DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, H-22

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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939.

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

Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 30th June, 1939. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1939. I have, &e., J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs.

CONTENTS. I. New Zealand Centennial, 1940 — page XII. Animals Protection and Game— page A. General Organization .. 2 A. General— (1) New Zealand Centennial Act, 1938 2 (1) Bird-life .. .. ..14 (2) National Centennial Council 2 (2) Shooting Seasons .. 14 (3) National Centennial Committees 2 (3) Opossums .. .. 15 (4) Provincial Organizations .. 3 (4) Sanctuaries .. . . 15 (5) Centennial Memorials .. 3 (5) Stoats .. .. 15 (6) Centennial Celebrations 3 (6) Sea Turtles .. .. 15 (7) New Zealand Centennial News 4 (7) Royal Albatross Colony .. 15 (8) Centennial Film .. 4 (8) Fires .. .. 15 B. National Centennial Historical Committee 4 B Deer, Thar, Chamois, and Goat Destruc11. Constitutional Questions .. .. 5 tion operations111. Local Government- (1) Numerical Results .. ..15 A. General Organization- (2) g h f 0 tion and Tactics 1 5 employed 16 2 Boroughs 5 ( 16 (3) Town Districts .. 5 (4) Land Drainage Districts .. 6 XIII. Rotorua Acclimatization District— (5) River Districts .. 6 A. The Fishing Season .. .. .. 16 (6) Urban Farm Land Rating .. 6 B. General— (7) Public Bodies' Leases Act .. 6 (1) Fry and Ova .. ..17 B. Legislation— ( 2 ) Culling of Fish .. .. 17 (1) Municipal Corporations Amend- (3) Tagging of Trout .. ..18 ment Act, 1938 .. ..6 (4) Facilities for Anglers .. ..18 (2) Local Legislation Act, 1938 .. 6 (5) Food-supplies for Trout .. 18 (3) Statutes Amendment Act, 1938 6 (6) Black Shags and Hawks .. 18 (4) Finance Act, 1938 .. ..7 (7) Scientific Operations .. ..18 (5) Lower Clutha River Trust Act, 1938 7 (8) Fish Hatcheries .. ..18 (6) Local Acts .. .. 7 (9) Game Farm .. .. .. 18 C. Local-body Elections, May, 1938 .. 7 (10) Game Liberations .. ..18 D. Local Government Reform .. ..7 (11) Bird-life generally .. .. 18 E. Hokianga County: Financial Difficulties 8 (12) Statistical Records .. ..19 F. Thames Borough .. .. 8 (13) Ranging .. .. 19 G. Matakaoa County .. . • • • 8 XIV. War Graves .. .. .. 19 H. Auckland Metropolitan Drainage .. 9 X V. Distinguished Visitors .. .. .. 19 IV. Town-planning— „ ttt _ . on A. Development in New Zealand .. .. 9 XVL Raffles and Art-unions .. .. 20 B. Hutt Valley Development Scheme .. 10 XVII. Fire Brigades Act, 1926.. .. ..20 C. International Housing and Town-planning XVIII. Chartered Clubs .. .. 20 Congress .. .. 11 V. Land-agents .. .. .. ..11 XIX. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908 .. ..20 VI. Auctioneers .. .. .. ..11 XX. Passports .. .. .. ..20 ™- TSSSiST"*: .. ..11 XXI. F„™, c_ 2. B. Anti-gas Training .. .. ..11 XXII. Naturalization .. .. .. ..21 VIII. Dogs Registration : Prevention of Hydatid XXIII. Racing .. .. .. .. .. 21 Disease .. .. • ■ .. 12 ~T _ 00 IX. Physical Welfare and Recreation .. 12 XXIV. War iuNDS .. .. .. .. X. King George V National Memorial Fund 13 XXV. Advertising Office .. .. .. 22 XI. Cinematograph-theatres XXVI. Explosives and Dangerous Goods — A. Film Censorship .. .. .. 13 A . Explosives 22 B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators .. 14 B . Da n g erous Goods 23 C. Exhibitors and other Licenses 14 D. Accidents .. .. .. .. 14 XXVII. Turnbull Library .. .. .. 23

