DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1937.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1937 Session I, H-22

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1937. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1937.

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

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 6th October, 1937. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1937. I have, &c., The Hon. W. E. Parry, J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT.

General. During the year under review, the established work of the Department, as will be seen in the various sectional reports, has expanded to a remarkable degree. In addition, various new activities have been undertaken, some of a temporary or occasional nature, others that promise to become permanent. The abdication of King Edward VIII and the accession of King George VI both meant a brief period of work under extreme pressure. Coronation. During the year a great deal of work was undertaken in connection with the Coronation celebrations. The loyal address from the people of New Zealand was illuminated by the Publicity Branch of the New Zealand Railways Department and bound in covers of inlaid New Zealand woods made by the Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment League. This Department was charged with the general carrying-out of the scheme of decoration and illumination of public buildings throughout New Zealand for the Coronation week, and during the year the technical work involved was entrusted to a special committee consisting of representatives of the Public Works, Post and Telegraph, and Railways Departments. King George the Fifth Memorial. Just before the close of the year the Prime Minister launched his national appeal for the King George the Fifth Memorial Fund, the object of this fund being the' permanent establishment of children's health camps in New Zealand. This Department was charged with the work of organization arising out of the Appeal. New Zealand's Centennial, 1940. In the last annual report reference was made to a preliminary conference held at Parliament Buildings early in March, 1936, of the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, and the Mayors of old provincial capitals, for the purpose of. considering generally the Centennial Celebrations of 1940. Arising out of that conference the Minister appointed a National Centennial Committee, consisting of himself as Chairman, the Hon. Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, the Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, the Secretary to the Treasury, and the Secretary I—H. 22.

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of the Department of Industries and Commerce. The first meeting of this committee was held at Government Buildings, Wellington, on 18th June, 1936, when certain decisions of the Government were announced in the chairman's opening address. Briefly, these decisions were as follows. The Government had decided that the event be celebrated— (1) By permanent memorials, including a national memorial to be erected by the Government: (2) By a series of historical surveys of the first hundred years of our national life : (3) By suitable celebrations, both national and local, throughout the year 1940. The Chairman also announced the proposed Government expenditure in connection with the Centennial. Apart from the cost of the national memorial and the historical surveys, the Government contemplated providing £250,000 for Centennial celebrations to be expended as follows : — (a) Up to a maximum of £75,000 loan and subsidy for the Exhibition to be held in Wellington, allocated as follows : A subsidy of £1 for every £2 of subscribed share capital up to a limit of £50,000, and a loan without interest not exceeding £25,000. (b) The balance of £175,000 for — ■ (i) National celebrations held by the Government itself or by provincial organizations on behalf of the Government : (ii) Subsidizing on a basis of £1 for every £3 of moneys raised locally for celebrations or memorials. In addition to all this, it was announced that the Government itself would bear the cost of suitably entertaining guests from abroad invited by the Government, and would also between now and 1940 suitably increase the vote of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Tourist and Publicity for the purpose of advertising the Centennial abroad and providing special tourist attractions for visitors. The principal outcome of this meeting was a resolution recommending the Government to invite the Mayor of each provincial capital to convene, as early as conveniently may be, a representative conference of local bodies and other organizations within the province for the purpose of forming a Centennial organization, and that for the purpose of this resolution the East Coast (Poverty Bay) District of the North Island be deemed a separate province. Further important resolutions were passed, recommending the Government— (a) To convene, on Thursday, the 20th August, 1936, a Dominion conference of delegates of provincial Centennial organizations : (b) To set up a National Historical Committee to settle relevant historical dates, and generally to advise on matters of historical interest in connection with the Centennial: (c) To invite the press of New Zealand to form a National Press Committee for the purpose of furthering the objects of the Centennial: (d) Endorsing the Government's view that a very important part in the Centennial celebrations should be taken by the Maori race. Immediately after the meeting, the Minister wrote to the Mayors of all provincial capitals requesting the setting-up of the provincial Centennial organizations. These were duly established and the Dominion Conference held at Parliament Buildings on the 20th August, 1936, the meeting being fully representative. Since that conference a great deal of work "has been done in various provinces by way of preliminary preparation, the National Press Committee has been constituted, and before the expiration of the year steps were taken for the setting-up of the National Historical Committee, Also during the year the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition Company was registered, and provision was made in its articles for the appointment of three Government Directors. The Under-Secretary of this Department has been appointed as one of those Directors. Proposed National Council op Sport and Recreation. A meeting of representatives of the New Zealand and Wellington controlling bodies of sport, was held at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, 4th March, 1937, when a resolution was passed referring the Minister's address to all national controlling bodies for their comments on the views set out thereon to be furnished to the Minister not later than the 30th June, 1937. Bush Preservation and Amenity Tree-planting. There has been a remarkable increase in the work of this Department through growing interest in these matters arising particularly out of an appeal by His Excellency the General. An inter-departmental committee was set up with the Under-Secretary of this Department as Chairman which held a number of meetings and formulated proposals for submission to a Dominion Conference fixed for 2nd April, 1937, to be presided over by His Excellency. Local Government. Counties.—Eleven county councils passed special orders under the authority of the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, abolishing the system of separate riding finance. This made a total of fifty-two county councils to avail themselves of that legislation. The question that now has to be faced is that of finally abolishing the system of separate riding finance. The system, which was a very necessary one in its day and did much to assist in the development of the Dominion, particularly the backblocks areas, has now practically outlived its usefulness.

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The boundaries of four counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another, and the boundaries of the County of Waitemata were altered by the inclusion therein of Kukutango Island. The Wallace County Council passed a special order altering the boundaries of certain ridings in the county. Certain powers of borough councils with respect to drainage and sanitation were conferred 011 the Hutt County Council. The by-laws of that council fixing fees for the licensing of vehicles plying for hire were approved. The time for holding the annual meeting of the Stratford County Council was extended. Matakaoa County : Further progress was made towards the ultimate re-establishment of Matakaoa County. Arrears of rates, both European and Native, were collected and a satisfactory standard maintained in the collection of current rates. Additional outstanding liabilities of the county were adjusted. The county loans were converted, resulting in substantial annual saving to the county. The close contact established with the County Commissioner was maintained during the year, and he made regular reports to the Department, One meeting of the creditors' committee was held in Wellington, the County Commissioner attending this meeting. The creditors' agreement, embodying a temporary financial scheme for the county, made in 1933, expired 011 the 31st July, 1936. In view of the substantial improvement which had been made in the county's position it was not deemed necessary to prove a further scheme for the future. It was considered that the liabilities then outstanding and the further concessions necessary to secure the ultimate rehabilitation of the county could be dealt with in the normal course of events without the necessity for recourse to a formal agreement. Boroughs. —The boundaries of two boroughs were altered by the inclusion of lands. Consequent 011 these alterations the boundaries of these boroughs were redefined in accordance with law. The Wellington City Council was authorized to expend sums totalling £1,630 from the compensation-moneys held under the Thorndon Reclamation Act, 1921-22, for the purpose of providing additional bathing facilities in Wellington City. . The annual Municipal Conference was held, on tins occasion at limaru, from the 9tn to lltn IVLarcn, 1937 under the presidency of Mr. T. Jordan, Mayor of Masterton. The Conference was opened by the Minister of Internal Aflairs (Hon. W. E. Parry), who, in a comprehensive address, outlined what had been accomplished by the Government in certain matters particularly applicable to municipalities, and what it was intended to do in regard to certain other such matters. As usual, the Department was represented throughout the whole of the proceedings of the Conference. This year a statement was supplied to the Conference by the Department, indicating the action taken or the decisions of the Government on all the remits passed at the Municipal Conferences held from 1933 onwards. This innovation was a very forward step 111 the history of the Municipal Association and greatly facilitated the work of the last Conference. It is proposed to continue this practice for each future Municipal Conference • Thames Borough • The usual close contact was 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. The administration of the borough is now running very smoothly. The special legislation passed from time to time m relation to Thames has had a "very beneficial eflect, and, combined with the concessions extended to the borough, has accelerated" the approach of the time when Thames will be able to revert to normal administrative control. Thames Harbour Board—ln my last report I indicated that proposals for the amalgamation of the administration of the Thames Harbour District with that of the Thames Borough were under consideration It is pleasing to be able to record that this result was accomplished during the year Preliminary to the amalgamation, the Minister of Internal Affairs visited Thames and held conferences with the principal parties interested. First of all, the Thames Chamber of Commerce strongly urged that the amalgamation be brought about in the interests of the financial position of Thames Borough After that had been done the Minister held meetings with the Thames Borough Advisory Committee and the Thames Harbour Board respectively, after which he held a joint meeting with those two bodies. At the last-mentioned meeting an agreement was reached that the amalgamation should take place subject to certain conditions respecting the control of the lurua Wharf the non-rating of the districts outside Thames Borough, the protection of the interests of the people'trading on the Waihou River beyond the Thames Harbour limits, and the safeguarding of the Harbour Board's staff. , , . . Inoc , The amalgamation was subsequently effected by the lhames Harbour Act, 1936, and the satisfactory results of unified control are evident to-day. The whole trend of the legislation and other Government activities of the past few years m regard to Thames has been aimed at rehabilitating the town with the dual purpose of— (1) Allowing the people to retain their homes and businesses; and (2) Preserving the security of the debenture-holders. The Harbour Board amalgamation was a further step in securing this objective. There is no question but that the time had arrived when the cost of maintaining a separate Harbour Board to do little else than to collect rates from the Thames Borough to pay the interest and sinking fund on certain loans secured over the Borough of Thames was a luxury that the town could ill afiord. In addition in accordance with agreement arrived at between the Harbour Board and its debenture-holders, the rate of interest payable on the Harbour Board debentures was reduced to 4| per cent, per annum until the Ist April, 1938. Prior to that date the question of the future rate of interest payable on those debentures, in common with the Thames Borougn Council debentures, will have to be reviewed Payment of the full amount of interest at the reduced rate is being maintained, but as a precautionary measure Orders in Council have from time to time been issued extending the time within which persons were prevented from applying for a receiver in respect of the Harbour Board debentures. *

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Town Districts.—The Mount Maunganui Town District was declared not to be part of the County of Tauranga. Authority to fix Water charges according to quantity consumed was conferred on two Town Boards. River Districts. Results of the election of members of several River Boards were gazetted in accordance with law. Hawke's Bay Rivers District: The most important event during the year in relation to river districts was an investigation into certain matters affecting the Hawke's Bay Rivers District. The present Hawke's Bay Rivers District was constituted by the Hawke's Bay Rivers Act, 1919, which Act set out in careful detail various matters relating to the then future administrative control of the Rivers District. That Act was based on the report of a Commission of inquiry which had previously held an exhaustive investigation into the question of river-control in this portion of Hawke's Bay. Since that Act was jtassed the whole position had changed very considerably on account of the 1931 earthquakes, the effects of the river-protective works carried out by the Board over a number of years, and general economic conditions. Accordingly there was a feeling in the district that a review should be made of several of the administrative matters and of the incidence of rating. As a result of representations made to this end by the Hawke's Bay Rivers Board, a departmental committee consisting of Messrs. A. J. Baker, Public Works Department (Chairman) ; W. Stewart, Valuer-General; and A. G. Harper, Internal Affairs Department, was set up to investigate the several matters in dispute. The committee held an inqury in the month of June, 1936, and after hearing a good deal of evidence and inspecting the district furnished a report on all the points submitted to it for investigation. This report involved changes being made in— («) The boundaries of the Hawke's Bay Rivers District: (b) The boundaries of certain of the wards of the district: (c) The allocation of the cost of the Board's works amongst the various wards of the district. But, in respect of the various other matters brought before it, the committee recommended that no change be made. The committee's recommendations were carried into effect by the Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Act, 1936. The subsequent issue by this Department of a redefinition notice under that Act relating to the boundaries of the Rivers District and of the wards therein concluded the matter. Land Drainage Districtss—The boundaries of three drainage districts were altered by the inclusion therein of certain areas of land. A Special Order was passed by the Hauraki Plains West Drainage Board fixing the representation therefor. The results of the election of members of several drainage boards were gazetted in accordance with law. Rating Act. The time was extended for the preparation of a valuation roll for the rating of 'mining property in the Grey County. By section 32 of the Finance Act, 1936, the provision authorizing local authorities to remit the 10-per-cent. penalty on unpaid rates was again enacted for the rating year 1935-36. This provision was first enacted in the early stages of the depression and it was intended as a temporarv measure only. It has been retained on the statute-book for a longer period than was originally intended, and the time has now arrived when normal conditions should again prevail as regards the 10-per-cent. penalty. The Ranting Act, 1925, was prominently before the Department. Ratepayers who thought their rates excessive or who were otherwise aggrieved on account of some action or other of local authorities , concerning rates, consistently complained to or sought the help of the Government, and the Department was called upon to investigate a large number of these cases. It should be explained here that, within the limits prescribed by law, the question of the amount of rates levied by a local authority, or the steps taken by a local authority to recover its rates, and other questions incidental thereto, are domestic ones within the jurisdiction of the particular local authority concerned and it is not the general policy of the Government to interfere in them. The large number of cases which came up for review were investigated from the standpoint of this broad policy. Native Rating.-—Over a number of years the problems arising out of the persistent failure of the Natives to pay their rates have given rise to deep concern. Although the matter comes under the administration of the Native Department, this Department is concerned because of the reactions of the non-payment of these rates on Local Government in general and of other rates in particular. During the year the Department came in contact with the problem to a greater extent than usual. Perhaps this is accounted for by the fact that a more concerted move is now being made to find an adequate solution to the problem, particularly on account of the greater extent to which the Native population is using the facilities provided by the local bodies. In connection with the Matakaoa County, referred to elsewhere, especially did the Department have to give serious consideration to the question, and it is pleasing to be able to record the highly successful efforts of the Matakaoa County Commissioner in the collections of Native rates in the Matakaoa County. On the more general application of the question the Department, as a result of its experiences, submitted certain proposals aimed at finding a solution to this vexed problem. Urban Farm-land Rating. One Assessment Court was set up and an adjustment made in the menjbership of one Assessment Court. Here again the scope and effect of the Urban Farm Land Rating Act, 1932, was prominently before the Department during the year as the result of consideration of more than the usual amount of correspondence concerning it, based on the desire of certain people to find avenues for a reduction in their rating liabilities. Local Elections and Polls.The time for closing polls was extended in two cases. By-laws of Local Bodies.—The by-laws of two local authorities were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910.

