; the Japanese Goodwill Mission ; Hon. M. P. Hynes ; Mr. F. M. B. Fisher ; Dr. Kagawa ; Sir Maurice Hankey ; and Senator Pearce. The visit of His Excellency Mr. K. Debuchi, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary, and other members of the Japanese Goodwill Mission, was one of the notable events which took place during the year. During their stay in the Dominion the members of the Mission were afforded the opportunity of meeting members of all the principal Chambers of Commerce and local authorities, and visits were made to all the principal towns and scenic resorts. It has been stated that the Ambassador was most impressed with the reception and treatment accorded the Mission throughout New Zealand. One of the features of the year was the number of warships which paid visits to New Zealand, there being nine ships in New Zealand waters at various times. The Australian Squadron, which was comprised of the cruisers " Canberra " and " Sussex " and the destroyers " Stuart," " Voyager," and " Vendetta " stayed in New Zealand waters for a period of three weeks, while the Japanese trainingcruisers " Yaku'mu " and " Asama " were at New Zealand ports for six days. The French sloop " Amiral Charner " and the Japanese training-ship " Shintoku Maru " also paid short visits to New Zealand. Government hospitality was extended to the officers and men of all these ships during their stay at New Zealand ports, and the thanks of the Department are due to the various civic authorities and organizations for the manner in which they helped to make the visits as pleasant as possible for both officers and men. I also desire to take this opportunity of expressing my cordial thanks and appreciation to all Government Departments for their able and courteous assistance in enabling this Department to carry out the Government's policy of entertaining distinguished visitors. War Graves. New Zealand. —The number of notifications of deaths of returned soldiers received by the Department was 542, of which 111 were accepted as war graves—i.e., that the cause of death in these cases was attributable to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service. The total number of war graves in New Zealand at the close of the year was 3,047. Temporary crosses to mark the graves, until such time as the soldiers' headstones are erected, were placed on 248 graves, and headstones to the number of eighty-six were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the soldiers' cemeteries at Hokitika ; Anderson's Bay, Dunedin ; Karori, Wellington ; Kelvin Grove, Palmerston. North ; and Bromley, Christchurch ; whilst a large number of graves in Karori, Bromley, Linwood, Sydenham, Anderson's Bay, O'Neill's Point, Waikumete, and Ashburton Cemeteries were renovated. All soldiers' graves continue to be suitably maintained under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Veterans' graves also continue to be attended to. In addition to those previously dealt with, further graves at Ngaruawahia, St. Mary's Churchyard, and Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth, were put in order, whilst a memorial was also erected at Tatohoata to the Native Auxiliaries who lost their lives in the attack on Orangikawa Pa in the Urewera Country in May, 1869,

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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. Of the 559 patriotic societies in existence at the 31st March, 1919, there are now only fifty-four in operation. The following figures summarize the balance of their funds as taken from the latest annual statements received :— £ s. d. Twenty-seven incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 451,704 18 7 Twelve unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. 7,928 16 8 Seven Red Cross organizations .. .. . . . . 95,300 8 1 Three Blind Soldiers'and Veterans' Homes Funds .. .. 70,218 410 Six Returned Soldiers' Clubs (one being subsidiary to an incorporated society) .. .. .. .'. .. .. 28,355 17 8 653,508 5 10 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 110,952 2 7 £764,460 8 5 This total comprises advances to soldiers (the greater portion of which will eventually be written off as grants), farm property (Flock House), Red Cross and Veterans' Homes ; other fixed assets and special funds ; so that approximately 50 per cent, is represented by investments readily convertible into liquid funds. A perusal of various annual reports show that the calls made upon the funds are still fully maintained, and that the general policy of the trustees in conserving ample funds for later needs has been justified by experience. Totalizator Inspection. A representative of the Department was present at each totalizator race meeting. A new electric totalizator of the barometer type has been installed by the Canterbury Jockey Club, and at a number of meetings a manual type of barometer machine has been in use. Another type of totalizator which has been used shows both the investments on the respective horses and expectant dividends. There has been a tendency towards a return to the " Win and Place " system of investment. Raffles. Eight hundred and twenty-two licenses under authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these, 530 were for works of art, 281 for small amounts of alluvial gold, 2 for alluvial gold to the value of £1,000 in aid of the funds of the Territorial Force Associations in the Wellington and Canterbury Districts respectively, and 9 for alluvial gold valued at £5,000, principally for the relief of distress. The following table shows the results of the £5,000 gold art unions : —

Of the net profits, £4 f 1,725 was distributed for the relief of distress through the various lfiayoral' or other recognized relief funds throughout the Dominion, making a total of £180,000 set aside for that purpose during the past three years and a half. Fire Brigades Act, 1926. The area of the Borough of Morrinsyille was declared to be a fire district under the Fire Brigades Act, 1926. A joint application from the Boroughs of St. Kilda and Green Island for the merging of the respective borough areas with the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire District was approved, and was given effect to as from the 31st March last. This fire district now comprises the areas of the City of Dunedin and of the Boroughs of Mosgiel and St. Kilda and Green Island. The number of Fire Boards now operating stands at 54.