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REPORT. I. NEW ZEALAND CENTENNIAL, 1940. A. General Organization. During the past financial year there has been a gratifying response to the Government's expressed desire that every part of the Dominion should organize for the purpose of celebrating in 1940 the one-hundredth anniversary of organized settlement and government in New Zealand. The Centennial Branch of this Department has been actively functioning during the year, and it is able to report that in practically all districts the Centennial organization, is sufficiently complete and the Centennial sense sufficiently developed to ensure that the occasion will be appropriately marked and enthusiastically celebrated in all parts of the Dominion. (1) New Zealand Centennial Act, 1938. This Act was passed on 16th September, 1938. It gives statutory confirmation to the Centennial organization which was recommended by the National Centennial Committee at its first meeting in June, 1936, and makes provision for— (a) The setting-up of a National Centennial Council and of national Centennial committees. (b) The appointment for the purposes of the Act of the National Historical Committee and committees thereof, and enumerates the functions of the former. (c) Provincial Centennial districts and the Centennial organizations therein. (d) Local authorities to expend moneys out of their general funds or accounts in connection with the observance of the Centennial. (e) The Minister of Internal Affairs, out of moneys appropriated by Parliament, to make grants by way of a subsidy of £1 for £3 to any provincial organization or controlling committee towards the cost of approved Centennial celebrations and memorials. (/) Certain authorizations and concessions in respect of the conduct of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. In regard to the matter of local authorities contributing to the cost of Centennial memorials, it has been found that a continuing authority will also be required to enable such bodies to contribute towards the cost of maintaining such memorials. The provision of the necessary legislative authority is at present under consideration. (2) National Centennial Council. A meeting of the National Centennial Council was held on Bth December, 1938, when it made, inter alia, the following recommendations which have since been approved by the Government (1) That the anniversary of certain dates of historical events in the early history of New Zealand (enumerated below) be observed in 1940 as national Centennial celebrations. (2) That the boundaries of the several provincial Centennial districts be gazetted in pursuance of section 11 of the New Zealand Centennial Act, 1938. (3) That a design as reproduced hereunder, conceived and executed by Mr. M. Matthews, commercial artist, Wellington, be adopted as the national Centennial emblem—

(4) That the song " God Defend New Zealand," by Thomas Bracken, be adopted as New Zealand's national song. (5) That the Government undertake the marking in appropriate form of such national historical spots as the landing-places of Captain Cook. (6) That, apart from the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition which opens in November, 1939, the official period of the Centennial celebrations shall extend from Ist January to 16th November, 1940, both dates inclusive. (7) That the Centennial subsidy of £150,000 to be made available by the Government by way of a subsidy of £1 for £3 raised locally, as a contribution towards the cost of approved Centennial memorials and celebrations, be apportioned on a population basis among the several Centennial districts, subject to the right of the Government to allocate to any district or districts amounts not lifted as at 30th September, 1939. (3) National Centennial Committees. During the year national Centennial committees were appointed to deal respectively with accommodation and transport in relation to the Centennial celebrations, and also with the part to be taken by the Maori race in such celebrations. Meetings of these committees have been held and have resulted in valuable assistance being given to the national Centennial organization,