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Public Bodies Leases: —Napier Harbour Board Leases : A petition was presented to Parliament by certain lessees of the Napier Harbour Board concerning alleged inequalities in the rentals payable.under that Board's leases. The petition was referred to the Government for consideration. A departmental committee consisting of Mr. W. Stewart, Valuer-General, and Mr. A. G. Harper, Internal Affairs Department, was appointed to hold an inquiry and make a report thereon. The committee held its inquiry in Napier in the month of June, 1936, and then furnished a report in which it made several recommendations aimed at adjusting the alleged inequalities and other matters which called for adjustment. The Government approved the committee's recommendations and then referred the report to the parties to carry those recommendations into effect. The necessary action to this end is under way. Designation of Districts. —The name of the locality known as " Waari Hamlet," in the tVaitemata County, was changed to " Sunnyvale." Legislation. Local Elections and Polls (Temporary) Amendment Act, 1936. —This Act re-enacted for a further temporary period, until the 31st December, 1937, the provision restoring to certain defaulting ratepayers the right to vote at rural local-body elections and polls. National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Amendment Act, 1936.—This is a " washing-up " measure consequent upon the completion of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum building and the full functioning of the Board of Trustees. It provides for the reconstitution of the Board of Trustees ; for the transfer of the Museum, Art Gallery, and Carillon property to the Board ; makes certain financial provisions giving the Board power to borrow on overdraft and to expend moneys in connection with the opening ceremony ; authorizes local authorities to contribute towards the funds of the Board ; makes special provision with regard to the staff; and provides for the accumulation of the Sir Harold Beauchamp Trust Fund until it reaches £15,000. Chatham Islands County Council Empowering Act, 1936.—This Act suspends the power of the Chatham Islands County Council to make and levy local rates in the Chatham Islands, and in lieu thereof empowers the County Council to impose import and export dues on goods entering and leaving the Chatham Islands. Subsequently, an Order in Council was passed prescribing the dues payable under the Act. Statutes Amendment Act, 1936.-—The Statutes Amendment Act, introduced by the Hon. Minister of Justice, was availed of by this Department to a certain extent in connection with the promoting of necessary legislation eligible for inclusion in that Act. Several matters affecting the Department were dealt with relating to cemeteries, counties, the housing survey, local-body members contracting with their local bodies, local elections and polls, Municipal Corporations, rating, and Town Boards. Finance Acts.—As usual, certain legislative matters promoted by this Department were included in the Finance Acts brought down during the session. Local Legislation Act, 1936.—The usual Local Legislation Act contained seventy-one sections affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts. —Fifteen 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 these Bills. Thirteen of the Bills were passed into law, several being amended. Local Government Reeobm. A good deal of attention was devoted to the subject of local government reform during the year, and finally, towards the close of the session, the Minister of Internal Affairs introduced the Local Government (Amalgamation Schemes) Bill. This Bill was intended as the first step towards the accomplishment of effective local government reform. In framing the Bill it was recognized that the present form of local government in New Zealand was developed at a time when transport facilities were bad and when it was necessary to take into account the accessibility of the various parts of the local area to the place of administration. As a result there had grown up in a country with a population of about one and a half millions a total number of local bodies approximating seven hundred. It was felt that this large number of local bodies did not provide for the most efficient and economic form of local government. The Bill thus set out a plan for effecting a reduction in the number of local authorities, with a view to securing a reduction of expenditure and a greater measure of efficiency in local government. The Bill provides that individual local authorities or groups of local authorities may submit amalgamation schemes for consideration ; that the Minister of Internal Affairs may require them to do so ; and that the Minister himself may prepare schemes if the local authorities fail to do so. An amalgamation scheme may provide for all or any of the following matters : — (a) The union of two or more adjoining districts, whether districts of a like status or constitution or not, into one district; (b) The merger of any district; (c) The transfer of functions from one local authority to another ; (d) An adjustment or alteration of boundaries of districts ; (e) The conversion of a district into a district of a different status or constitution ; (/) Any matter incidental to the foregoing ; and (g) Such other matters as may from time to time be declared for the purpose by the GovernorGeneral by Order in Council.

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A detailed procedure is then set out for giving full publicity to any amalgamation scheme so initiated, for consulting the various parties affected by the scheme, and for ultimately referring to a Commission of inquiry any scheme to which there is objection. It should be stated that all schemes, whether prepared by local authorities themselves or by the Minister, are to be referred to the Commission for investigation if objected to. Elaborate provisions are set out in the Bill for a very careful review of the position to be made by the Commission to which a scheme is referred, and the ultimate fate of any scheme is dependent entirely upon the nature of the report of the Commission. The Bill, admittedly, is mainly of a procedure nature. Nevertheless, it is a highly important Bill, as it forecasts a very necessary reorganization of the structure of local government, so that local authorities will be able to play their proper part in the full development and government of New Zealand. As the Bill was introduced into Parliament at the close of the session it was introduced for circulation purposes only. In the meantime it was expected that local authorities and others interested would examine the Bill carefully and comment on it where desired. In addition, it was intended that the Minister of Internal Affairs should take every opportunity of explaining to the country the nature of the tentative plans for reorganizing local government. It is obvious that an important matter such as this must be approached with care from the angle of a well-prepared plan. Furthermore, after careful thought to the subject, it was felt that the key to local government reform lay in the direction of first reorganizing the county and rural local bodies of the Dominion. With this purpose in view, towards the end of the year the Minister of Internal Affairs embarked on a campaign of meeting in their own districts the various county Councils and other local authorities affected by the tentative plan of redistribution, and explaining to them the provisions of the Bill and the tentative schemes for their own districts. Before the close of the year the Minister had met a large number of local authorities in the South Island. As a result of the progress he had then made a fairly clear conception of the ultimate aim in regard to local-body reconstruction was becoming apparent to local bodies and others. Town-planning. Several local authorities were in contact with the Department with a view to taking steps for the preparation or further advancement of the town-planning schemes which they are statutorily required to prepare. It was decided during the year to prepare a set of model clauses as a guide to local authorities in the preparation of town-planning schemes, and progress is being made on this work. Three meetings of the Town-planning Board were held. A number of objections were received to the Timaru Borough town-planning scheme, and a committee appointed by the Town-planning Board held a local inquiry in Timaru. The committee subsequently reported to the Board on the scheme and objections, and the Board formed its conclusions thereon. These conclusions were transmitted to the Timaru Borough Council to embody in the scheme and then resubmit same to the Board for final approval. This work is nearing finality. The Papatoetoe Town Board town-planning scheme was finally approved by the Board. Prior to this approval being given a committee of the Board held a local inquiry in Papatoetoe and reported to the Board on the scheme. The Dannevirke Borough town-planning scheme was the subject of considerable correspondence and discussions. This scheme is nearing the stage when it is anticipated provisional approval can be given to it. Further progress was made with the City of Christchurch town-planning scheme, but that scheme was still the subject of consultations with the Christchurch City Council. Five appeals under the provisions of section 34 of the Town-planning Act, 1926, against certain decisions of local authorities were dealt with by the Board. These appeals were all disallowed. The term of office of the nominated members of the Board expired during the year, and the necessary appointments for a further term of three years were made. All the retiring members were reappointed with the exception of Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, C.M.G., Mayor of Wellington, one of the nominees of the Municipal Association of New Zealand, who was replaced by Mr. J. W. Beanland, Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. R. B. Hammond, F.N.Z.1.A., M.T.P.I. (N.Z.), A.M.T.P.I. (Lond.), who had occupied the position of Town-planning Adviser to the Department since February, 1935, was transferred to the Department of Housing Construction. A new position of Town-planning Officer was created in the Department, and Mr. J. W. Mawson, Dip. C.D., F.R.1.8.A., M.T.P.1., was appointed to this position in February, 1937. Mr. Mawson had previously occupied the position of Director of Town-planning from 1928-1933. The intention behind the appointment was that he should devote his whole time to town-planning matters with the idea of having a more vigorous town-planning policy pursued in the future than has been the case in the past. Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. Shooting seasons.—lt was agreed to increase the shooting license fee for native and imported game in a number of acclimatization districts from £1 to £1 ss. for the 1937 shooting-season. This will provide the acclimatization societies concerned with additional funds for the raising of further game for liberation. It was also decided, that in acclimatization districts where a shooting-season for godwits would be held, that the period was to be for a fortnight only, and not two months as previously. There is a growing public opinion that the godwits should be placed on the list of absolutely protected birds. Bird-life.-—The public interest in our wonderful bird-life has been well maintained during the year. Many reports reach the Department as to the pleasure which many people derive in feeding birds in their wild state. The presence- of tuis and bell-birds in localities where they had not previously been seen for years, has been a pleasing reward to those enthusiasts who have been planting suitable trees and in other ways providing for the needs of these birds.

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Importations.—Many applications were received for the importation of birds, principally for aviaries. Each application is subject to close scrutiny, and wliere permission is granted conditions are imposed as to examination of the birds at the port of departure and on arrival in the Dominion to obviate the possibility of introducing bird-disease. The ban 011 the introduction of parrots and members of the parrot family is still operating, and there is also a lengthy list of birds for which permission for importation is not granted. , Opossums. —Open trapping-seasons were declared in twenty-one acclimatization districts. The number of skins stamped was 206,112. .... . Field Investigations. —Officers of the Department have, in conjunction with duties connected with deer-destruction operations, carried out various investigations. In addition, two officers Messrs. E. Kean and F. L. Newcombe —made an inspection of a portion of the Euahine Eange, and the following is taken from the very interesting report furnished. Route. The country covered by this account we traversed on a three-day trip, McCulloch's Mill, Whakarara, being left on the morning of the 7th February. We followed up the Waipawa River and crossed the Waipawa Saddle at its head to the Waikamara Stream on the west. Our route from here lay across the next ridge to the Kawhatau Stream, along which we travelled nearly to its head. This stream we left by way of Tussock Creek, reaching the crest of the main range about noon on the second day. The range was followed to Rangi-o-te-Atua, whence we a descent into the Waikamara Stream, down which we travelled to a point some miles below its junction with the Maropea Stream. The volume of water had been increasing steadily, so we climbed out over the Mokai-Patea Plateau on the west, reaching Taoroa Settlement on the Rangitikei some two hours later. Topography. A distinct topographical resemblance to the Tararua Ranges was evident in all the country viewed, and a clear " Alpine " effect was also noticeable in the scenery, due, no doubt, to the numerous slips and talus slopes, with the consequent acutely sharpened peaks and pinnacles. The rocks show the same general characteristics as those oi the Tararuas, being for the most part greywackes, but they appear to be more shattered. It is probable that this is due only to their crumbling nature being made more evident by the greater area of bare rock and scree. Parts oi the range have an altitude approximately 500 ft. higher than the general level of the Tararuas, and these parts therefore carry a sparser cover of vegetation, while the greater distance between scrub-level and the crest of the range greatly increases the possibility of slipping. The rivers which drain the western side of the range—the Rangitikei, the Pohangina, and the Oroua—are noted for the deep gorges cut in the lower portions of their courses. There, downcutting is probably progressing but slow y, for this process would be, at first, rapid in the relatively soft sedimentary rocks of that region. On base-level being approached, however, further deepening of their beds would be retarded. In their higher reaches, where more resistant rock and country of greater relief occurs, it would be reasonable to expect downcutting to be less advanced and so to be still continuing at a relatively rapid rate. . The only westward draining river traversed for any distance was the Waikamara, which drams into the Rangitikei, and, from within a few miles of the divide, it flows, by a series of short S turns, in a gorge continuous throughout except for occasional small bush-flats. Evidence of rapid downward corrosion is supplied by the small amount of shingle in the bed, the water in some places flowing over bare, newly eroded rock. The walls oi the gorge rise very steeply for the most part, and slips, due to undercutting, occur commonly on the bends, most noticeably in the lower portion of the course, and it is important that vegetation be allowed to regenerate on these parts. On some vertical rock cliffs plant covering showed signs of damage, due to material falling from above. This seems to be a recent development, due to disturbance of the steep, unstable higher slopes. Access. Eastern Side.—A road extends for thirty miles beyond Waipawa to the Whakarara district, ceasing shortly after McCulloch's Mill—situated on a branch of the Waipawa River—is reached. Easy going up this stream brings one in two hours and a half to the Waipawa Saddle (4,353 ft.), dividing the Waipawa from the Waikamara Stream, which is a tributary of the Rangitikei. Packhorses could be easily taken to and over this saddle, but for no distance down this or the adjoining Kawhatau River. . Western Side.—A road from Taihape, twenty miles, or Utiku, seventeen miles, leads to the laoroa district, some distance up the Rangitikei River. From the end of the road packhorses can be taken on to the Mokai-Patea ridge, which is a naturally clear ridge and is situated on the south side of the Waikamara Stream. This cleared poition, called the Mokai-Patea Plateau, extends to within roughly five miles of the Main Range, of which the Mokai-Patea ridge is a spur leading up to the highest point of the range, Rangi-o-te-Atua, 5,589 ft. It is most likely that packhorses could be taken right up to where the bush comes onto the ridge again. We did not travel along this ridge, but the Waikamara Stream is definitely of no use as a means of access, as a slight fresh would render it impassable. It took some twelve hours and a half actual travelling-time to reach the end of the road at Taoroa from the main range. Bird-life. It is not surprising when it is considered that the country traversed would be mostly above an elevation of 2,500 ft. to 3,000 ft. that variety of bird-life was lacking. An odd tui, grey warbler, and morepork were heard near our camp in the Kawhatau ; a tomtit was also noticed here, while farther upstream a kaka flew across the valley . Going down the Waikamara, fantails and tomtits were observed. Whio, or Mountain Duck.—One of these birds was seen in swift water in the upper Kawhatau. Another pair was found in a pool in the upper reaches of the Waikamara, and allowed us to get within a few feet of them. On the following day a pair floated down the river just in front of us. Apparently these birds have never been plentiiu even in the earliest days. The swift streams with boulder-strewn beds and few backwaters where they are found must provide only sufficient feed to support a pair of birds over a distance of several miles ; certainly aquatic insect life and fish appeared to be very scarce. Later, in conversation with Mr. Guthrie Smith, he confirmed that they had never been numerous, and that they were found in odd pairs as now. Riflemen Wrens. —These birds were exceedingly numerous, and, indeed, for long spells they were hardly ever out of sight or hearing. As usual they were busy seeking for insects amongst the trees and shrubs, and it is possible that the amount of dead and dying timber in the country traversed (referred to below) might support a larger population of insects than if the bush were in the condition usually found. Deer. (1) Distribution. While much more country was seen on the western side of the main range, a cursory glance at the bush-fiats whilst proceeding up the branch of the Waipawa River to the Waipawa Saddle revealed no signs of deer until scrub above the bush was reached. Deer-tracks in the river-bed sand, so abundant in all portions of the Kawhatau and Waikamara Valleys, were absent. The absence of deer on this (the eastern) portion visited is quite likely local. On the other hand, we understand that they are more plentiful in the western side throughout the range, and this may be because settlement is closer in to the main range in the east, this giving a smaller feeding-range for the animals ; also making access for shooters and others easier, as certain of the roads end practically at the base oi the main range.