8

License No. and Name. Gross Sales. Expenses. Prizes. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. Net Profit. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 40. My Turn of Luck .. 17,764 17 6 2,664 14 8 2,817 19 2 5,000 7,282 3 8 1,776 9 9 5 505 13 11 41. Golden Treasure .. 15,706 5 0 2,355 18 9 2,761 1 5 5,000 5,589 4 10 1,570 12 6 4,018 12 4 42. Lucky Black Cat .. 17,489 17 6 2,623 9 8 2,927 3 8 5,000 6,939 4 2 1,748 19 9 ō!l90 4 5 43. Happy Thought .. J6,379 2 6 2,456 17 5 2,920 8 1 5,000 6,001 17 0 1,637 18 3 18 9 44. Better Prizes .. 16,785 0 0 2,517 15 0 2,959 15 3 5,000 6,307 9 9 1,678 10 0 4 628 19 9 45. Lots of Luck .. 17,097 12 6 2,564 12 11 2,872 0 11 5,000 6,660 18 8 1,709 15 3 4'951 3 5 46. My Good Fortune .. 18,072 5 0 2,710 16 9 2,949 4 0 5,000 7,412 4 3 1,807 4 6 5,604 19 9 47. Lucky New Year .. v 19,771 5 0 2,965 13 9 2,946 9 2 5,000 8,859 2 1 1,977 2 6 6 881 19 7 48. Leap Year .. J.8,696 5 0 2,804 8 9 2,921 18 8 »-5,000 7,969 17 7 1,869 12 6 6,100 5 1 Totals .. 157,762 10 0 23,664 7 8 26,076 0 4 45,000 63,022 2 0 15 776 5 0 47 ?45 17 0 .-k_. / t 7

9

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Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Licenses.—lmportation licenses were as follows : Gelignite, 417,050 lb.; Polar gelignite, 225,000 lb.; blasting-gelatine, 4,250 lb. ; Polar blasting-gelatine, 23,750 lb. ; gelatine dynamite, 7,800 lb. ; Polar gelatine dynamite, 52,500 lb. ; samsonite, 186,400 lb. ; Polar samsonite, 77,200 lb. ; A2 monobel, 281,4001b.; quarry monobel, 10,0001b.; blasting-powder, 51,8751b.; blasting-pellets, 33,7501b.; sporting powder, 36,132 lb. ; detonators, 1,440,000 ; E.D. fuses, 456,000 ; fireworks, 50,827 lb. Other licenses were (corresponding figures for previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 215 (224) ; sale, 596 (584) ; storage, 390 (387). Examination of Explosives.—Examination of all shipments of explosives has been carried on. as in past years. No serious trouble has been experienced in this connection, but it has been noted that some shipments from England still show a proportion of damp cases, though to nothing like the same extent as was found with the " Port Hardy " and " Port Huon " consignments some years ago, when the explosives were badly affected. With a view to throwing some light on the subject, the Department is arranging to obtain certain data on the conditions in the ship's hold during the voyage. Low-freezing Explosives.—lt will be noted that a considerable proportion of the gelatinous explosives imported during the year are of the " Polar "or low-freezing type. The probability of a change-over to this class of explosive was indicated in the last annual report. The tests of these explosives referred to in that report proved completely satisfactory in all respects, the explosives stood exposure to winter temperatures in the southern portions of the South Island without any sign of freezing or decrease in efficiency. It has now been decided that all gelatinous explosives imported into New Zealand will in future be of the low-freezing type. Following the procedure adopted in Great Britain, the replacement of ordinary gelatines by the low-freezing ones will be effected gradually so as to avoid any inconvenience to industries using explosives. It is anticipated that practically the whole supply available to users during the coming winter will be of the " Polar " type. It was indicated in the last annual report that the price of low-freezing explosives would probably be slightly higher than that of the ordinary type. Arrangements were, however, made by 1.C.1, of Australia and New Zealand, Ltd., which is the company responsible for the supply of all explosives to this market, for the manufacture of this type in their Australian factories, and for an adjustment of costs so that no increase in price will be necessary. Accidents.—Two fatal accidents which occurred during the year call for special mention. The first resulted through the explosion of gelignite which had been placed in a kitchen oven to thaw. Evidence at the inquiry shows that the gelignite, which had been purchased for use on a farm, had become frozen, and, in order to thaw it, the farmer placed some fifty plugs in the oven, whilst the family was seated in the room having breakfast. Some few minutes later the gelignite exploded, wrecking the kitchen and injuring the seven occupants, one of whom subsequently died. This is the second fatal accident which has occurred during the past few years through heating gelatinous explosives in a kitchenstove, and it shows clearly the fallacy of the impression, which is very generally held, that gelignite cannot be exploded except by a detonator. The fact is that it will explode by the action of heat alone, irrespective of the presence of flame, owing to the spontaneous decomposition of the nitro-glycerine under the influence of heat. The temperature required is only 215° C. The misconception with regard to this matter is probably due to the fact that a single plug of gelignite or other gelatinous explosive can usually be burned in the open without exploding. The experience of departmental officers in the destruction of explosives is worth recording as illustrating the danger from heat. The destruction is usually carried out by laying the explosives in a trail not more than one cartridge abreast and lighting the end against the wind. It is found that under these conditions an explosion will result in about 10 per cent, of the cases. A number of instances are also on record both in New Zealand and abroad where explosives in quantities exceeding 5 lb. have been involved in fires and explosions have resulted. The change-over which is being made to the lowfreezing type of explosives will obviate the necessity for thawing explosives, and will almost certainly result in the complete disappearance of this type of accident. The second fatality was caused by children playing with powder which had been obtained by breaking up fireworks. It appears that a quantity of powder was placed in a small heap and a lighted match put to it. The flames set fire to the clothing of a child standing by and caused such severe burns that the child succumbed. The accident illustrates the difficulty of controlling the hazards involved in the use of fireworks. Some years ago, in consequence of accidents which occurred, the regulations were amended to limit the size and character of fireworks which might be sold to children. This has been effective to some extent in preventing serious accident, but it is evident that a warning must be given regarding the danger due to loose fireworksjcomposition, which is to all intents and purposes as dangerous as ordinary blasting-powder. In addition to the above, reports were received of a number of accidents in the use of explosives mostly due either to misfired charges or the striking of an unexploded cartridge when drilling or " mucking out." This class of accident can in most cases be attributed to chilled or partly frozen explosives, and the use of low-freezing types should also have the effect of reducing the numbers of this class of accident. A number of accidents was also reported from premature explosions in blasting operations, and this class is in the main due to carelessness. In one particular case it was reported that the fuse attached to a small charge of gelignite was actually lit before the charge was inserted in the bore-hole. It is of course impossible to guard against extreme foolhardiness of this type. Sodium Chlorate. —Accidents in the use of this material still continue to be prevalent, though this year none with serious consequences has been brought to the notice of the Department. Of these, one is of particular interest as typifying the insidious nature of the hazards of chlorates. The report states that a farm-worker engaged in spraying sodium-chlorate solution had been in the habit of using a sack to protect his clothing. After being used for about two years, the sack, on drying out, became very stiff and the worker proceeded to beat it with a stick when an explosion occurred and he received 2—H. 22.