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The National Centennial Press Committee is also functioning, and through it the organization is assured of the co-operation of the newspapers of the Dominion in emphasizing the significance of the Centennial particularly, and in assisting to create a Centennial atmosphere. It is intended shortly to appoint a National Centennial Music Committee, which, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Service and the Provincial Centennial Councils in the four main centres, will organize and present a comprehensive programme of music and drama during the winter months of 1940. (4) Provincial Organizations. Provincial Centennial Councils have been appointed to control the Centennial organization in each of the eleven Centennial districts —namely, Auckland, East Coast, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland —and in practically all cases the Councils have extended the organization throughout their respective districts by the appointment of zone and/or local committees. For the most part the controlling committees are in active operation, and the thanks of the Government are due to the members for the time and effort they are giving gratuitously from a desire to make the Centennial observances the success the occasion warrants. (5) Centennial Memorials. Up to 31st March, 1939, only a small percentage of the controlling committees had decided the form of their memorials, but the reports reaching the Department from time to time indicate very clearly that the type most favoured is that which will embrace the beautification of and the provision of public amenities on reserves to be known in future as Centennial parks. A pleasing feature of this activity is that in most cases such projects embrace also the planting of trees either for beautification purposes or to commemorate the names of pioneers, Maori chiefs, and others who have rendered signal service in the development of the district concerned. The type of memorial next in point of favour would appear to be the provision of women's rest and Plunket rooms. From a utility standpoint this type of memorial will prove an acquisition to the amenities of the locality in which it is placed, but the National Centennial Council will give special consideration to the memorial aspect of such a project, particularly in the matter of design and setting, in order that it will be more appropriate to the occasion and have a more general appeal. Another popular form of memorial is the swimming-bath. Here, again, special attention will be given to its treatment as a memorial, otherwise it can be regarded only as a public amenity which in ordinary circumstances would not be eligible for financial assistance from the Government. Other proposals which are under consideration include memorial halls, illuminated fountains, libraries, museums, and community centres. (6) Centennial Celebrations. National.—At its meeting held on. Bth December, 1938, the National Centennial Council recommended, and the Government has since approved of, the following national celebrations to be observed during 1940 : — Sunday, 7th January . . National Thanksgiving Day. Monday, 22nd January .. Landing at Wellington of first settlers of the New Zealand Company (allocated to Wellington). Monday and Tuesday, 29th Celebration of Hobson's arrival in New Zealand (allocated to and 30th January Auckland). Tuesday, 6th February . . Affixing of first signatures to Treaty of Waitangi (allocated to the Government). Wednesday, sth. June . . Proclamation over Stewart Island (allocated to Southland). Monday, 17th June . . Proclamation over South Island at Cloudy Bay (allocated to Marlborough). Sunday, 11th August . . First exercise of Sovereignty over South Island at Akaroa (allocated to Canterbury). Wednesday, 9th October .. First landing in New Zealand of Captain Cook at Gisborne (allocated to Gisborne). Saturday, 16th November. . One-hundredth anniversary of separation of New Zealand from New South Wales. A national holiday to conclude Centennial celebrations (National Centennial Council, in conjunction with Wellington Provincial Centennial Council). The re-enactment of the ceremony of obtaining the first signatures to the Treaty of Waitangi by Captain Hobson, E.N., on 6th February, 1840, will be carried out by the Government, and the fixture will be regarded as the national Maori celebration for the North Island. The re-enactment of the first exercise of Sovereignty by Captain Stanley, R.N., and Magistrates Robinson and Murphy at Akaroa on 11th August, 1840, will be carried out by the Government in collaboration with the Canterbury Provincial Centennial Council, and will be regarded as the national Maori celebration for the South Island. The other national celebrations have been allotted to the appropriate Provincial Centennial Councils and will be carried out by those organizations with the assistance of a monetary grant from the Government. Provincial and Local Celebrations. —At 31st March, 1939, only the Westland, Otago, and East Coast Centennial Councils had selected their celebration dates. It is expected that the other Provincial Councils will submit their respective programmes at an early date and that before the end. of the year it will be possible for the National Centennial Council to publish for general information a properly co-ordinated programme of Centennial celebrations throughout the Dominion during 1940.