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(2) Damage noted and Signs of the Prevalence of the Animals. This may be conveniently subdivided into the following categories, each having certain differences regarding the principal plants attacked : — (a) River-flats. (b) Bush slopes and banks. (c) Sub-alpine scrub. (d) Open tops. Slips were in most places in the Kawhatau and Waikamara Valleys criss-crossed with tracks, while tracks seemed to lead up each tributary stream. (а) River-flats. —After passing over the Waipawa Saddle deer-tracks became numerous, and when the main branch of the Waikamara was reached at a tussock-flat signs were evident. Large tussock-grasses amongst fallen timber in the bush had been entirely eaten, while some of the following undershrubs had been killed : Nothopanax colensoi and Sececio eleagnifolius, others being well trimmed back. A small-leaved Coprosma and Olearia arborescens had also suffered, the last-named having put out fresh shoots which again had been eaten off. Polystichum, vestiturn, a common fern of this range and the Tararuas, had, as usual, received attention. The damage to the river-flats became progressively worse as we went upstream on the first day out, until on a flat opposite the outlet of a large tributary flowing in from the north-west of the Kawhatau Valley all leaf-mould had vanished from the forest-floor, the roots lying on bare sand and shingle. All the ferns were gone, the only trace being small stumps, no doubt of Polystichum, vestiturn. The only undershrubs remaining were a few divaricating smallleaved coprosmas, and an occasional broadleaf (Qriselinia littoralis), Mountain wineberry (or perhaps hybrids between Aristotelia racemosa and A. fruticosa) and Nothopanax sinclairii were left alive, all other undershrubs were killed, many having been barked. There are possibly two reasons for concentrated damage in this spot. Being opposite the mouth of a tributary stream, deer driven down by snow in the winter into the tributary valley-floor would possibly move down into the main valley. As the tributary valley provides the only break in the high ridge of precipitous cliffs on that side, the flat, being opposite, would get far more sunshine in winter than most other flats for some distance up or down the Kawhatau. Proceeding up the river, in several places it was noted that the bark of Pittosporum rigidum had been eaten. Another badly damaged river-flat was situated a mile or two upstream. Again it was opposite the junction of a north-west tributary. The damage was similar to the first. A little farther on the flats became more open tussock country, where some of the clumps of danthonia had been eaten right down and killed. Large patches of mountain beech were still present, however. In one instance, it consisted of trees 12 ft. to 15 ft. high oil a shingly river-flat; there was no vestige of leaves or greenery left below 5 ft. In a number of cases the bark had been eaten somewhat. The definite line above which twigs with leaves on them remained was very striking. Above where we camped for the night damage was present along the flats. Owing, however, to the amount of dead and dying trees and shrubs, from other causes mentioned below it was not easy to arrive at the proportion caused by deer. To replace the dead beech trees, there is in some cases a regeneration of beech seedlings 3 ft. to 4 ft. in height, some of these had been eaten back, while in one case the whole top of a young tree had been chewed off, all bark, leaves, and young growth having gone. Similar damage, although no notes were taken, was observed proceeding down the Waikamara the following day. In one place, however, particular note was taken of the fact that a large patch of mountain-beech seedlings, 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height, had been eaten well back. On the lower portion of the Waikamara on the last day the following notes were recorded : Flats badly knocked about in places. Putaputaweta seedlings well eaten back. Details of one such flat are as follows : Large trees, red beech, practically all under shrubs except tree fuchsia, Coprosma rhamnoides, and Nothopanax anomalum killed out; mahoe and broadleaf torn to the ground ; Nothopanax (most likely arboream—five finger—at this altitude) 8 in. to 1 ft. through, barked completely to 5 ft. to 6 ft. in height, and, of course, dead—a scene of desolation. A few minute herbs and the wood-grass (Microloena avenacea) remain on the forest-floor. When Rangiora began to appear as the altitude lessened it was well browsed back. Where we left the river to elimb into the Mokai-Patea ridge similar damage was observed in the bush on a terrace. In addition, clumps of a large Astelia were either eaten well back or killed. (б) Bush Slopes and Banks. —In addition to the damage recorded under the heading of river-flats, which, of course, also occurs in the above class of country, the destruction of the fern kio-kio is found. This fern, as described for the headwaters of the Hutt River, plays an important part in preventing movement of old fixed scree slopes, &c* As the portions of the creeping stem left after it is killed quickly disappear, it is difficult, unless the damage is found shortly after it is done, to think that the fern has ever been present. It is only by a comparative study of untouched, damaged, killed out portions of stem still left, and spots where all signs have vanished, that the right conclusions may be drawn. The following are notes taken of actual observations : Upper banks of the Waikamaka,- kio-kio on bank of stream side eaten ; banks of Kawhatau proceeding upstream on second day out, kio-kio eaten, some areas untouched, others with fronds all eaten off, and some from which the fern has vanished ; Upper Kawhatau on third day, kio-kio has been almost wiped out on a lot of the banks ; on slopes amid sub-alpine scrub in this area, eaten out in many places ; in lower reaches of Waikamara kio-kio cleaned out in places. On one placp where recent slipping had occurred on previous fixed steep scree slopes the area immediately adjacent was found to still have traces of the fern left on it. It may be safely assumed in this case that deer had been responsible for the commencement of the slipping. Here notes were taken of damage caused to the bush on the spur by which we climed onto the Mokai-Patea ridge : Deer have cleared out bush badly on the way up to saddle ; Nothopanax and certain other trees have been barked ; any bark remaining on the trees attacked is on the lower side of the trunk when it overhangs some inaccessible spot; practically all ferns gone, a striking exception being huge beds of Dicksonia lanata growing like bracken fern —this species did not appear to be touched. As this spur leads into cleared farm country and is not fenced, some of the damage here may be due to sheep, cattle, and wild pigs, abundant signs of the latter being seen about the bush-edge, also rooting amongst the large areas covered by Celmisia spectabalis in the open country. (c) Sub-alpine Scrub.—This type of vegetation (except where it is of too dense a growth to enable the animals to enter it) seems to suffer perhaps more than any other. On the eastern side of the Waipawa Saddle the following plants had been browsed on : Tutu, mountain flax, koromiko (Hebe salicifolia), Coprosma robusta, Senecio eleagnifolius, Astelia nervosa, and a grass (Poa ?). When starting up the ridge between the Waikamara and the Kawhatau on the first day tracks amongst the scrub were numerous. The following damage was noted : The handsome Spaniard (Aciphylla colensoi) had had the centres containing the fresh leaves and the flower-spike eaten—it appeated as though many would die. Nothopanax colensoi was in many cases killed, while mountain wineberry, broadleaf, and Senecio eleagnifolius were badly knocked about. Astelia nervosa and Bulhinella hookeri, two herbaceous plants, had also been attacked. The tracks have started gullying in a small way, now being well down through the layer of leaf-mould and soil into the debris, where with every heavy fall of rain they will increase in size. While proceeding up the Kawhatau River two places on the mountain side were inspected. In both cases dead shrubs could be seen from the river-bed, but it was doubtful how this had been brought about. Looking closely, it was evident that deer were responsible for a great deal of the damage. Polystuhum vestiturn., in the first area lower down the valley, had been eaten off, while the bark of the following trees had been eaten, causing death in many cases : Nothopanax colensoi, broadleaf, mountain wineberry, Senecio eleagnifolius, and Hoheria populnea and Pittosporum rigidum. Trees not killed were in most cases saved by the fact that one side of the trunk was not readily accessible, the bark left preventing ring-barging.

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The other area inspected was well to the head of the Kawhatau at a higher altitude. Here many of the first four shrubs mentioned above had been killed, as had koromiko, Olearia colensoi, and Oaultheria rupestris. The two usual ferns, kio-kio and Polystickam vestitum, had suffered, and in one place a small slide had been started with the destruction of the former fern and seedlings of Olearia colensoi. (d) Open Tops.—As far as could be seen the open tops have not suffered a great deal, the tussock grasses and many of the herbs and shrubs being presumably unpalatable. However, where plants recorded under (c) are found in this class of country they would suffer similar damage. As we were in mist in this area for a great deal of the time much may have been overlooked. On the way on to the main range from Tussock Creek, Spaniards had had some of the outer leaves eaten. This appeared to have been caused by hares, signs of which were seen here and also on the flats in the upper reaches of the river. On the ridge between the headwaters of the Waikamara and the Kawhatau it was noted that several parallel tracks had been made along the steep mountain side near the summit of the ridge. Slips are commencing at the banks on the upper sides of these tracks and will no doubt, grow in proportions as the years go by. (3) Eating of Bark. Sometimes the trees have the bark stripped from them ; in other cases it appears that only a nibble here and there is taken. We have often wondered whether the latter cases are for more or less medicinal value, or for something with more taste than the usual leaves, &c., eaten. Recently in " The Protection of Woodlands," by H. Furst, published in 1893, it was observed that red deer in Germany become very destructive to the bark of trees when ring fenced and not able to obtain their usual wide variety of food. It was suggested that the monotonous diet of hay in winter in the Deer Park, was the cause, the bark stripping being necessary to provide themselves with the tannic acid necessary to stimulate the secretion of certair requisites (e.g., for the formation of antlers and the process of digestion). Even where trees are not killed outright by ring barking, the area on the trunk left uncovered by bark soon becomes riddled by the holes of boring insects and the ultimate death of the tree must be greatly quickened. (4) Number of Deer actually seen. Five were seen on the divide between the Kawhatau and the Waikamara. Four in the stream leading from this divide into the Kawhatau, and that afternoon and the next morning two were seen, one being a fine 10-pointer stag in the velvet. Proceeding up Tussock Creek to the main divide, two went ahead of us, while on the open tops a mob of six was seen, and others were possibly hidden by the dense mist and rain. In the afternoon seven were seen while following down the Waikamara. Dead Timbek. An unusual feature of the beech forest of the Waikamara and Kawhatau Valleys was the prevalence of dead timber. To a less extent this was present in the Waipawa Valley also. We are at somewhat of a loss for a satisfactory explanation of this condition, although there are two possible solutions. During one or more exceptionally dry seasons, widespread fires would be likely to occur, most trees dying as a dirpct result of fire and others dying slowly over a period of years consequent upon conditions changed in this way. A number of samples of blackened pieces of wood from standing and fallen dead trees were submitted for examination to Mr. L. H. Davis, Analyst, Dominion Laboratory. His remarks are as follows : — " In reply to your query concerning the cause of the blackening on the surface of the samples of wood forwarded to me, I can only give an opinion. "It is practically impossible, at the present stage of our knowledge, to prove definitely by chemical examination whether fire caused the damage. " However, from microscopical examination, I have formed the opinion that these samples of wood have been swept by fire and then exposed to extensive weathering. In several portions I have found a charred zone which penetrates into the wood, the charring growing lighter as the depth from the surface increases." However, the distribution of the dead timber seemed too complete and widespread to be attributable to fire, and also varies too much—e.g., in the Waipawa Valley the dead trees were certainly common, but not sufficiently to suggest fire, and on a steep slope in the Waikamara Valley we noticed a number of large beeches standing out above younger trees ; they were alive, but slowly dying. In perhaps ten years they may closely resemble the dead beeches so common in the Kawhatau Valley. Trees infected in their early stages with a mild disease would be likely to continue to maturity, being sufficiently virile to prevent serious inroads, but with the approach of old age the disease would be able to make more rapid headway. Those trees, least favoured by environment, would die prematurely, so that light, further assisted by the decreasing foliage of the larger trees, would early reach the forest-floor, setting up conditions favourable for regeneration. The resultant seedlings would, in time, form a young forest standing beneath the dead forms of the last survivors of the previous generation. This, of course, is hypothesis only, but disease appeared to be present in the mountain beeches, while the red and silver beeches of lower levels were free. Amongst the fresh foliage of the mountain beeches dead leaves appeared sometimes singly, but often together, a whole twig here and there being affected. Could this apparent leaf-disease be the cause ? Another disease seemed to be present among the beeches. A number of the saplings were dead, appearing to have been barked by deer, while others bore soars, all below the 4 ft. level and most common at about 2 ft. At first sight it looked like deer-damage, especially as the foliage and under-shrubs had been eaten off to the 5 ft. level, but there were no undoubted tooth or antler marks. Further, scars appeared in places inaccessible to deer—for example, between two closely set trunks. No signs of opossums were evident, so we concluded that disease must be present. It appeared first as irregular brown streaks on the outside of the bark. These tended to coaleace, and the bark eventually sloughed off from dead wood. The leaf complaint previously mentioned was present here too, but it showed no correlation with the bark-trouble. The fact that damage occurred only on these parts which had been browsed on by deer, suggests that deer were the agents in spreading infection. Regeneration of Beeoii Forests. During this present summer we had observed a very interesting phenomenen in beech forests in the following localities : Rimutaka Range, Haurangi State Forest—Eastern Wairarapa, and Ruapehu. This was the myriads of beech seedlings of the following species, which had sprung up apparently from seed shed last season : Red beech, (Nothofagua fusca, Nothofagus truncata,) black and silver beech. Tree-trunks lying on the ground would have cracks along the bole outlined in seedlings, while in many places they appeared like grass on the forest-floor. Areas which we have observed for nine years as being bare of beech regeneration except for very small clumps, are this year carpeted with them. It is possible that the wet summer last year may have made conditions suitable for germination on the forest-floor, where the usual layer of dry, hard beech-leaves would make germination difficult. It is possible that, allied with this, beech trees may have borne more than the usual amount of seed. It will be an interesting study in localities like the Haurangi Reserve to see whether the forests can regenerate with such a liberal start in spite of deer, goats, pigs, &c. The majority of the bush country traversed in this portion of the Ruahines was mountain beech forest, this species replacing the high country silver beech forest of the Tararua Range. Red beech is found here, as usual, on the lower country and a very small amount of silver beech was also noted, appearing at lower levels than that at which the red beech was first observed. It was interesting to note that the regeneration referred to was present as regards the red and silver beech, but not mearly so abundant in the high mountain beech forest. A possible reason for this is that climatic conditions in the higher altitudes last season did not vary a great deal from the usual, while in lower altitude they certainly did. The denser nature of the alpine mountain beech forest may also have had a retardatory effect, 2—H. 22.