!I. 22

painful burns. The remaining accidents were due to the ignition of chlorate-impregnated clothing or fibre by friction or open flame, and were of the type that has been fully dealt with in past reports. During the year several caches of buried explosives were reported, and the Department undertook the removal and disposal of the explosives. Dangerous Goods. Local-authority Administration. —One new licensing authority, the Whangaroa County Council, was appointed during the year. The Cobden Town District having merged with the Greymouth Borough, the number of local authorities which are licensing authorities still stands at the same figure as last year —viz., 163. Inspection visits were made to most licensing-authority districts during the year. Departmental Administration. —The usual annual inspections were made of districts directly under the control of the Department. Licenses issued totalled 2,049, as against 1,940 for the previous year. Accidents. —Only one fatal accident involving the use of inflammable liquids was reported during the year. The details of this accident show that a boy was engaged in priming a blow-lamp with methylated spirits, when an explosion occurred, and he received injuries to which he subsequently succumbed. The exact cause of the ignition was not definitely ascertainable, witnesses called at the coronial inquiry being unable even to state definitely whether the blow-lamp was alight at the time of the accident. Four persons were injured in another accident also caused by the ignition of methylated spirits. In this instance a woman in order to relight a patent stove which was thought to have gone out, poured some methylated spirits from a bottle into the collar of the stove. Actually the stove was still alight and an ignition of the spirit occurred, the contents of the bottle being sprayed over all four people in the room at the time, with the result that all received burns of a more or less severe nature. An unusually large number of accidents associated with the use of lamps, stoves, &c., in which benzine or other inflammable spirits are used has been reported this year, and it is desired to issue a word of warning per medium of this report. An examination of the causes of accidents of this type shows that they are largely due, not to faulty construction of the apparatus, but to carelessness on the part of the users in exposing inflammable spirits near open lights or fires. When refilling or priming spirit stoves, lamps, &c., the utmost care should therefore be taken to ensure that no open lights or fires are allowed Until these operations have been carried out and the container from which the spirit has been drawn securely closed and removed. A number of accidents which can be classed as ignition of vapour of inflammable spirits by naked lights occurred during the year, one being worthy of further mention as exemplifying a hazard not generally enough recognized. The details are that an acetylene torch was being used to cut through a drum which had previously contained petrol, when an explosion occurred, the head of the drum being ripped off, and thrown some distance. The operator was fortunate enough to escape injury, but he had evidently not appreciated the fact that a container which has held petrol may be an even greater danger than one which is actually full., The fact is that the vapour of petrol being heavier than air may hang in the drum for a very long time, and, as the proportion necessary to form an explosive mixture with air is small (about I.J per cent, to 6 per cent.), the likelihood of the formation of an explosive atmosphere inside the drum is greater than if liquid petrol were actually present, in which case the vapour-air mixture though inflammable would contain too great a proportion of petrol vapour to be explosive. Before an operation involving the use of a naked light is carried out on a container which has held petrol, the vapour .should be completely removed by prolonged steaming out. As in past years, there have been a number of accidents traceable to failure to observe the precautions laid down in the regulations. It is, however, pleasing to note that only one accident—and that not serious—is recorded as due to home dry-cleaning. It is hoped that warnings given in previous reports, coupled with publicity efforts in connection with fire-prevention, are having some effect in bringing home to people the desirability of eschewing this process. CINEMATOGBAPH FILMS ACT. Licenses. —The totals of various licenses issued during the license year ended 30th September, 1934, are as follows (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses): Exhibitors, 410 (435); circuit exhibitors, 35 (23) ; renters, 14 (17) ; storage, 14 (16) ; miscellaneous, 34. Accidents. —Only three fires occurred during the projection of film —a decrease of two on last year's total. In two cases less than one spool of film was involved, but in the third instance the theatre was destroyed. This was not due to faulty construction of the projection-room, but to the action of the operator in throwing a spool of film which had ignited from some unascertained cause, out of the door of the projection-room into a cloak-room below, where the blazing film set fire to the walls. It was found impossible to check the blaze, and the hall was burnt to the ground. Before the fire had obtained too great a hold, the audience was asked to leave the building, and did so without panic. The action of the operator in this case was in direct contravention of specific instructions issued by the Department as to the steps to be taken in case of fire in the projection-room. An accident in connection with film occurred on the premises occupied by one of the film exchanges, two men being severely burned. It appears that one of the attendants in the building and an employee of the film exchange took two tins of scrap film to the furnace-room for destruction. Some of the film was put in the furnace and the door closed. Almost immediately a minor explosion occurred, blowing open the door of the furnade, and flames leaping out ignited the remainder of the film in the tins. The furnace-room was a small one, the sole access being through a trap-door in the ceiling, and one man in escaping was burned, whilst the other, being unable to escape, huddled in a corner and was found afterwards in an unconscious condition. As a result of this accident the Department took up with the Film Exchanges' Association the question of the disposal of scrap film, and satisfactory arrangements have now been made.