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(7) New Zealand Centennial News. The New Zealand Centennial News, a monthly bulletin published by the Government Printer on behalf of this Department with the object of stimulating interest in the Centennial, is playing an important part in developing a Centennial atmosphere. It is distributed to members of the Legislature, members of Centennial committees, newspapers, consuls, libraries, and local authorities. Apart from its value in making known the Centennial activities in the several provincial districts, its portraits of the principal figures associated with the early government and settlement of New Zealand, its illustrations, and its general historical articles will make it a valuable record for posterity and give it the status of a Centennial memorial. Already some of the earlier numbers are in short supply and it has been necessary to increase the monthly issue to 4,500. (8) Centennial Film. Early in the year a departmental Committee consisting of representatives of the Tourist and Publicity and Internal Affairs Departments, assisted by Mr. 0. N. Gillespie and Mr. Ormond Wilson, recommended the Government to produce as a national record of the Centennial, and as a publicity medium, a semi-documentary film of 5,000 ft. portraying the development of New Zealand from the arrival of the first settlers up to the present time. The recommendation was approved by the Government, and the production of the film was taken over by the Miramar film-studio of the Tourist and Publicity Department. B. National Centennial Histobical Committee. The year 1938-39 has seen steady progress with the Committee's programme of work as outlined in the Department's last annual report. Within a few months of the appointment of an Editor of Centennial publications, preliminary discussion of the series of surveys and other commemorative publications had reached the stage when it was considered advisable to call the Committee together to formulate definite proposals for the Government's consideration. The Committee met on the 17th June, 1938, and in the absence of the Chairman, Mr. James Tliorn, M.P., the chair was taken by Mr. J. T. Paul, Deputy Chairman. At this meeting reports were presented by the sub-committees set up at the Committee's first meeting in June, 1937, and following their adoption it was agreed to recommend for the Government's favourable consideration the production of the following publications : — (1) A series of some twelve surveys, designed to cover all phases of New Zealand history and to be written in a popular manner by authorities in each field. (2) A parallel series of thirty pictorial surveys of New Zealand history intended for popular reading and educational use, each number to contain an authoritative text and an average of fifty pictures or specially drawn diagrams. (S) A Centennial Atlas to provide, within the limits set by cartography and historical research, a comprehensive record of New Zealand's development from the beginning of its known history to the present. (4) A Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, modelled on similar overseas publications, to contain brief biographies of eminent New-Zealanders, both European and Maori, not living at the time of publication. Proposals for the authorship of the various publications were then agreed to, and the Committee proceeded to review other activities undertaken during the first year of its existence. These included the issuing of historical propaganda, the collection of manuscripts and illustrative material, and the handling of requests for historical data received from the national Centennial organization, Government Departments, and members of the public. Satisfactory progress in each branch of this work was reported. Following receipt of the Government's approval to the Committee's recommendations, authors were commissioned and arrangements were completed for the printing and binding of the various publications. The arrangements were confirmed at a further meeting of the Committee held on the 2nd December under the chairmanship of Mr. James Thorn, M.P. At this meeting it was announced that, with Government approval, arrangements had been made to hold Centennial competitions for schools, these competitions to take the form of group contests for the best survey of some phase of local history and development. Other activities reviewed included the extension of historical propaganda overseas, the collection of further material of historical importance, and the work of provincial Historical Committees. The appeal mentioned in the last annual report for manuscripts and other material relating to the early history of New Zealand has been productive of excellent results. Altogether, thirty-seven separate gifts or loans of unpublished manuscripts and relics have been received by the National Historical Committee. The more important of the collections which have been made available for the use of the Committee are as under :— Dr. Weeke's Journals (presented by Mrs. Arminel Werring, F.R.G.S.). Holloway Journals (Rev. W. J. Holloway). Hobson Relics (Lieut.-Colonel R. M. Rendel). Eelton Mathew papers (Lady Olivier, Mrs. McCleary, and Dr. T. G. Crump). Stafford Collection (Miss M. M. Stafford). Douglas relics (Mrs. W. Wilson and the late Dr. E. Teichelmann). Fitzgerald relics (Rev. Otho Fitzgerald). Dillon letters (Mrs. K. Dillon). Nixon letters (Mrs. A. E. Hewett). Chevalier Journal and sketches (Mrs. Elizabeth Laing, on b&half of the trustee of the late Nicholas Chevalier).