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Stoats and Weasels. Ā pleasing feature from this Department's point of view was the total removal of protection on stoats, weasels, &c. Undoubtedly these rodents play havoc with bird-life, and it behoves all birdlovers to do everything possible to assist in dealing with the pests. With the removal of protection there are now no restrictions on the sale of skins. Rotorua Acclimatization District. Fisheries. —The fishing in the Rotorua and Taupo fishing districts attracted many overseas anglers. A noticeable feature was the number who were making their first visit to New Zealand for the fishing and who have expressed their intention of returning again next season. For some years the prohibited hours of fishing have been from, midnight to 4 a.m. and the season from Ist November to 31st May. In the interests of conservation it was decided that the 1936-37 season should close on 14th May and the prohibited hours of fishing be fixed at from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the greater part of the season adverse weather conditions prevailed, and probably this resulted in fewer fish being taken than in previous years. Quite a number of anglers, both overseas and local are of the opinion that this is desirable and in the interests of conservation. A very pleasing feature was the generally fine condition of the fish. In the Rotorua district the condition was of a very high standard both in rivers and lakes. In Lake Rotoiti rainbow trout weighing 151b. and 16 lb. were taken. A rainbow of 16J lb. was caught in Lake Okataina. Lake Tarawera again fished well, specimens up to 12 lb. being taken. The heaviest fish caught at Taupo was a rainbow of 15J lb. The Bay of Plenty rivers were subjected to many floods, which naturally interfered with the success of anglers. From Waikaremoana large numbers of young rainbow, averaging about 3 lb. were taken. In view of suggestions that the fish in the Tongariro River comprised a fair proportion of degenerate fish it was decided to make a very full investigation during the time the fish were in the upper reaches and tributaries. The investigations were carried out during the greater part of the winter and they established quite definitely that there were no grounds whatever for the contentions. The fish were found to be in excellent condition, and the large congregations in the tributaries went to prove that there was no shortage of fish. The following are particulars of some large fish taken during the season and coming under the notice of departmental officers : — rotorua pishing district. taupo fishing district. Weight. Locality in which taken. Weight. Locality in which taken. lb. .. Lake Okataina. 11 lb. . . .. Grace's Pool (Tongariro 12lb. . . ~ River). I2Jlb. . . 11 lb. and 10| lb. Delta and River (Tongariro). Four at 12 lb. .. ~ lb. .. .. Delta (Tongariro River). 11| lb. . . ~ 10 lb. (brown) . . Tongariro River. 81 lb „ 9f lb 16 lb. .. . . Lake Rotoiti. lb. . . ~ 15 lb. .. .. ~ Two at 9 lb. . . ~ 11 lb. .. .. „ 15|lb. .. Waitahanui River. 10 lb. .. .. Lake Tarawera. llf lb. (brown) .. „ 9|lb. .. .. ~ 11| lb. .. Waitahanui River (Main Road 10 lb., 9f lb., 9| lb., ~ Bridge). and 91b. .. Waitahanui River (outlet). 9-J lb. .. . . ~ 10 lb. .. . . Waitahanui River. lb. .. Lake Waikareiti. lb. . . ~ 10 j lb. . . Waikato River. Four at 9 lb. each „ 10 lb. .. .. Waikato River (near Aratia- 14 lb. .. . . Hatepe River. tia Rapids). lljlb. .. Mission Bay. 9i lb. . . . . Waikato River. 11 lb. .. .. Whangamata Bay. 9 lb. .. ~ 9J lb. .. . . Rangataua and Mine Points. 9 lb. . . . . Waikato River (below Huka 9 lb. .. . . Lake Taupo. Falls). Five at 9 lb. each Waikato River (between Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids.) 8 lb. . . .. Ditto. 9 lb. 13 oz. . . Waimana River. 9 lb. (brown) .. Ngongotaha. Ova and Fry. —The total number of eggs collected at the hatchery on the Tongariro River was 6,562,000. Of this, 1,945,000 were sold to New Zealand acclimatization societies, 250,000 were exchanged for brown-trout ova, and 55,000 hatched fry sold to the Tauranga Acclimatization Society. The liberations of fry were 2,685,500 in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty waters, 1,400,000 in streams flowing into Lake Taupo, and 410,000 in Lakes Waikaremoana and Waikare-iti and the Wairoa rivers. Steps are being taken for the erection of a new fish-hatchery at Ngongotaha, near Rotorua. Food supplies for Trout.—The fine condition of the fish does not suggest any shortage of fish food. Nevertheless, a good deal of attention has been devoted to further augmenting the fish food in Lake Taupo. Consignments of koura and smelt have been liberated in the lake. The experiment of introducing the smelt into Tikitapu (Blue Lake) was successful, and it was found that the fish had multiplied and could be seen in large shoals. Amongst one lot netted were found specimens larger than any previously seen in the district.

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Scientific Operations. —Investigations showed that the mortality amongst the toi toi was negligible both in Taupo and Rotorua waters. This also applies to the mollusc Isadora. Only two specimens of indigenous fish were found that were affected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, they being kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) taken in a small stream at Waitahanui. During the summer lower temperatures prevailed in all the lakes, thus the possibility of great mortality amongst toi toi was considered lessened. Every opportunity was taken to examine as many trout as possible to ascertain the prevalence of the nematode worm, and it is considered as a result of the investigations made that there is definitely no cause for alarm. The information gained from monthly temperature, biological, meteorological, and trout food reports, regularly compiled by the Department's various Rangers, has continued to be of great value. Culling of Fish. —Reference has already been made to the investigations carried out in the tributaries of the Tongariro River. Only eleven fish were culled. In the hatchery stream where culling is regularly carried out 144 males and 124 females were destroyed, mostly fish damaged in the fighting inseparable from the spawning season. Destruction of Shags.—Supplies of ammunition were supplied to the Department's Rangers and, in addition to eggs, numbers of birds were destroyed. Bonus was paid on 673 shags' heads. Tagging of Trout. —The Department is continuing the tagging of trout, 654 being tagged during the hatchery season. Reports of four tagged fish being taken were received. The Department asks for the co-operation of anglers in reporting full particulars of any tagged fish caught. It is expected that numbers of tagged fish will be handled again next hatchery season and very valuable data as to growth, &c., obtained. Facilities for Anglers.—Erosion on the Tongariro River seriously interfered with the track clown the river. Tracks were kept clear on parts of the Waikato River and at Three and Four Mile Bays. A new wharf with offices is being built at Taupo. State Game Farm. —A game-rearing farm has been established at Ngongotaha, near Rotorua. In spite of a late start, very satisfactory results were obtained. Over one thousand pheasants were reared, and a very pleasing feature was the very low rate of mortality. For the first time it has been decided to hold over the greater proportion of pheasant liberations until after the shooting-season. Steps are being taken to breed a larger number of pheasants next season. Up to the 31st March, 468 pheasants were liberated, 282 from the State Game Farm and the remainder obtained from other sources. Bird-life. —Black teal do not appear to have increased and are not nearly so plentiful at Hamurana as in past years. They have, however, been observed in numbers from about six to twenty on all lakes. The stands of blue-gums in the State forest near Rotorua attract numbers of tui and korimako, and throughout the whole district the latter is numerous. Native birds are plentiful in most of the dense bush in the Urewera, kereru (native pigeon), tui, korimako (bell-bird), tiwakawaka (fantail), and popokotea (whitehead) being the most numerous. Kiwi are still fairly plentiful in certain places on the Kaimanawa Range and in the Urewera Country. Titipounamu (rifleman) are to be seen in fair numbers in the beech country. Three specimens of toutouwai (North Island robin) were seen in the Mamaku Bush. Poaka (white-headed stilt) were only seen in very small numbers. About two hundred kuaka (godwit) remained in the Ohiwa Harbour throughout the winter, and one isolated specimen was seen on the shore of Lake Tarawera during April. Matata (fern-bird) were seen and heard near Atiamuri. Black swans are holding their own and are very plentiful at Hamurana. Grey ducks are fairly plentiful yet in the lagoons at Whakaki and near Matata and Tokaanu. Pheasants and quail appear to be most numerous in the Wairoa area. Opossums. —An open trapping-season for opossums was declared during July and August ; thirteen licenses and five permits were issued. The number of skins stamped at Rotorua and Wairoa was 2,925. Deer. —With no protection on deer, numbers of persons have continued to shoot the animals. The supply of ammunition at a cheap rate was largely availed of, and 7,830 rounds were sold from the Rotorua office. Many applications were made for permission to shoot in the sanctuary at Waikaremoana. Permits to the number of 110 were issued, and these accounted for the destruction of 346 deer. Ranging.—A number of prosecutions were taken for breaches of the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22, and the Rotorua and Taupo Fishing Regulations. The fines amounted to £47. Deep.. Departmental Party Operations. As a result of departmental party operations a total of 26,424 deer (Cervus elaphus), 2,765 thar (Hemitragus jemlaicus), 2,875 chamois (Rupicapra tragus), 268 goats, and 11 pigs (a total of 32,343 animals) were killed and 11,744 skins recovered. It is also possible to forecast fairly accurately the final total results which will be obtained for the whole season ending 31st May, 1937. It is estimated that the totals will reach 34,944 animals killed and 12,131 skins recovered. The special operation against thar and chamois which was conducted in the Mount Cook reserves (an area not infested by deer) resulted in 2,760 thar and 1,658 chamois being killed in that locality. A geographical analysis of the whole season's figures reveals that the operations on the eastern and those on the western sides of the main divide yielded the following results : — Eastern side (including Mount Cook) : 21,579 deer, 2,765 thar, 2,898 chamois, and 381 goats killed. Western side : 7,191 deer, 73 chamois, 46 goats, and 11 pigs killed.