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Film Censorship. During the year 2,060 films of all classes, of a total length of 5,142,240 ft., were examined by the Censors. Of this number 11 were rejected in the first instance, 91 were passed subject to excisions, 155 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 10 were passed with the caution that they were not suitable for exhibition to children. No appeals were lodged against the Censor's decisions. An analysis of the work shows : —

Quota Films —The countries of origin of the quota films were as follows : Great Britain, 104 ; Australia, 1 ; New Zealand, 2 ; United States of America, 373 ; Germany, 1 ; Spain, 1 ; Italy, 1. Rejections.—Of the eleven films which were rejected, five were " quota " and six " non-quota." One of the quota films was British, one was Spanish, and three were from the United States of America, while of the non-quota films one originated in New Zealand and five in the United States of America. General. —During the year under review, as compared with the previous year, the number of rejections dropped from 28 to 11, the number of films requiring amendment from 140 to 91, and the number of films recommended as more suitable for adult audiences from 227 to 155. This seems to indicate that producers generally are exercising greater care in the choice of subjects and in the manner of presentation. This is probably due to their interpretation of public opinion as expressed through censorship and the press. Dominion Museum. Preparations for New Museum. —During the past year all members of the staff have devoted as much time as possible to preparing exhibits for the new Museum. This work involves arranging the specimens to suit the new show-cases and writing suitable labels. The specimens have been packed up as arranged. In order to carry out as much of this work as possible and prepare the collections for removal, extra assistance was provided by the temporary appointment of four packers. Two female assistants were also added to the staff to assist with the preparation of mounts and labels. Through the courtesy of Mr. Andrew Fletcher, Managing Director of the Fletcher Construction Company, the contractors for the building, permission was obtained to store specimens in the new building, and the work of removal actually began on the 30th March, 1936, with the transfer of the large Maori war canoes. The preparation of enlarged photographs and drawings from funds donated by the Wellington Harbour Board has proceeded steadily throughout the year. In addition to these, the Harbour Board is having prepared a coloured plan of Wellington Harbour, showing all reclamations that have been made from the sea. Many photographs prepared in the Museum have also been completed. Two maps illustrating the distribution of coal and gold in New Zealand have been kindly prepared under the direction of the Director of the Geological Survey. Labels for historical pictures have been prepared by Mr. T. Lindsay Buick, C.M.G., those for meteorological maps have been supplied by the Director of the Meteorological Office, while assistance in preparing titles for astronomical photographs was given by Mr. A. C. Gifford. The Government Astronomer has kindly supplied information for the preparation of three maps illustrating earthquake phenomena in New Zealand, and has also assisted in obtaining a series of astronomical photographs. Collections. —Several valuable series of specimens have been donated to the Museum during the past year. Mrs J. A. Crump, of Ocean Bay, presented a large series of Melanesian ethnological specimens collected by her husband, the Rev. J. A. Crump, during his residence in New Britain between 1894 and 1903. The collection includes weapons and other artifacts, as well as natural history specimens from New Britain, New Guinea, Admiralty Islands, and Samoa. An interesting collection of Greek pottery —stone and glassware —was presented by Mrs. G. L. Tacon. These articles were gathered together in Greece and other places by her husband, the late Mr. G. L. Tacon, of Wellington. Other ethnological specimens received by gift include Australian boomerangs (collected in 1800), from Mr. A. J. MacDonnell; palaeolithic implements from Somaliland from Mr. H. W. Seton-Karr ; New Guinea weapons from Mr. R. H. Rolle ; Egyptian articles from Miss Archibald ; Niue clubs and adzes from Dr. G. 0. L. Dempster ; Solomon Islands weapons from Mr. H. W. Cockerill; Maori and Polynesian textile articles from Mr. Johannes Andersen ; and several articles of chinaware from Mr. and Mrs. M. Campbell. Two sets of New Zealand silver coins were presented by the Hon. Minister of Finance, and two Waitangi medals by the New Zealand Numismatic Society. A set of the new issue of SSimoan postage stamps was kindly supplied by the Hon. Minister of External Affairs. From the Ceylon Tea Propaganda Board was received an exhibit illustrating the tea industry ; from the Government of Bombay an exhibit of rice ; from the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Fiji, samples of sugar and other products of the sugar cane ; and from the Agricultural Department, Samoa, many specimens of tropical plants.