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During the remainder of the year the work of the Committee has been carried 011 by a staff which has been built up in order to cope with gradually increasing demands. Extensive research has been undertaken in preparation for the Centennial Atlas, an editorial staff, assisted by voluntary sub-committees, is in charge of the Committee's publications, while other officers are responsible for historical propaganda and reference work. A feature of this work has been the ready co-operation extended by libraries in all parts of the Dominion, by Government Departments, and by individuals. This help is gratefully acknowledged. The coming year, which will include the opening of the Centennial period, will see the publication of a number of surveys, and the remaining publications will be issued during the course of 1940. As the Centennial approaches, it seems probable that the Committee's work will expand in certain directions, though it is not likely to alter its character in any important respect. 11. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS. The general election of European members of the House of Representatives was held on Saturday, 15th October, 1938, the election of Maori members having, as usual, been held on the previous day, 14th October, 1938. As usual, the Department carricd out the necessary preliminary arrangements for the issue of the Proclamation dissolving Parliament and subsequent procedure, in connection with the actual election the Clerk of the Writs (being Under-Secretary of the Department), in pursuance of statutory direction, issued the writs for the election of a member to represent each electoral district. On the return of the writs the names of the persons declared to be elected were duly gazetted. Other work of a constitutional nature involved the preparation of the instruments in connection with the summoning and proroguing of Parliament and the appointment of Ministers of the Crown. 111. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A. General Organization. (1) Counties. The Councils of the Amuri, Collingwood, Inglewoodj Marlborough, Murchison, Oxford, Takaka, and Waimate West Counties passed special orders under the authority of the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, abolishing the system of separate riding finance in their respective counties. This makes a total of sixty-three County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation since it came into force, representing almost half of the counties in the Dominion. The boundaries of Southland and Wallace Counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another. The Selwyn County Council was authorized to maintain a monument as a war memorial. In recent years the growth of population in urban areas under the control of County Councils has resulted in considerable activity on the part of such Councils in providing essential public services for the populated areas in their counties. During the present year Orders in Council were issued conferring certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply, drainage, and sanitation 011 the Mackenzie, Raglan, Taieri, Waikato, and Waipa County Councils. (2) Boroughs. Following the presentation of the statutory petition, and public notification thereof, arrangements were made for the taking of a poll in regard to the constitution of Papatoetoe Town District as a borough. The poll was not in favour of the proposal, and accordingly it was not proceeded with. Alterations of the boundaries of boroughs and adjoining districts were made as follows : In one case land previously under the control of the Ashburton County Council was included in the Borough of Ashburton, and in another case land was excluded from the Feilding Borough and included in the Oroua County ; certain lands reclaimed from the sea or lands in respect of which there were no electors were included in the City of Auckland and the Boroughs of Lyttleton and Whangarei respectively; a recreation-ground owned by the Newmarket Borough Council was excluded from the City of Auckland and included in the Borough of Newmarket, and certain land formerly part of the Borough of New Lynn was included in the Glen Eden Town District. Consequent 011 these alterations the boundaries of the local government districts affected were redefined as- required by law. Authority to fix water charges according to quantity used was conferred on the Dargaville Borough Council. The annual Municipal Conference was held at Dunedin and was attended by representatives from City and Borough Councils and Town Boards from every part of the Dominion. The Conference was opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry), and the Department, as usual, was represented throughout the whole of the proceedings. A number of remits were passed seeking amendment to various Acts relating to local government or other administrative changes, and these remits are being considered in the usual way. The Conference again had before it the decisions of the Government on all remits passed at the previous Conference, and this greatly facilitated the proceedings. Mr. T. Jordan, Mayor of Masterton, was again elected President of the Municipal Association. (3) Town Districts. The Rangataua Town District was abolished and merged in the County of Waimarino. The Raglan Town District was merged in the County of Raglan.