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Climatic Conditions. The weather throughout the whole season has been indescribably bad and this has very seriously interfered with the progress of the operations. At the commencement of the season proper (in October) serious floods were encountered —packtracks were washed away, parties were isolated, and conditions for shooting were hopelessly bad. All rivers have been in flood at frequent intervals, rain has fallen almost incessantly on the western side and along the main divide, snow has fallen every few weeks right throughout the summer, and when rain or snow was not actually falling the mountain " tops " (the main shooting-ground) have been enveloped in fog. The parties operating in the Hokitika watershed encountered only twenty-three fine days in the whole seven months. This bad weather not only prevented the men from operating effectively, but it kept deer to the bush, thus making shooting difficult and materially reducing the results. In many localities hundreds of skins, which under normal conditions could have been recovered had to be abandoned owing to the impossibility of getting them dry, and unsuccessful attempts to dry skins eventually resulted in the men becoming discouraged and merely taking the tails. Sphere of Operations and Tactics employed. The " season " opened with what were really the closing stages of last season's campaign by a small party continuing to operate in certain portions of the Makarora and Hunter Valleys, at the heads of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea respectively, which lent themselves to winter operations. This resulted in a further seven hundred deer being killed in the area worked during the preceding season and effectively " cleaned up " these special " winter quarters " of the deer. The main portion of the season's deer campaign was launched from about twenty different points on both sides of the main divide throughout the area from the heads of the Rangitata Valley on the east and the Whitcombe Valley on the west, to the line of the Blenheim-Murchison highway at such times between the beginning of September and the beginning of December as necessary to conform with the general tactical plan. The system of commencing the operations in the foothills open valleys, and other " front country " and then pushing forward towards the main divide and forcing surviving deer on ahead, progressively increasing the personnel of the organization and culminating in a concerted " kill " in the very head basins of the divide in the autumn having been found, by years of experience, to be the most successful, it was pursued this season with marked success as the topography of the country lent itself to such tactics. It might be thought that the numerical results obtained by the parties operating on the western side were so low as to scarcely justify the undertaking in those localities. This idea, if it should exist, is, however, entirely erroneous, as the value of such operations cannot be judged solely by the numbers killed by the parties actually operating there. There is abundant evidence to show that the presence of the parties on the western side resulted in a far greater number of deer being killed on the eastern side than would otherwise have been the case. In the cases of the Waiau, Hurunui, Poulter, and Rakaia Valleys, a stage was reached at the conclusion of the first working of these areas when there were exceedingly few deer left, and weekly results fell to very low figures. The parties then went back to the starting-points to go over again while those on the contiguous Westland country were pressing forward, and by the time the eastern parties reached their back country again there were more deer there than during the first working, and big " kills " resulted. In the case of the Rakaia in particular was this noted, as at one stage the results fell so low that it was feared that it would be necessary to withdraw the parties, and as there is very little bush cover it was obvious that the deer were not there. At that stage, however, deer commenced to appear in increasing numbers, obviously coming over from Westland, and good results were maintained until the end of the season. With a view to dispelling an erroneous idea that still appears to remain in the minds of some uninformed people who refer to, and even criticize, this Department's operations in the press and elsewhere, it should be stated that to departmental parties there is no inaccessible " away back " country to which deer may escape and find sanctuary, as the parties operating from each side constantly crossed the divide at numberless points besides traversing along it, and literally met on the top regularly. It can be definitely stated that in the whole zone of operations not even the smallest piece of country on which deer could possibly be found was not covered by our men. As an integral part of the campaign of the season under review, though the work will not be done until after the period covered by this report, winter operations will be conducted in the valleys of the Awatere River and all the tributaries of the Wairau on the southern side. This area of country lies to the sun (the north) and is the natural winter quarters of many of the deer which in summer inhabit the high Molesworth-Tarndale Plateau. Operations were, of course, conducted in this " summer country " during the past season, and now that surviving deer have moved into the " winter country " referred to and the passes become snow-bound, the final stage of the campaign in that sector is the winter operations mentioned above. General Progress and Results. (a) Thar and Chamois.—Dealing firstly with thar, it can be stated at once that it is exceedingly fortunate that it was decided to operate against these animals this season. Two of their dominant characteristics are their gregarious habits and the tendency to remain on the country where they were born. The result has been that, although they have increased tremendously, they have not yet spread far from the Mount Cook reserves. Their great fecundity and absence of natural enemies, however, had resulted in an entire absence of a natural balance with food-supplies being arrived at, with the result that the country occupied by them had become denuded of vegetation to an almost indescribable extent.

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This, of course, would inevitably had led to spread on to new country, and this result was not only imminent but had actually started. Some thar have spread along the main divide across the heads of the Dobson and Hopkins Valleys, while one small colony was encountered in the Rangitata watershed. Thar and chamois can traverse ice-bound rocks where men cannot follow, and a few of the Rangitata colony escaped, hut it is hoped to get the remainder next season. A total of 2,765 thar were killed, and a termination of the menace these animals constituted is, it is thought, already in sight. This, it is considered, is a most successful conclusion to this arduous and hazardous phase of this season s campaign. Partly as the result of the tenacity with which the thar retained possession of the major portion of the Mount Cook lands and also owing to the great natural increase and low mortality-rate of their own number, chamois were some years ago compelled to migrate elsewhere and they have been encountered as far north as Lewis Pass, although they are in very small numbers to the north of Arthur's 3?ciss The extent to which this northward migration has taken place is revealed by the fact that over eleven hundred were killed in the heads of the Rangitata watershed but, at the same time, the fact that 1,658 were killed at Mount Cook shows that many still remained in the vicinity of the place of liberation of the progenitors of to-day's herds. . ; ... Although the position with regard to chamois infestation is serious, this season s activities have, it is thought, gone a long way towards checking the spread, aside from the improvement in growth of vegetation which will undoubtedly take place in the Mount Cook reserves and the Rangitata, and there is reason to believe that effective control will eventually be effected. It is also hoped that it will be found that the decimation of the numbers of both thar and chamois at Mount Cook will result, as is the case with deer, in " stragglers " now inhabiting other localities returning to their old haunts and so being dealt with in an accessible locality. By the end of another season much more will be known of this subject and the degree of progress will be made more definable. (6) Deer.—On some of the country worked this season operations have not previously been conducted ; another large area had not been worked for five years, and the remainder for three Ypo r*a In all places previously worked, however, it was found that a degree of the progress previously made had still been maintained, although much had been lost by the unduly long time which had been allowed to elapse without operations. During this season on one station (" St. James ") a total of 3,670 deer were killed, and the benefit to the sheep pastures is already indicated by the fact that the owner has been able to increase his sheep by about one thousand head, and it is considered that the increased feed available would permit of a further large addition to the flock. A very pleasing development as the result of earlier departmental operations and one which indicates the efficacy of the policy of directing activities, especially against remote sources of reinfestation of surrounding areas, is the fact that in some localities which were at one time being constantly invaded by deer the animals are now scarce, although in some cases operations have actually never been conducted in such localities, but the hinterland has been subjected to intensive operations. Personnel. Although an abundance of men were offering for service with the parties, difficulty was again experienced in obtaining sufficient experienced men. The rigorous conditions encountered, especially in Westland, resulted in many men leaving the parties after only very short service. As an indication of this there might be mentioned one valley where, although it was desired to have only two men operating there, a total of eleven men were sent there and, even then, one man was entirely alone for over half the season. Great credit is due to this man for his tenacity and disregard of hardships and for the manner in which he carried on in spite of losing his mate and being left alone time after time. Further credit is due to all those who " stuck it out " on the Westland side, owing to the fact that, in addition to more severe weather conditions and more bush and rougher country, they were able to get only such poor results that their earnings were very much lower than those of the men who were fortunate enough to be engaged on the eastern side. ... It is gratifying to be again able to report the absence of any loss of life or serious injury to any of the employees, which, in view of the hazardous nature of the work and of the fact that every year several fatal shooting and other accidents occur amongst deer-stalkers and mountaineers, is especially noteworthy. Deer-skins. There is a very keen demand for deer-skins, and at times the Department has had difficulty in filling orders received. The total number of skins sold during the year was 12,555. Private commercial hunters have continued to save skins, and in many cases have sold them to this Department. Skins handled from this source numbered 1,699. Wild Pigs on Poob Knights Islands. During the year it was decided to send an official party to the Poor Knights Islands with a view to exterminating the wild pigs on those islands. _ The operations were completely successful, a total of ten pigs, the total pig population of the Islands, being destroyed. It is intended to arrange a further visit to the islands when opportunity offers with a view to ascertaining the degree of recovery of the flora and fauna of the islands.

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Naturalization. During the year 205 certificates of naturalization were granted, including two to persons who had been naturalized under the provisions of previous acts in New Zealand and who obtained certificates under the Act of 1925, conferring upon them the more complete status of a British subject throughout the world. One woman who was a British subject at the time of marrying an alien, and thereby lost British nationality, was readmitted to British nationality. Sixty-four wives of men who had been granted certificates of naturalization during the year made declarations of desire to acquire British nationality, consequent upon the naturalization of their husbands. Under the provisions of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35, twenty-two women who had married aliens and lost their British nationality by reason of marriage, made declarations of desire to retain while in New Zealand the rights of a British subject. A declaration of this nature confers the rights, but not the status, of a British subject and is limited to New Zealand only. No prosecutions were instituted. Several cases are under investigation with a view to considering the revocation of naturalization where the grantees have, since the date of naturalization, been long absent from New Zealand and have not maintained substantial connection with His Majesty's dominions. Passports. During the year 4,457 new passports were issued, as compared with 3,641 during the previous year and with 3,383 for the year ended 31st March, 1935. Passport renewals for varying periods were granted for 681 passports, compared with 721 last year and 724 for the year ended 31st March, 1935. The heavy increase in the issue of new passports was largely accounted for by numbers of NewZealanders proceeding to the United Kingdom for the Coronation celebrations, and may also be taken as an indication of the recent improvement in the financial conditions prevailing in the Dominion in comparison with previous years. Passport visas were granted for thirty-nine passports in favour of aliens leaving New Zealand so as to facilitate their landing in other parts of the British Commonwealth. Land Agents and Auctioneers. Land Agents. Six hundred and ninety-four licenses were, issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 691 licenses and 11 transfers for the previous year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and twenty-six licenses were issued and 300 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 416 licenses and 287 changes of endorsement for the previous year. Chartered Clubs. The number of chartered clubs still stands at forty-six, no fresh club charter having been issued since the year 1908. Inspectors of Chartered Clubs in their reports regarding the conduct of clubs throughout New Zealand indicate that they are being properly conducted and in accordance with the conditions upon which the charters were granted. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Eleven warrants were granted authorizing the export of genuine Maori antiquities made according to ancient Maori methods. Authority was also granted in seven cases authorizing the export of various articles of modern make and of the souvenir type which, therefore, did not come within the scope of the Act. Advertising Office. The work of this Office continues to grow. Details are as follows : — Accounts.—Advertising accounts recorded, checked, and certified in the Office during the year approximated 11,076, an increase on the vouchers handled for the previous year. Yearly Expenditure. —The total expenditure for Government advertising for all Departments during the year under review amounted to £28,105 3s. 5d., as compared with £27,807 3s. 7d. for the financial year ended 31st March, 1936. Cuttings. —Press clippings supplied to Ministers and Departments approximated 2,000 to 2,300 weekly, an increase on last year's figures. Distinguished Visitors. Of the ninety-seven distinguished visitors to New Zealand during the past year the greater portion were from our sister Dominion, Australia. Among those from the Commonwealth to whom Government privileges and hospitality were extended were Sir Archdale Parkhill, Minister of Defence, Federal Government; Senator the Hon. A. J. McLachlan, Federal Government ; Right Hon. B. S. B. Stevens, Premier of New South Wales ; Hon. P. Pease, Deputy Premier of Queensland ; Hon. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Major the Hon. J. B. Shand, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. R. T. Ball, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. J. R. Lee, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. G. Wilson, M.L.A.,

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New South Wales ; Brigadier General Lloyd, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. H. S. Bailey, M.L.A., Victoria ; Hon. R. Cosgrove, Tasmania ; Hon. Ē. R. Angeio, M.L.C., Western Australia ; Hon. E. M. Heenan, M.L.C., Western Australia ; Hon. Donald Grant, M.L.C., Federal Government ; and Hon. Sir Charles Marr, Federal House of Representatives. From Great Britain we were privileged to receive visits from many prominent people, such as Lord Hartington, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Dominion Affairs ; Kenneth Lindsay, Esq., M.P., Civil Lord of the Admiralty ; Right Hon. Sir Basil Brooke, Minister of Agriculture, Northern Ireland ; Lord Selbourne, Former First Lord of the Admiralty ; The Countess Haig ; Archbishop D'Arcy, Primate of All Ireland ; and Sir Edward Harding, Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, while from Canada came the ex Prime Minister, the Right Hon. R. B. Bennett ; from Kenya, Brigadier General Sir Joseph A. Byrne, Governor ; and from Tonga, Queen Salote and the Hon. Tugi, Premier. In striking contrast to last year, the number of warships to visit New Zealand waters during the year just completed was very small. The United States honoured us with visits from two destroyers, the " Preston " and " Smith," and a training-ship, the " California State," while from France came the sloop " Savorgnan de Brazza." The Government hospitality extended to officers and men of these ships was very much appreciated, and the thanks of the Department are most deservedly due to local authorities and the various organizations concerned with naval visits for their very willing and successful efforts in making the stay of the ships' complements as pleasant as possible. Wak Graves. New Zealand. —The number of notifications of deaths of returned soldiers received by the Department was 694, of which 161 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 3,208. Temporary crosses to mark the graves until such time as the soldiers' headstones are erected were placed on 284 graves, and headstones to the number of 142 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the soldiers' cemeteries at Karori, Hokitika, Rotorua, Anderson's Bay, Dunedin, Timaru, and Taruheru, Gisborne. All soldiers' graves continue to be suitably maintained under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Veterans' graves also continue to be attended to, and during the year extensive renovations were put in hand in the following cemeteries containing the graves of old settlers and veterans of the Maori Wars : Opepe, Taupo, Akaroa, (old French cemetery) Orakau, Ngaruawahia, and Symonds Street, Auckland. 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. Although nearly nineteen years have elapsed since the conclusion of the Great War of 1914-18 the conservation by the trustees of sufficient war funds for future needs has proven to be a wise policy, as evidenced by the maintained calls upon the funds. At the present date there remain on the register of active societies but fifty-four "of the 559 approved societies in operation in March, 1919. The latest annual statements received are summarized in the following statement: — £ s. d. 27 Incorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 401,619 16 7 12 Unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. •• 7,798 13 1 7 Red Cross societies .. .. .. • • • • 93,687 6 3 3* Blind Soldiers or Veterans' Homes Funds .. .. .. 69,243 2 4 6 Returned Soldiers' Clubs . . .. .. .. . • 26,996 9 0 55 599,345 7 3 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 96,946 16 1 £696,292 3 4 The Flock House property of the New Zealand Sheepowners' Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund has been purchased by the Government, but, pending agreement as to the purchaseprice, the last balance-sheet figures including Flock House property has been taken. A proportion of the total shown above is fixed assets and a further portion is represented by advances to soldiers, so that the percentage of readily convertible assets are estimated as approximately 50 per cent. Totalisatob Inspection. In view of lack of uniformity in the display of dividends to the public on racecourses it was decided to make it mandatory for the main display of dividends at all race meetings to be for a £1 investment. The system of having a representative of the Department at all totalizator race meetings has been continued. A new electric totalizator of the barometer type has been isntalled by the Wellington Racing Club.