11

Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. — Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 107 767,620 374 384,520 Foreign .. .. .. 376 2,750,550 1,203 1,239,550 483 3,518,170 1,577 1,624,070

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The natural history collections benefited by some horns of Indian mammals and some snakes, presented by Colonel JR. Bagnall; many fishes, including a conger eel (Muster J. Kershaw) ; large tunny, Chimaera (New Zealand Fisheries, Ltd,) ; mudfish (Mr. J. Miller), and Australian lung fish (Mr. E. Johansen). Several New Zealand birds were received from various donors, mostly found dead after storms. A number of foreign birds were also received. Mr. G. V. Hudson presented a series of specimens of New Zealand cicadas. Through the kind assistance of the Trade and Tourist Commissioner for New Zealand in Canada, eight cases of rocks and minerals have been received from the Department of Mines, Ottawa. There were many other specimens received by donation, by exchange, on deposit, and collected by officers of the Museum staff. Alexander Ttjrnbull Library. The year has been one of considerable interest and event, and the total record makes a notable showing. Cataloguing.■ —The number of volumes classified, catalogued, numbered, and arranged on the shelves is now 46,000. A complete list was also made of all art material in the library, both in books and otherwise, for it forms a much-consulted section. Binding, &c. —Over 600 volumes were sent for binding during the year. In addition, special pamphlet covers have been made and pamphlets inserted therein. This has meant a saving in cost (about 75 per cent.), and obviates the necessity for booklets leaving the premises. Early English Books. —Some preliminary work was begun on early English books in the library, identification being made by reference to the " Short Title Catalogue of English Books before 1640." These are all (about 200 in number) listed now, and many points of bibliographical and literary interest gleaned in the process. These are all rare and esteemed volumes, and will be duly recorded in the formal cataloguing. It appears that the library has copies of books of which very few copies are recorded. Additions. —About 1,400 volumes were added during the year, including about 800 donated. An attempt was made to fill some of the more considerable gaps resulting from the recent years of reduced expenditure, and it is gratifying to be able to supply readers' requests instead of having to refer them elsewhere. Especially is this so where the library is strong in earlier material. A number of notable donations has been received, some of which call for especial mention. Firstly, the scholarly private library of the late A. R. Atkinson, of Wellington, was bequeathed to the four Wellington libraries, and about 700 volumes fell to our portion. The groups selected were English poetry, sets of classic authors, and works on religion. The fullest appreciation is due to the memory of this public-spirited scholar, and, incidentally, thanks to his daughter, Miss J. Atkinson, for her kindly co-operation during the removal of the books. Next in importance is the admirable collection of New Zealand stamps presented by Mr. George Miller, late of Wellington. This most intensively representative set covers the period 1914-35 within certain fields. It is carefully annotated, skilfully mounted, and gathered into four volumes. It is valued at between £75 and £100. An item of the greatest interest from the literary aspect was the gift of an oil painting by the late Samuel Butler (author of " Erewhon ", &c.). This was presented by Mr. W. D. Ferguson, grandson of William Sefton Moorhouse, to whom Butler gave the work. It depicts a girl's head, and is a picture of some skill and expression. A rare Maori artifact to be received was a handsome patu paraoa, or whalebone mere, the gift of Mrs. O. W. Fowler, of Hamilton, a descendant of W. Mein Smith, Surveyor-General of the New Zealand Company —the surveyor who laid out and drew the plan of the City of Wellington. The library has benefited before through the liberality of this family. Dr. F. A. Bett, of Nelson, who last year presented the valuable collection of first issues of New Zealand Queen's head all on their covers to the library, again demonstrated his interest by sending a copy of Combe's J River Thames " with coloured aquatints by Boydell. The plates are in first-class condition, and are a valuable addition to both the art group and the English descriptive material. This volume in a recent catalogue, is priced at £40. It might be noted that, in accordance with a wish of Dr. Bett, two expert members of the Wellington Philatelic Society have been critically examining the full face stamps with a view to their certain identification and cataloguing. The collection is valued at about £1,000. Of antarctic interest is a manuscript journal kept by H. McNeish, of Shackleton's expedition. McNeish was left behind when the leader set out on his epic journey to South Georgia, and the journal provides a consecutive account of the events up to the departure of Shackleton. This manuscript was the gift of Mr. H. T. M. Fathers, of Wellington. Especially notable are the following donations : a complete bound set of the Public Service Journal to date, from Mr. F. W. Millar, General Secretary of the Public Service Association ; a copy of Culpepper's Herbal, with coloured engravings (1815), from Mrs. L. D. Hurst, Wellington ; a large sumptuously-illustrated catalogue of illuminated manuscripts by the Burlington Society,' from Miss E. Harcourt; a German work reviewing, upon the Bicentenary of Luther, the influence of his work, 1728, from Miss A. Dasent, Karori; and from Sir Truby King, the Atlas National des Departements de France, a finely engraved pictorial series of maps. From Mrs. and the late Mr. T. R. Moore, of Palmerston North, came a collection of miscellaneous literature, biography, and a number of valuable New Zealand books.

12

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I should like here, too, to express appreciation of the courtesy of the American Anderson Galleries of New York, in sending regularly their well-produced and most informative illustrated book-catalogues. From these we secure much data about our rare books, and their value can scarcely be over-stressed. Other donations of a more general nature are as follows : —