* Includes one " home " under the control of an incorporated society.

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Raffles. Seven hundred and seventy-five licenses under authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these 482 were for works of art, 282 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 11 for alluvial gold valued at £5,000. The following table shows the results of the £5,000 gold art unions : —

Of the net profits, £66,850 was allocated for the relief of distress, of which £55,000 was distributed to the various Mayoral or other recognized central funds established for the relief of distress, making a total of £235,000 made available from the art unions to these relief funds during the past four and a half years. Fire Brigades Act, 1926. The area of the Borough of Whakatane was declared to be a fire district under the File Brigades Act, 1926. There are now fifty-five Fire Boards in operation. Legislation was passed making express provision for the manner and the form of debenture issues by Fire Boards when raising loan-moneys by this method. Two conferences were held in Wellington consisting of representatives of the four metropolitan Boards and also the major boards employing permanent staff. The object was to discuss means of coming into line with the Government policy of reduced working-hours in so far as permanent brigadesmen was concerned. The conferences concluded with mutual satisfactory results. The annual report of the Inspector of Fire Brigades will, as usual, be submitted separately. Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Licenses. —Importation licenses were as follow: Gelignite, 225,150 lb.; Polar gelignite, 1,049,300 lb. ; blasting-gelatine, 24,950 lb. ; Polar blasting-gelatine, 17,500 lb. ; gelatine dynamite, Nil; Polar gelatine dynamite, 62,500 lb. ; Samsonite, Nil; Polar samsonite, 283,500 lb. ; A2 monobel, 200,7001b.; quarry monobel, 30,0001b.; blasting-powder, 128,7501b.; blasting-pellets, 73,7501b.; sporting-powder, 23,5401b.; detonators, 2,385,000 ; E.D. fuses, 485,000; safety fuse, 6,033,600 ft.; fireworks, 103,827 lb. Other' licenses were (corresponding figures for previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 212 (215) ; sale, 601 (596) ; storage, 382 (390). Examination of Explosives. —The practice of making examinations of all shipments of explosives imported into the country has been carried out as heretofore. Some little trouble is still being experienced with shipments from Great Britain, a number of the cases in the shipments being found damp. Information on the conditions in the magazine during voyages is now being obtained, but is insufficient yet to enable any definite conclusions to be drawn. Low-freezing Explosives. —It has been indicated in previous reports that the Department was arranging for the bulk of gelatinous explosives used in New Zealand to be in future of the lowfreezing type. It will be seen from the figures quoted above for the importation of explosives that the transition from older to newer type has now been practically effected. The low-freezing explosives have proved eminently satisfactory in practice, and it is noted from examinations of shipments from England that the physical condition of this type of explosive is better generally on arrival in New Zealand than that of the ordinary gelatines. Legislation.—During the year the Department was approached concerning the importation into New Zealand of safety fuse of foreign manufacture. In the past fuse has been supplied by only one company, and as such fuse is manufactured to a standard approved by His Majesty's Inspector of Explosives no trouble of any consequence has been experienced with it for many years. It is extremely important that safety fuse should be constructed in accordance with rigid specifications in regard to rate of burning, stoutness of casing, &c., and it was felt necessary to provide for the closest supervision of fuse manufactured by a firm of the quality of whose products the Department had had no previous experience. Regulations were therefore enacted setting up a standard to which fuse must conform and providing for its importation under authority of license issued under the Explosive and Dangerous 1908. Accidents. —Whilst it is recognized that accidents in explosives factories will occasionally happen, it is|a remarkable coincidence that fatal accidents should have occurred in both of the licensed factories in this country. These factories have operated now for very many years without any mishap, and it is regrettable that both should have been so involved in the same year.

16

License No. and Name. Gross Sales. Commission on Expenses. Prizes. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. Net Profit. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 49. Happier Bays .. 17,907 7 6 2,686 2 2 2,934 14 6 5,000 7,286 10 10 1,790 14 9 5,495 16 1 50. It's Mine at Last .. 18,639 2 6 2,795 17 5 2,926 6 9 5,000 7,916 18 4 1,863 18 3 6,053 0 1 51. Mickey's Fortune .. 19,125 0 0 2,868 15 0 2,976 4 3 5,000 8,280 0 9 1,912 10 0 6,367 10 9 52. Just For Luck .. 18,215 12 6 2,732 6 11 2,937 0 7 5,000 7,546 5 0 1,821 11 3 5,724 13 9 53. Lucky Joker .. 19,311 10 0 2,896 14 6 2,982 8 7 5.000 8,432 6 11 1,931 3 0 6,501 3 11 54. Lucky for Once .. 19,669 17 6 2,950 9 8 3,011 10 10 5,000 8,707 17 0 1,966 19 9 6,740 17 3 55. Win-A-Lot .. 19,453 2 6 2,917 19 5 2,985 4 4 5,000 8,549 18 9 1,945 6 3 6,604 12 6 56. Where Next .. 24,292 7 6 3,643 17 2 3,031 12 11 5,000 12,616 17 5 2,429 4 9 10,187 12 8 57. Wheel of Fortune .. 23,035 7 6 3,455 6 2 2,951 11 1 5,000 11,628 10 3 2,303 10 9 9,324 19 6 58. Landed at Last .. 21,866 17 6 3,280 0 8 2,879 3 11 5,000 10,707 12 11 2,186 13 9 8,520 19 2 59. This for you .. 23,141 0 0 3,471 3 0 2,921 5 8 5,000 11,748 11 4 2,314 2 0 9,434 9 4 Totals .. 224,657 5 0 33,698 12 1 32,537 3 5 55,000 103,421 9 6 22,465 14 6 80,955 15 0

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The first accident occurred at the works of the Colonial Ammunition Co., Ltd., Mount Eden, Auckland, and was due to an explosion en masse of percussion caps for shot-gun cartridges. The girl employed in filling these caps into metal trays was standing alongside the bulk supply when the explosion occurred and was killed instantly, her body being hurled some 40 ft. across the room and through the wall on to the path outside. Four other employees working close by suffered from shock and pieces of flying capsules, but in no case were these injuries serious. The explosion was typical of that of a detonator composition. Within a narrow compass of the seat of the explosion intense pulverizing of all woodwork was observed, but outside this small radius the damage was of a minor nature, the roof of the building being slightly displaced and a number of windows being shattered. Amongst the several likely causes the most probable appears to be the detonation of some loose caps lying on a wooden tray by the dropping on to them of a metal tray in which the caps were assembled. The disturbing factor was that the caps should have exploded en masse, and a searching inquiry was instituted It was ascertained that the caps, which were imported into New Zealand under the description of " safety ammunition." were actually so described by the manufacturers in Germany, did not comply with the British definition of a percussion cap. In view of this fact and also of the fact that the caps were shipped by the manufacturers in Germany to a port in England for trans-shipment to New Zealand, the Colonial Ammunition Co. had every reason to believe that these were authorized safety caps and acted in good faith in so describing them, when applying for permission to import supplies. Arrangements were subsequently made with the company for the use of this type of percussion cap to be discontinued and for an authorized percussion cap to be employed instead. The second accident occurred at a fireworks-factory in Christchurch. The premises consisted of a number of small wood and iron sheds in which various operations incidental to the manufacture of fireworks were carried out. The origin of the accident was the ignition of a rocket star when trodden upon by one of the girls who was wearing shoes with iron heel-plates, and was in this respect the direct outcome of a definite breach of the regulations. The star set fire to a number of rockets nearby, and neighbouring sheds were ignited by flying rockets. The conflagration was aided by a high wind, and in all eight buildings were destroyed. The destruction of the buildings was due to fire, except in the case of a small magazine containing rocket-powder, which exploded. One of the girls in the shed in which the outbreak originated was overcome by flames and smoke, and though rescued from the building alive she succumbed to burns and shock about a fortnight later. A few windows in neighbouring houses were shattered by concussion from the explosion of rocket-powder, but as the employees had previously been withdrawn to a safe distance no personal injury resulted from this cause. On investigation it was found that the shed where the original ignition occurred was described on the license as a " non-danger " building being used for case-rolling and paper work. Without any notification to the Department the building was, some two or three weeks prior to the accident, put into use as a rocket-finishing shed, thus altering the whole character of the building and converting it into a " danger " building. The accident is attributable to this fact and also to a certain laxity of control which permitted the wearing of improper footwear by the employees. As usual, reports were received of a number of accidents arising out of the use of explosives. In most cases the cause was due to premature explosion or to smoking, naked, lights, &c. Accidents from misfires and drilling into unexploded portions of charges were not frequent, this being attributable, no doubt, to the widespread use of low-freezing explosives. Sodium Chlorate— This chemical is still responsible for a number of accidents every year. Happily no fatal accidents have been recorded in the period under review, but in several cases injuries of a mor, or less serious nature have been sustained. The most noteworthy accident occurred with empty bags which had contained sodium chlorate. These had been placed on a lorry which was returning to the depot with a number of workmen on board. Presumably the men were sitting on the bags and no doubt their movements, with the swaying of the lorry, caused sufficient friction to ignite the chlorate, since in the course of the journey the bags burst into flame and five men received painful burns. The hazards of this chemical have been made public time and again not only in these reports, but also in the columns of newspapers throughout the Dominion. Under these circumstances the fact that ignorance still per, ists is surprising. It might be thought that in the case of empty bags no danger need be apprehended, but it must be pointed out that, apart from any small amounts of chlorate adhering to the sides of the bag, the fibres of the material are almost sure to be impregnated with chlorate either owing to deliquescence or contact with moisture. Chlorate dispersed amongst the fibres of any organic material in a fine state of division is particularly sensitive to ignition by friction or percussion. Bags which have contained sodium chlorate should therefore either be destroyed by burning in the open at a safe distance or else be repeatedly washed with large quantities of fresh running water. Detonators. —Accidents with detonators appear to reach a peak at intervals, and this year has shown a large increase over the average yearly total. Case after case has been reported this year of stray detonators being picked up by persons, mostly children, who are ignorant of their character. Curiosity on the part of the finder usually leads to an attempt to investigate the object, and an essay is usually made to prick out the composition with an instrument such as a needle. In other instances on record the person concerned has evidently been aware of the fact that he is dealing with a detonator, but has not realized the danger and has had the temerity to explode it by putting it in a fire or striking it with a stone. Some years ago when the toll of accidents had been exceptionally large the Department arranged for the preparation of special cards containing a warning against the misuse of detonators and having mounted thereon dummy detonators of various types. These cards were distributed to all the schools throughout New Zealand, but no doubt most of them have by now become worn out, and arrangements have accordingly been made for the circulation of a fresh supply. 3—H. 22.

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Dangerous Goods. Local-authority Administration. —No new licensing authorities were appointed during the year, and the number of local authorities which are licensing authorities under the Act remains at 163. Inspection visits to licensing authority districts have been maintained as in past years. Departmental Administration.—Districts under the control of the Department have been visited annually as previously. During the year 2,191 licenses were issued, compared with 2,049 for the preceding year. Legislation.—No new legislation was passed during the year, but in December, 1936, sellers of motor-spirits were brought under the Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936, which is administered by the newly created Bureau of Industry. In order to obviate the confusion attendant on any system of dual licensing the closest co-operation has been necessary between this Department and the Bureau. The application of the Industrial Efficiency Act to this industry has resulted in a considerable increase in the amount of work performed by this Branch. Accidents. —Home dry-cleaning continues to account for a number of accidents, and though no fatalities have been reported this year there are many instances in which serious burns were received. In most of the accidents of this class the cause was the ignition of petrol-fumes by means of nearby lamp, candle, or fire, but in one case the indications are that a spark from a charge of static electricity brought about the ignition of the vapour. That charges of static electricity may be generated by the rinsing of garments, especially silken garments, in petrol is not generally realized, but it is nevertheless a fact that considerable charges may accumulate during this process, and if conditions are favourable the accumulated charge may be dissipated in the form of a spark of sufficient intensity to ignite an inflammable vapour. Whilst certain suggestions could be made to safeguard against these dangers it is not considered advisable to promulgate these, as in the hands of inexperienced persons home drycleaning will always be hazardous. As there are now on the market non-inflammable substitutes for petrol which are equally efficient for the purpose, any necessity for the use of inflammable liquids disappears and the soundest principle is to eschew their use completely. An unusual accident as far as this country is concerned was the destruction of a petrol-t.ank wagon by fire. On cross-examination the driver of the wagon stated that he noticed one or two back-fires whilst the lorry was climbing a long hill and that when he reached the top of the hill flames leapt up through the boards at his feet. The front compartment of the tank was empty and in his ignorance the driver feared that there would be an explosion of this compartment. Acting on impulse he drove the vehicle over the edge of the road and jumped off. The vehicle ran down a short declivity and turned over at the bottom. This unreasoning action on the part of the driver merely served to ensure that the contents of the storage compartments would be involved in the fire and nullified the object of the regulations relating to the construction of tank-wagons. Had the driver been projjerly instructed by his company he would have realized that his fears of an explosion were groundless and that the correct action to take would have been to have pulled off to the side of the road and let the fire in the cab take its course. The tank-wagon was of standard construction, and the steel plate separating the cab and the transport tank would probably have been effective in preventing the spread of the fire to the latter. As usual, a number of small outbreaks of fire occurred during the refuelling of cars at petrol-pumps. Damage in all cases was of a minor nature, and no serious personal injuries were reported. The causes of the fires were found to be the common ones, such as smoking, failing to cut off the engine whilst refuelling, &c. Damage to buildings in these fires was negligible and illustrates that the Department's requirements as to the location of petrol-pumps afford reasonable protection against spread of such fires. Cinematograph Films Act. Licenses. —The following licenses were issued during the year ended 30th September, 1936 (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Exhibitors, 421, (410) ; circuit exhibitors, 38 (35); renters, 16 (14); storage, 13 (14); miscellaneous, 54 (34). Accidents. —One fatal accident in connection with the handling of cinematograph film was reported during the year. It appears that the deceased was engaged in buying old film from the film exchanges and sending it to Germany for recovery of the silver in the emulsion. The film was packed in wooden cases lined with zinc, and a lid of similar material was soldered on top. The work was carried out in an old three-sided wood and iron shed. During the soldering of one case the film therein was ignited by heat from the electric soldering-iron used and the lid was blown off the case. The burst of flame which accompanied this set fire to some thousands of feet of film on a lorry in the shed, and so rapidly did the fire spread that the deceased had his clothes burnt off him before he could escape from the shed. As a consequence of the accident the Department took up with the film exchanges the question of disposal of disused film and obtained an assurance that such film would not be supplied to any person until the Department's approval had been obtained. Four fires occurred during the projection of film, as against three for the preceding year. In all cases the amount of film destroyed was confined to that on a single spool, and this evidences that the precautions insisted upon by the Department are efficacious in preventing the spread of fire to the remainder of the programme in the projection-room. In two cases the ignition of the film was caused by contact with a stump of hot carbon removed from the arc lamp. Only carelessness on the part of the operators concerned can have been responsible for such a happening. In addition to the above outbreaks, a film fire also occurred during rewinding of film by an operator, but this took place after the performance at a time when the theatre was empty.

18

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Film Censorship. During the year 1,941 films of all classes, of a total length of 4,646,810 ft., were examined by the Censors. Of this number 5 were rejected in the first instance, 38 were passed subject to excisions, 178 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 5 were passed with the caution that they were not suitable for exhibition to children. No appeals were lodged against the Censors' decisions. An analysis of the work shows : —

Quota Films.—The countries of origin of tie quota films were as follows : Great Britain, 90 ; Australia, 6 ; New Zealand, 2 ; United States of America, 338 ; France, 1. Rejections. —Of the five films which were rejected, four were " quota " and one " non-quota." All the quota films were British, while the non-quota film originated in the United States of America. General. —During the year under review, as compared with the previous year, the number of rejections dropped from 11 to 5, the number of films requiring amendment from 91 to 38, and the number of films recommended as more suitable for adult audiences increased from 155 to 178. An increase in the number of films for industrial purposes has occurred during this year, no less than 31 being examined. Alexander Turnbull Library. Much as it might be desirable, it is not possible to record for every year so much of moment as for this under review. For convenience of treatment this record is divided into seven sections (1) Holdings. The present strength of the library is about 80,000 volumes, of which 48,000 are catalogued. Additions during the year have been extensive —about 16,000 volumes, of which about 500 were by purchase, the rest by gift. Further reference to these appears under the section on " Donations." The Art Section has been listed up to date to include new additions and is proving a much used part of the library. A fine group of historical water colours and sketches by Barraud was acquired, making an addition to our collection of this important artist's work. Another interesting acquisition was a manuscript letter of R. L. Stevenson to Ben Hird, one of the two to whom " Island Nights Entertainments " was dedicated, dealing with the book itself and the matter of its dedication. About 450 volumes have been bound in the year, apart from the large number of pamphlets put in special covers in the library itself. (2) Use of the Library. The number of readers, as well as visitors, has again shown an increase. Readers' tickets issued during the year numbered forty, while the attendance figures were in excess of 2,800. Subjects studied have included Maori history (especially land matters and Hauhauism), anthropology, navigation, New Zealand literary tendencies, many aspects of art, the history of gems, insurance, Rev. Richard Taylor, Walter Mantell, Catholic Missions, Fitzgerald, and immigration. One service that the library has had some call for this year is the copying of rare material here. Photographic, photostat, and typescript copies have been supplied to people not only in this country but in America, Australia, and England as well. To some extent, too, the reproduction of pictures has been required. The number of requests for valuations of books, pictures, &c., has increased, and scarcely a day passes without inquiries of this kind. Since the change-over to the unit-card system of cataloguing, the practice here has received some pleasing commendation, and other libraries are glad to receive the cards as a depository catalogue which in time will be a useful instrument for students in most parts of the country. At present cards are supplied for this purpose to the Auckland Public Library, Canterbury College, and Hocken Library, Dunedin. (3) Exhibitions. The general practice of giving visitors a personally conducted tour of the library was discontinued, though it is still followed in special cases. The feature of this plan, which was occasioning some anxiety, was that the most precious books in the library were being handled and showing wear far more than any other material. Glass show-cases of suitable style were obtained, and now books are exhibited in these. There is thus the additional advantage that the range of the library's resources can be better shown because each exhibition, devoted to a special subject, brings into view a new set of books, which under the former scheme could never have been done. So far the fields treated in exhibition have been the history of printing, rarities of the Kinsey Collection, a selection of important material (for the Christmas and holiday period), and remarkable English books of seventeenth century.

19

Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. . ■ 98 708,890 427 427,340 Foreign .. .. .. 339 2,419,240 1,077 1,091,340 437 3,128,130 1,504 1,518,680

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In connection with the first of these a bulletin was issued, and, with the interested co-operation of the Government Printing Office, the desire was realized of making it an especially fine piece of printing in itself. Many favourable comments were received from correspondents abroad upon this enterprise. (4) Copying of Manuscript. Although for some years the practice of copying manuscript, both that on loan and in the library's possession, has been followed, it is becoming more and more apparent that it is the best form in which to have original material. Obviously the readability is improved considerably, and the thorough and discerning indexing makes it simple in use. Several of the volumes of missionary letters and journals lent to the library by the London Church Missionary Society have been copied during the year. Those of William Puckey and Benjamin Ashwell covering the years 1831-1868 give an account of the founding of the settlements at Kaitaia and Lower Waikato ; John A. Wilson lived at Tauranga, Opotiki, Puriri, and Auckland, and gives an account of each, as well as a very interesting record of the Maori Wars. He accompanied Governor Grey to Taranaki in 1861 to offer peace to the insurgents, and was instrumental in securing better treatment for prisoners of war. These deal with a similar period, 1833-1865. The copying of other missionary letters is continuing, especially those of Spencer, who was stationed at Rotorua, and Baker, of Turanga (Gisborne). In addition, the manuscript letters of F. E. Maning, the author of " Old New Zealand," are being put into more readable form. Maning was a Native Land Court Commissioner, and his witty, delightful letters cover the period from 1872 till the date of his death, about ten years later. Another valuable addition to the manuscript of the library was the unpublished work written by George Pritchard, British Consul at Tahiti at the beginning of last century, giving an account of the aggressions of the French in the Society Islands. It is a most important and authoritative mass of information, easily consulted now that it has been typed and indexed. The journal of Charles J. Pharazyn, describing life on a sheep-farm in 1842 and 1843, has been completed ; likewise the journal and letters of Captain Frederick G. Moore, who came to New Zealand in 1841, traded round the coasts, and was present at the establishment of Nelson. This journal also gives some account of journeys into the interior from Nelson, when the first surveys were being made. (5) Alterations, &c. Demands upon the book accommodation required much rearrangement as a consequence of the acquisition of the Kinsey Collection. Special funds were made available for alterations and for further steel shelving, and provision was made for a new reading-room that improves reading facilities. About a thousand volumes of general reference are on open access here, with a selection of recent accessions. Thus far about half of the Kinsey Collection is satisfactorily shelved, but the rest will receive attention in the coming year. A special room has been devoted to the art section, so that reference in a field of growing interest is facilitated. (6) Staff. Two additions to the staff were made during the year, and this help makes for a more economic use of the personnel. Work can be better delegated, and new activities, such as indexing of certain important material (as distinct from its cataloguing), is now within reach. In May, 1936, Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, appointed delegate to the P.E.N, conference at Buenos Aires, was granted leave to go abroad to England and the Continent pursuing to some extent at the same time literary and library interests. He was away nearly six months and made a number of contacts of use to the library, and from which already benefit has come in the form of donations. Mr. Andersen's resignation, tendered some time before, at the end of the financial year, took effect and the staff, both present and past, together with representatives of the Department of Internal Affairs, gathered to bid him farewell after his fifty years of service to the State, nineteen of which have been spent in the Turnbull Library. How it has prospered in these years the annual reports in the past have recorded, and the esteem in which the library is now widely held bear witness. (7) Donations. When Sir Joseph Kinsey died at Christchurch in May, 1936, he left a large and splendid collection of books which Lady Kinsey has now handed over to the State for custody in the Turnbull Library. It is difficult properly to assess the true worth of this collection, for, being a " collector's library," it partakes of other than a reference interest. Thus the material that appears spectacular is not necessarily that which a reference library uses a great deal. The measure of a library's value is the extent to which cultural education of a useful or entertaining nature can be provided for its readers, and in considering the Kinsey collection it is apparent that it is in the rank and file of this army of books that its strength reposes. The Polar and Butler groups are splendid, but of use only to the specialized research worker. The former is increasing in general interest without doubt, but the true worth of the Kinsey library is its wide range of art reference material. If in this there is special emphasis it is on, oriental art, and, moreover, the general group of Japan is quite appreciable. It is relevant here to remark that the works of Lafcadio Hearn are present in good force. Apart from the demand in the Turnbull Library for New Zealand and literary material it is observed that the art books are most frequently studied. There is an increasing interest for these books, and to meet it a rough catalogue of 1,200 entries, mostly of hitherto unlisted material, has been compiled for more convenient reference.

20

FL—22.

Since Sir Joseph. Kinsey was agent for several of tie Antarctic expeditions lie was in a position to secure notable records concerning them, and this led him to collect generally in the subject. Not only did he secure all the most important books he could, but procured also a certain amount on the North Polar regions'as well. Association books, logs, and letters comprise important sections of the group. The Butler collection was perhaps Sir Joseph's greatest enthusiasm, for he made it as complete as possible. It is additionally strong with manuscript material, while every- early edition of Samuel Butler's works was on his shelves. In addition, there was Butler's association with Canterbury that made it a particularly appealing field for a Christchurch collector. It is pleasing to see a certain number of bibliographical books, as well as standard reference works, most of which were not on our shelves. Modern English literature is reasonably well represented ; in fact, much of the best reading matter of the last thirty-six years or more is present. Biography and travel have received noticeable attention. In particular, appreciable additions are standard sets of a number of authors in whom we had little or no representation before. Examples are Kipling, George Eliot, Samuel Richardson, " Mark Twain," and Ambrose Bierce. The New Zealand collection, while inevitably duplicating much of our present holdings —no bad thing, for in many cases books receiving considerable use are already showing the strain —undoubtedly adds a number of volumes not hitherto obtainable. A small amount of manuscript, principally by John White (author of " The Ancient History of the Maori ") is very welcome, and in addition there are several volumes of typed letters, diaries, &c., taken from original documents apparently in private hands. The scarcer New Zealand books are in evidence, as well as numerous pamphlets It is observed that a small group of ancient books in the Kinsey collection proves both important and interesting. There is the 1612 edition of Golding's " Translation of Ovid." This version, in probably an earlier edition, was used by Shakespeare, as is evident from his quotations, which are numerous. From the point of view of printing, there are good books from the presses of Elzevir of Leyden (including some octavo sizes, rare because the duodecimo was almost universal with this house of printers), of Plantin-Moretus of Antwerp, and of Froben of Basle. It was pleasing to see a noble volume from the press of Henri Estienne, the royal printer of Paris, printed in the fine Roman and Greek characters, for which he was famous. There is one item of incunabula, Bartholomaeus of Platina's " Lives of the Popes," printed by Johannes Vercellensis at Treviso in 1485. It is an important work and in excellent condition. An early Bible printed in a fine italic type at Basle in 1551. has considerable status typographically. There is an excellent group of books from, modern presses, and this swells the collection in the library with very worthy additions. Two early geographical works are held by scholars in certain esteem. These are those of Ptolomy and Strabo, the latter in Latin and the former in Italian. The Ptolomy is profusely illustrated with maps (copper-plate engravings). Both are sixteenth century works, and are in good condition. The group forms a brief survey of the learning and reading of four centuries ago, and use for it is contemplated later in exhibitions. Travel and exploration books are numerous, and of these alpine literature has been made a speciality. Books on ships and shipping are well in evidence. Association books include manuscript inscriptions by the following : Captain Scott, Shackleton, Mawson, Galsworthy, Butler, Festing Jones, 0. T. J. Alpers, " Mark Twain," and many others Next in importance is the small but choice collection of the late Mr. Henry Wright, of Wellington. It contains about five hundred volumes, and is devoted to relatively unusual subjects such as mythology, archaeology, ancient history and custom, religion and psychology (whereof sex psychology forms a large group). It is essentially a student's collection, much of it most difficult to secure nowadays, and rare accordingly. Cataloguing of the whole group has now been completed and it is available for study. It may be pointed out that many of these books, by reason of both subject and this particular collector's type of marginalia, fall into a class that requires some circumspection in making available. They are regarded, therefore, as manuscript and rare books, with appropriate restrictions. It is pleasing to record the arrival of the first group of books presented by Sir Harold Beauchamp as a memorial to his daughter, Katherine Mansfield. It was reported, last year that a complete set of her works was to be obtained and bound or cased by Zaehnsdorf, of London. The binding of the volumes received is most pleasing and accords well with the atmosphere created by the beautiful bindings in which the late Mr. Turnbull delighted. The style is red morocco with gold tooling depicting the Ivowhai flower. • It is desired to express special appreciation of the most useful series of book catalogues received from Messrs. Maggs Bros., of London. They are classics of their kind, handsome in production, and scholarly and full in their compilation.