13

Donor. Title of Donation. Author, &c. Samuel Pearson, Wellington . . .. Life of Sir Henry Parker .. .. 1 Charles B. Lyne. ,, ,, .. .. Brief sketches of C.M.S. Missions .. Emily Headland. .• ,, . • .. The Religion of Shakespeare .. .. George Seibel. ,, ,, • • . • The Races of the Old Testament .. A. H. Sayce. Australian Council for Educational Research Educational Research Series 33-37 Public Archives of Canada .. .. Report for the Year 1934 Philip S. E. Hereford .. .. .. The New Zealand Frozen Meat Trade .. 1 Philip S. E. Hereford. New Zealand Bank Officers' Guild, Wellington Banking in New Zealand .. .. j B. A. Moore and J. S. Barton. W. Lane, Wellington .. .. .. Ethnology and Folk-lore .. .. 1 G. L. Gomme, 1892. ,, ,, .. . • .. Burns Holograph Manuscripts, 1889 Melanesian Mission Press, British Solomon A Book Vasvasogo Islands Ditto .. .. .. .. 0 Sala Ususur, May, 1935 ,, .. .. .. 0 Raverave Gaganag, 1936 „ . ■ .. .. .. Various Small Pamphlets of the Press Miss L. Paulsen, Wellington .. .. Rupert Brook .. .. .. Edward Marsh, 1918. ,, ,, ■ ■ A Labrador Doctor .. .. Sir W. T. Grenfell. ,, ,, . • . • The Road to Kashmir .. .. .. James Milne. ,, ,, ■ • ■ ■ The Way of Poetry .. .. .. John Drinkwater. >> jj • • • • Heretics .. .. .. G. K. Chesterton. ,, ,, .. .. George Bernard Shaw .. .. .. ,, ,, ,, .. .. The Everlasting Man .. .. .. ,, ,, ,, .. .. The British Empire and its Problems .. J. E. Unstead. Mr. E. Macdonald, Lower Hutt .. .. The Battle of Life .. .. E. Macdonald. ,, ,, .. .. Immediate Problems of the Great Slump.. ,, ,, ,, .. .. Demos .. .. .. .. ,, Mrs. L. Buekland, Frankton Junction .. The Travels of Antenor translated from the French of E. F. Lautier (3 vols.) A. H. Carman, Wellington .. .. The Rugby Almanack of New Zealand, 1935 H. A. Lamb, Wellington .. . . The Extinct Lodges of New Zealand .. Col. G. Barclay. Percy J. Marks, Sydney .. .. The Truth about the Protocols ,, ,, .. .. Order of Service on Induction of Rabbi G. M. Levy (Sydney) „ ,, .. .. Collection of about a dozen leaflets and pamphlets of Australian interest „ ,, .. .. Order of Memorial Service for King George V at Great Synagogue, Sydney ,, ,, .. .. Zionist Reports C. R. H. Taylor, Wellington .. .. The Age of Wordsworth .. .. C. H. Hereford. Mrs. Bridge, Christchurch .. .. McArthur Strikes Back ,, ,, .. .. Loyalty to Law .. .. .. .. „ ,, .. .. Citizenship and Democracy .. .. S. E. McCarthy. ,, ,, .. .. The Almoner .. „ ,, .. .. Poverty amidst Plenty .. .. C. F. J. Galloway. ,, ,, .. .. New Zealand in the Crisis . . .. D. B. Copland. ,, „ .. .. Head Waters of the Rakaia, Lake Heron Mrs. Moreton. and its Environs ,, ,, .. .. Christchurch Tramways Official Review .. ,, ,, .. .. Christchurch City Council Diamond Jubilee Borough of Colchester Public Library, Ann and Jane Taylor .. .. F. M. Savill. England Ditto .. .. .. .. .. Meddlesome Matty .. .. .. Jane and Ann Taylor. G. Miller, Palmerston North .. .. The Good Companions .. .. J. B. Priestley. ,, ,, .. .. Small collection of documents, stamped envelopes, &c. Hon. H. E. R. Mason, Wellington .. Coloured prints of Greymouth and Hokitika Arnold Wall, Auckland .. . . . . Notes on the Armstrong Herbarium Brother George, S.M., British Solomon Is- Na Turupatu, Vol. 8, No. 100 lands Ditto .. .. .. .. .. Na Sakramento „ .. .. .. .. Misilia na Nwiha Maea.. Registrar, University of New Zealand .. A Selection of Books ... in the Lockwood Memorial Library Alfred Pearson, New South Wales .. Noah's Days and Christ's coming John Howell, San Francisco .. .. The Mystery of Francis Bacon .. .. W. T. Smedley. Bertram G. Theobald Brighton, England .. The Personal Poems of Francis Bacon .. Alfred Dodd. A. H. Gibson, Ngaio . . .. .. Autobiography St. Patrick's College Jubilee Publications St. Patrick's College, 1885-1935 Committee W. D. Ferguson, Silverstream .. .. An Introduction to Advanced Philately .. A. J. Sefi. Ethel S. Jones .. .. .. . . Fair Girls and Grey Horses .. .. W. H. Ogilvie. „ .. .. .. At Dawn and Dusk .. .. .. Victor Daley. „ .. .. ... .. The Pearl and the Octopus .. .. A. G. Stephens, Charles Ganz, Sussex, England .. A Fitzgerald Medley, edited by Charles Ganz Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota .. Guide to the Personal Papers in the Ms. Collections New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association .. New Zealand Flock Book, Vol. 31 Montague Russell, Russell .. .. Russell and the Bay of Islands .. .. Montague Russell. Rev. M..A. Rugby Pratt, Christchurch .. The Story of the S.I. Methodist Orphanage M. A. Rugby Pratt. McKenzie, Thornton, Cooper, Ltd., Welling- Episcopal Diamond Jubilee .. .. Eileen Duggan. ton

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The thanks of the Government are due to the donors of these volumes, pictures, and manuscripts.

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Donor. Title of Donation. 1 Author, Ac. _ Frank Connolly, Wellington .. .. The Bog .. .. .. . • Frank Connolly. ' „ .. . . Modem Farriery )( .. .. Harvey's Circulation of the Blood Observer Printing Works, Auckland .. The Challenge .. .. .. Douglas M. Ross. Richard A. Singer, Auckland .. .. The Years Go Round . . .. R. A. Singer. Auckland University, Auckland .. .. Milton's De Doctrina Christiana.. .. A. Sewell. D. Miller, Cawthron Institute, Nelson .. Sirex Noctilio and its Parasite in New Zealand „ „ .. Garden Pests in New Zealand .. .. David Miller. N. R. McKenzie, Wellington . . .. The Gael Fares Forth .. .. .. N. R. McKenzie. Mrs. Killen, Dunedin .. .. .. The Mystery of the Ages .. .. Christian M. Killen. .. .. .. Money and its Aspects .. .. „ " „ .. .. .. Other Booklets of the New Cycle Philosophical Publications Rev. David Calder, Wellington .. .. The Common Bond .. .. ... .. * Messrs. Burton and Meltzer, Wellington .. A Concise Explanation of the Rural Mortgagors' Act W. K. Howitt, Auckland .. .. Ayont the Seas .. .. .. W. K. Howitt. History and Reminiscences of the Okate W. H. Skinner. District Sir Harold Beauchamp, Wellington .. Set of Milton's works in 4 volumes, edited by Thomas Newton, 1770-1775 Unity Press, Auckland .. .. .. Fragments .. . . . • H. Scanlon. ; „ .. .. .. Great Short Stories .. .. .. „ Fred. H. Bass, Wellington .. .. Guide to Company Secretarial Practice .. Fred. H. Bass. W. M. Watt, Auckland . . .. .. An Anzac's Moods .. .. .. W. M. Watt. „ .. .. .. Arbrouth Abbey .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. Westminster Abbey .. . . .. „ . .. .. Fire down Below .. .. .. „ .. .. .. Home from Callao in a Hoodoo Ship .. „ C. R. Allen, Dunedin .. .. .. Cinna the Poet .. .. .. C. R. Allen. B „ .. .. .. The Four Foundlings .. .. .. „ (j >f .. .. .. Pierette cheats the Publisher .. .. „ „ .. . . .. When Mr. Punch was Young .. .. „ Mrs. R. A. Knight. Wellington . . .. Verse T. Ham, Wellington .. . . .. Collection of Photographs .. Wellington Automobile Association, Welling- Guide and Handbook ton Ditto . . .. . . . . .. Road Maps H. A. H. Insull, Hastings .. .. Modern Geography .. .. .. H. A. H. Insull. Mrs. Montgomery, Canterbury .. .. The Child in the Sun . . .. C. R. Allen. J. C. Andersen, Wellington .. .. Slavers of the South Seas . . . . T. Dunbabin. Die Verbreitung der Hausformer in Ozeanen Herbert Tischner. " „ .. .. Material Culture of the Orurangi . . V. F. Fisher. ' .. .. Waimate Verse „ .. .. Several Bulletins and Memoirs of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum F. W. Reed, Whangarei .. .. Alexandre Dumas .. . . .. F. W. Reed. Estate of E. Tregear, through Mrs. Robinson, Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletins 9, 8,17, Picton and 2 other Bulletins and Memoirs H. Foston, Lower Hutt . . . . At the Front .. .. .. H. l oston. Miss Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland . . Gloria's Book . . . . .. Gloria Rawlinson. Warwick Lawrence, Auckland . . . . Vulcan Lane .. .. . . .. W. Lawrence. R. S. Odell, Wellington .. .. .. Handbook of Arthur Pass National Park. . R. S. Odell. James Cowan, Wellington .. .. Kihikihi Presbyterian Church Jubilee Souvenir Miss Jessie H. Ingram, Wellington . . Deeper Thoughts and other Poems .. Jessie H. Ingram. M. H. Holcroft, Christchurch .. .. Brazilean Daughter .. .. .. Monte Holcroft. „ „ .. .. The Flameless Fire .. .. .. „ M. S. Nestor, Wellington .. . . The Secret of Mount Cook .. .. Ajor. ■ u „ .. .. The Nospur Poems .. .. .. Robert R. Jackson. Victor's. Lloyd, Wellington .. .. Son of Peter . . .. .. .. Victor S. Lloyd. Miss J. Mander, Auckland .. .. Pins and Pinnacles .. .. . . Jane Mander. Christchurch City Council .. .. Year-book, 1935-36 New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers, Proceedings, Volume XXI Wellington Mrs. G. H. Graham, Waimate . . .. Waimate Verse, Second Edition „ ,, .. .. Zealandia . . .. . • G. H. Graham. Australian Trade Commissioner, Wellington Progress in Australia (S.A. precentenary number) A. H. and A. W. Reed, Wellington .. A Poor Scholar .. .. .. C. R. Allen. A. E. Flower, Christchurch .. .. Christ's College, Grammar School List, Fourth Edition Supreme Court Library, Wellington .. The Practice of the Supreme Court .. Sir Robert Stout and () n .. The Code of Civil Procedure .. F. W. Pennefather and E. Balcombe Brown. „ „ .. The Law of Torts .. .. .. J. W. Salmond. J( „ .. The Workers' Compensation Act .. J. W. Maodonald. G. E. Manwaringj London .. .. My Friend the Admiral .. .. G. E. Manwaring. Miss M. M. Macdonald, Wellington .. | Law relating to Workers' Compensation . . J. W. Macdonald.