Principal Donations.

21

Donor. Title of Donation. Author, Ac. Melanesian Mission, British Solomon Islands Numerous pamphlets from the press State Forest Service, Wellington . . . . The Trees of New Zealand . . . . L. Cockayne and E. Phillips Turner. Simpson and Williams, Christchurch .. The Dominion of New Zealand .. .. R. Wedderspoon. „ The N.Z. Tourist Guide . . ., G. Miller, Palmerston North .. .. Robert Mitchell .. .. .. E.M.Wood. )( „ .. . . Old and New Edinburgh (30 parts) „ .... London Stories Mrs. A. Woodhouse, St. Andrews .. The Polytechnic Jubilee (1882-1932) )t .. St. David's Memorial Church W. F. Darby, Auckland .. .. The World's Greatest Power—Woman ..

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22

Donor. Title of Donation. Author, <fec. Rev. A. T. Thompson, Melbourne .. Australia and the Bible .. .. Rev. A. T. Thompson. 5> ,, . . Tyndale and the English Bible . . .. „ Dr. A. G. Butchers, Wellington .. .. Education in New Zealand . . .. A. G. Butchers. ;J ,, .. . . Young New Zealand . . .. .. „ (Both in corrected typescript.) Miss E. Hodgkinsou, Dunedin .. . . Ear South Eancies . . .. .. Alexander Bathgate. „ „ . . . . Poems .. . . . . .. Hubert Church. „ „ . . . . My Life and Lays .. . . .. Alexander Kinross. The Librarian, Colchester Public Library, Colchester Official Guide Colchester Ditto .. . • • • • • • • Archbishop Samuel Harsnett Thomas Matthew, of Colchester „ .. .. .. .. .. Centenary . . . Souvenir, Colchester's Library D. R. White, jun., Christchurch .. . . Tidemarks at Otakou . . .. D. R. White, jun. J. C. Andersen • • ■ • • • Histoire Anecdotique du Theatre .. Charles Maurice. A fine group of South American books in Spanish .. .. .. . . Various New Zealand tourist pamphlets The Primordial Ocean . . .. . . W. J. Perry. „ .. .. . . .. Law and Order in Polynesia .. H. Ian Hogbin. .. . . . . .. Adventures in Coral Seas .. .. A. T. Ellis. George Chapman-Cohen, Dunedin . . Owaka District High School Diamond Jubilee G. E. Mabin, Wellington .. . . Hills and Valleys Series ,, . . .. In Search of New Zealand Percy J. Marks, Sydney .. . . Two Minutes' Silence ,, .. . . Trade during and after War J; ,, .. . . Ninety-first Annual Report of the Sydney Hospital ,, . . . . The First Synagogue in Australia .. P. J. Marks. )( „ . . .. Kurrakapinya .. .. .. Dudley Emm. (J ,, .. .. The Hebrew Standard, 1936-7, 5696-7 „ „ .. .. Supplementary List of Australian Judaiea tJ „ .. .. Red Cross Society's Annual Report, 1935-36 Rev. T. H. Mackenzie, Wellington . . Chambers Edinburgh Journal .. )( „ . . Spectator ; 48 vols., 1764 G. P. Anderson, Wellington . . .. The Game of Chess, 1844 .. W. Lewis. Thos. Harrison, Winchester . . .. The Young Millwright and the Miller's Guide, 1821 n „ .. . . Knowledge and Practice, 1702 .. .. Samuel Craddock. ,, .. . . Dictionary of Bible, 1797 .. .. John Brown. ' „ .. .. Traditional Tales, vol. 2, 1822 .. .. Allan Cunningham. Mrs. Hurst, Wellington .. •• Histoire de France, 1824 (?) .. .. M. Colart. Mrs F. W. Thomas, Frankton Junction .. The Aggressions of the French at Tahiti Rev. Geo. Pritchard. (MS.), R. H. Croll and Mrs. Roberts, Victoria .. Tom Roberts, Father of Landscape Painting Bovne Bros., Gore .. .. The Book of the Pioneers, Otama, Knapdale, Chatton T. W. Brown, Wellington . . . . MS. letter to Mr. Brown from the Earl of Athlone J. Robertson, Wellington .. .. Culina-Famulatrix Medicinae )( (! ., . . The Edinburgh Review, 1824-5 .. „ .. . . The Reminiscences of Lady Dorothy Nevill, 1906 ; )t . . . . Scottish Echoes from New Zealand . . David Burns. .. . . Glimpses of the Australian Colonies and Captain Barry. New Zealand .. .. Four excellent books on dyeing .. ;; .. .. Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland.. Dorothy Wordsworth. . . .. The Life of Mansie Wauch ,, . . The Four Sons of Aymon A. W. Morse, Wellington .. ■ • Map—London in the Year 1560 New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers, Proceedings, 1936-37 London Dr. F. A. Bett, Nelson . . . . ■ • Plans of Nelson College > (> .. .. .. Copy of a letter from Alfred Domett to A. S. Atkinson Miss Evatt, Wellington .. .. Svensk Anthalogi, Sveriges Riddreskaps och C. J. Lenstrom. Adels, Kalender Vart Land Och Folk From Ofver Polarhaf vet af Fridtjof Nansen Messrs. Angus and Robertson, Sydney .. The Phantom Paradise .. .. J. H. Nisu. J.. Johnson, Wellington . . . . • ■ Two panoramic photos of Dunedin, 1866.. The Crown Solicitor, Wellington . . •. American and British Claims Arbitration Tribunal, No. 31 The Cawthron Institute, Nelson .. . . Bulletins and reprints of the Cawthron Institute A. Sewell, Auckland .. .. • . Katherine Mansfield .. .. .. A. Sewell. Sir Douglas Mawson, Adelaide .. . . Two booklets on Macquarie Island .. D. Mawson. „ .. . . Wilke's Antarctic Landfalls .. .. ,, ' ,, . . . . The Unveiling of Antarctica . . .. ,, B. M. Howes, Wellington . • • ■ Mental Meanderings on the Subject of the Interest Charging System Joseph Linklater, Wellington . . .. On Active Service in South Africa .. Joseph Linklater. Brother George, British Solomon Islands .. Numerous pamphlets of the Catholic Mission Press

H.—:22

23

Donor. Title of Donation. Author, &c. Societe des etudes oceaniennes, Tahiti .. Journal de Maximo Rodriguez, 1930 Etat de la Societe Taitienne a l'arrivee des Europeens, 1909 W. L. Edmanson, Wellington . . ■ . Alexandre Dumas, in six volumes .. $ ,, .. .. Oeuvres Dramatiques de William Shakespeare, three volumes „ .. .. Comme II Vous Plaira trans. .. .. George Sand. L. Leary, Wellington .. .. .. Volume of Engravings Hoani Meihana .. . . . . Report regarding Wakapuake Block .. Mr. Porter, Petone .. . . . . The Elements of Logick in four books .. William Duncan. • ,, .. .. .. The Antiquities of St. Peter's or the Abbey Church of Westminster Mrs. R. E. Clarkson, Hastings . . .. Brick Dust . . . . . . .. Ruth Clarkson. H. H. Bartlett, Ann Arbor, Michigan . . The Grave-post of the Batak of Asaban . . H. H. Bartlett. ■ ,, .. The Carvings of the Paiwan of Formosa.. ,, s) ,, ,, . . Sumatran Plants .. • • .. ,, ,, ,, .. The Problem of Negrito Elements in ,, Sumatra )( ,, ,, A Botanical Trip to Formosa .. .. ,, ,, ,, .. Colour Nomenclature in Batak and Malay ,, J; ,, „ .. The Labors of the Datoe, Parts I, II . . ,, ,, „ .. Vernacular Literature in the Philippines, ,, 1936 The Trustees of the Public Library, Victoria A Catalogue of English Books and Fragments 1477-1535 in the Public Library of Victoria ,, ,, Staff Instruction Courses The Secretary, New Zealand Society of Civil James Watt Engineers, Wellington Sir John Hannam, London .. .. Photographs of New Zealand Rev. David Calder, Wellington . . .. The Land of Mystery—Tibet .. .. J. H. Edgar, P. Collas .. .. .. . . The Australian and New Zealand Philatelic P. Collas. Directory D. A. McCurdy, Lower Hutt .. .. Postage Stamps in the Making .. . . F. J. Melville. T. A. Gibson, M.A., Feilding .. . . The Purchase and Settlement of the Man- A.. T. Gibson. Chester Block A. Bright, Esq., Melbourne .. . . Typed Copy of a Manuscript Diary of Miss Joyce Sineock IndishComite voor Wetenschappelijke Onder A Study on Papuan Music . . .. J. Kunst. zoekingden, Batavia Edmund Kohn, Auckland .. .. Golden Jubilee, 1886-1936 Mrs. J. Young, Christchurch . . .. The Trewnesse of Christian Religion .. Sir P. Sydney and Arthur Golding. Lord Kilbracken, London .. " Letters from New Zealand " .. .. Mrs. John R. Godley. University of Washington Library .. A Reference Guide to the Literature of E. G. Cox. Travel British Museum, London .. .. Fragment of Papyrus British and Foreign Bible Society, London.. The Flowing Tide ,, ,, The Gospel in Many Tongues ,, ,, .. Editorial Report Mrs. Peter Manniche .. .. .. Troesbekjendelfen ,. .. .. Skolelobenog Folk et hinget and ten other publications by D. G. Monrad D. Bell, Esq., Nelson .. .. .. The Masseydonian Stretcher, Salonica, 1-3, 1916 Miss E. Parsonson, Wellington .. .. The Poems of Schiller A, C. Stewart, Roslyn .. .. .. " The Hundred of Bray " .. .. C.Kerry. „ „ .. .. .. Sermon .. .. .. .. Rev. A. Suter, D.D. J. G. Dunn, Glasgow .. .. .. An Essay on Old Maids ,, ,, .. .. .. Carlyle on the Choice of Books .. „ ,, . . .. .. The Battle of Agincourt .. . . N. H. Nicolas. ,, ,, .. .. .. Memoirs of Colonel Hutchinson .. .. C. H. Firth. The Mayor and Council, Devonport .. 50 Years A-Growing Director, Auckland Museum, Auckland .. Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum, Vol. 2, No. 1 Miss F. Hobbs, Wellington .. .. The World Wide Atlas, 1892 Colonial Secretary, Fiji .. . . Fiji . . F. S. Simcox, Otaki . . .. . . Two Maori stone artifacts V. F. Fisher, Esq., Auckland Museum . . The Material Culture of Oruarangi, Mata- V. F. Fisher. toki, Thames Rev. F. R. Isom, British Solomon Islands .. Pamphlets of the Mission Press G. M. Fowlds, Auckland .. .. The Scottish Church Question . . . . James Barr. ' ,, .. .. Leaders of the Trade from the N.Z. Draper SJ ,, .. .. Obituary pamphlets of Sir Geo. Fowlds .. Mrs. Newcombe, Karori . . . . First copies of the N.Z. Journal, N.Z. Spectator, Evening Post, and the Wellington Independent Anon .. • . .. • • Reid's Leith and London Smack Directory, 1819 Sister Maud E. Powell, Wellington . . Thoughts . . .. . . .. Sister M. E. Powell. Gilbert H. Mair, Takapuna .. .. Sketches by Major-General Gordon Robley Miss Cole, Wanganui .. .. . . Itinerary of the Great Roads of England John Cary. and Wales The Secretary, Public Service Association, The Public Service Journal, Vol. XXIII Wellington Ri F. Page, Esq., Wellington .. .. Letter from Captain Gudgeon, 1911 H. A. Washbourn, Nelson .. .. Further Reminiscences of Early Days .. H. P. Washbourn. Len. E. Bassett, Wanganui .. .. Jacob's Trouble .. .. L. E. Bassett. Father McGrath, Island Bay . . .. Year-book, published by the Marat Fathers, 1927, 1928, .1929

H.—22.

Conclusion. I have to express my appreciation of the willing and efficient service rendered to me by officers of the Department at all times under conditions calling for sustained effort and frequently under extreme pressure of urgency. I desire also to acknowledge with gratitude the valuable assistance rendered by other Government Departments throughout the year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (535 copies), £30.

By Authority : E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 937.

Price 9d.]

24

Doner. Title ol Donation. Author, Ac. E. B. Ellerm, Auckland .. .. .. Three Children's Books, 1838 Miss C. Nias, Wellington .. .. Typescript and phostats relating to Captain Nias Mrs. Douglas Blair, Gisborne .. . . The Life of Joseph Robert Climie, Queenstown . . . . Catalogue of the Upper Shotover Public Library, 1874 ; Rules, 1876 David Low, Esq., London . . .. Low and Terry ,, ,, .. . . Low's Russian Sketch Book ,, ,, .. . . Ye Madde Designer ,, ■ ,, .. /. The Modern Rake's Progress ,, ,, . . . . The Best of Low ,, ,, . . .. Lions and Lambs ,, ,, .. .. Low's Political Parade .. .. .. ,, ,, . . . . Caricatures by Low ,, ,, . . . . Sketches by Low (all autographed) E. Furley, Esq., Cronulla, N.S.W. .. Copy of the Otago Daily Times saved from the wreck of s.s. Tararua, 1881