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Endowment. The Alexander Turnbull Library Endowment Fund was established in 1934, and the income is intended to be applied towards the purchase of books, pamphlets, periodicals, and other documents for incorporation in the collection of the Alexander Turnbull Library. The amount at credit of the Fund at the 31st March, 1936, was £100, and the accrued interest to that date £4 7s. 3d. Since the inception of the Fund none of the income has been expended. In connection therewith Sir Harold Beauchamp this year notified his willingness to donate £200, part to go towards the acquisition of editions of his daughter's works, including firsts, to be suitably bound or cased as a memorial set; the balance to be an endowment to keep the set up to date and maintained in suitable fashion. Several of the volumes have been obtained in England and are now with Zaehnsdorf, of London, for casing or binding. Donations such as this are highly appreciated, as they will help in maintaining the high standard of the library so magnificently set by the late Mr. Turnbull. Readers and Students. —Sixty-one new readers' tickets were issued, and students have been working in the library throughout the year, both day and night. Over 1,800 readers have used the library during the year. Students' Theses Subjects. —These cover a wider range than usual, and include more economic and sociological questions, such as the Maori population of Taranaki, effects of immigration, history of land-tenure in New Zealand, and the development of hydro-electricity, and of fruitgrowing. There has also been a growing interest by the general readers in the work of New Zealand writers, and such classics as Katherine Mansfield and F. E. Maning have been frequently asked for. The English literature has not been used quite as extensively as in the past, but there has been a growing realization of the importance of the art treasures in the library, in both the Pacific and other sections. Especially noteworthy was the visit of Mr. Trevor Williams, of Oxford, who spent considerable time studying native administration. He gained much material from the unpublished manuscripts and rare books in the library, and commended the manner of its preservation and accessibility. A visit was also made by Mons. Andre Ropiteau, who was particularly interested in Tahiti, and who expressed his surprise at the richness of the library in Tahiti material. Correspondence was also exchanged with the Societe d'Etudes Oceaniennes and others on the same subject. Many school-children visit the Library, as the result of lectures given in the schools, and classes are also brought, lectures to them being given in the Library itself, illustrated with appertinent material. Talks were given at Rongotai College on the voyage treasures in the Library, and at the Girls' College on town-planning. Talks are also given in the Library itself to classes from secondary schools, great interest being shown by the classes which comprise the senior scholars. Classes have come from Rongotai College, Wellington Boys' College, the Hutt Schools, Wellesley College, and the Technical College, classes from this college coming every day during a week. In the evening, too, a class came from the Victoria University Students' Association. Talks have been given both by Mr. Taylor and myself, and we have also spoken at men's meetings, day and evening. This all helps to make the library known and brings its resources before the public. English Associations. —Attention should be drawn to the considerable development in this side of the library activities. Inquiries have been received, both from America and England, concerning manuscripts ; rare editions of various English writers, resulting in photostat copies being asked for of many of R. H. Home's letters; of information regarding Fitzgerald, of Omar Khayym, and request for photostats of pages of a rare association Bombay edition of the poem which is in the library ; of information regarding Keats and his friend Charles Brown by authors in England ; of photostat copies of part of the Jane Taylor material in the library from the Public Library of the Borough of Colchester, to which town Jane Taylor belonged. One chapter in a book on Geraldine Jewsbury, published during the year, was devoted to information obtained from letters of hers in the Mantell collection ; and the Lewes Archaelogical Society obtained a typescript of the journal of the late Gideon Mantell, and copies of coloured drawings of Roman tiles found by Mantell in his archseological investigations. Inquiries were also had from universities and private people in America regarding our Browning items. Correspondence also passed with Mr. Pollard, writer of certain nineteenth century pamphlets, regarding the alleged forgeries that are the subject of his book, copies of most of which are in the library. Journals, &c., for copying.—For the benefit of students and others, some indication seems desirable of the class of manuscripts copied this year. Work has continued on the group of missionary letters loaned from the Church Missionary Society, London, and the great task of copying the journals of the Rev. Richard Taylor has been concluded. This latter series makes available a record by a discerning observer of missionary and other activities of the period 1839-75, covering especially well the region about Wanganui and Wellington. The set has grown to fourteen large folio volumes, all of which have been completely indexed. Of the missionary letters, those of John Morgan are nearing completion. They treat in great detail of the establishing of mission stations in Tauranga, Rotorua, and Waikato. Captain Frederick G. Moore's letters are being copied, and are useful for information on early Wellington and Nelson. He was also in the party that planned the first site of Nelson. Work has also continued on the manuscripts of Charles Johnson Pharazyn, Octavius Hadfield, and Samuel Stephens. Hadfield was Bishop of Wellington, and his letters cover the period 1838-68. Already one thesis has been based upon them. The journals and letters of Samuel Stephens were offered to the library through the High Commissioner

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in 1934, and were examined by Mr. Taylor, who was in London at the time. This too, is a useful collection, for Stephens was a surveyor of the New Zealand Company in Nelson, and his records cover the period 1840-54. These letters, &c., are now being copied. All works copied are indexed before binding, so that the fullest use call be made of them. Visitors.—Over 1,200 visitors were shown over the Library this year, as compared with 900 the previous year. Internal Arrangements.—Correspondence inwards and outwards numbered about 3,600 letters, an increase over last year's total. In an endeavour to provide better service, the hours have been extended by two hours per day. In addition, the " open door " system has been adopted with marked appreciation from readers and visitors. The telephone locations were also altered, so that inquirers could more immediately receive attention. Conclusion. I desire to express appreciation of the willing and efficient service rendered to me by officers of the Department at all times. I have also to gratefully acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered by other Government Departments throughout the year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (529 copies), £18 10s.

By Authority: 6. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington. —1936,

Price 6d.]

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