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(4) Land Drainage Districts. The boundaries of the Christchurch Drainage District were altered by the inclusion therein of a certain area of land. The South. Hautapu Drainage District was abolished. A petition was presented praying for the abolition of the Steward Settlement Water-race District, and the matter is still under consideration. The results of the election of trustees of drainage districts were gazetted in accordance with law. Eleven trustees of drainage districts were appointed in terms of section 10 (3) of the Land Drainage Act, 1908. The time for the holding of the election of trustees of the Pyramid Block Drainage District was extended. (5) River Districts. The results of the election of members of River Boards were gazetted in accordance with law. The appointment of a member of the Waikiwi River Board was also gazetted. A petition of ratepayers was presented praying for the abolition of the Otaki River District, situated partly in the Borough of Otaki and partly in the County of Horowhenua. The usual notice calling for objections to the proposal was published, and an objection was lodged by the Horowhenua County Council on certain grounds. The objection was not upheld, and a Proclamation abolishing the district was duly issued. Arrangements were made for the assets and liabilities of the River Board to be apportioned amongst the local authorities in the area. (6) Urban Farm Land Rating. From the correspondence that has taken place between certain Borough Councils and the Department it is evident that the benefits of the Urban Farm Land Rating Act, 1932, continue to be availed of. Although no new Courts were constituted, existing Courts were operating in a number of districts. As usual, the Department was called on to deal with a considerable number of questions arising out of the operation of the Act. (7) Public Bodies' Leases Act. The New Lynn Borough Council and the Wairoa County Council were declared to be leasing authorities under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. B. Legislation. (1) Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1938. This Act contains thirty-eight clauses and a schedule, and provides for several amendments to or extensions of the provisions contained in the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, the principal Act governing the activities of municipalities. Many of the provisions were made as a result of remits passed by Municipal Conferences over a number of years, and all the proposals in the Act had been either sought or agreed to by the Municipal Association. In order that all the provisions contemplated could be closely examined by municipalities and others affected, arrangements were made for the Bill to be introduced during the previous session of Parliament. This having been done, it was circulated to the municipalities and their criticisms invited. Several practical suggestions for alteration of the Bill were made, and quite a number of these were adopted. The Bill was then reintroduced last session in the amended form. Before it was finally passed it was the subject of conferences with representatives of the Municipal Association, with the idea of unanimity being reached on all the proposals in the Bill, and this was actually accomplished. It is not necessary in this report to outline in detail the provisions contained in the Act as finally passed, but it is opportune to say that, whilst none of the provisions were in the nature of major policy provisions, they were all aimed at helping to keep the wheels of municipal government running smoothly. 2) Local Legislation Act, 1938. Application by local authorities and public authorities for the inclusion of clauses in the Local Legislation Bill again involved a good deal of" correspondence and work in the consideration of such applications. Seventy-five applications were considered, and as finally enacted the Act contained fifty-two sections dealing with a wide variety of matters of a temporary or transitory nature as affecting the activities of local authorities and public bodies. (3) Statutes Amendment Act, 1938. The opportunity was taken of including in this Act legislation of a general and permanent character which presented certain urgent features, but which did not justify a separate amending Act. The matters dealt with are briefly outlined hereunder. Section 6 authorizes County Councils to insure their members against accident whilst travelling on the business of the Council. Section 7 enables County Councils to make by-laws relating to the construction of dams. Section 54 was designed with the object of making a permanent provision with respect to the remission of the 10-per-cent penalty on rates. The section provides the necessary authority for local bodies to remit the penalty or to grant concessions in connection with the imposition of the penalty in cases of undue hardship.

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(4) Finance Act, 1938. Section 34 validates expenditure by local authorities in connection with the coronation of His Majesty King George VI. Section 35 validates expenditure incurred by local authorities with respect to the exhibition of the coronation robes. Section 36 authorizes contributions by local authorities to the Far East Relief Fund. (5) Lower Clutha River Trust Act, 1938. The Department has had before it since 1935 the problem of the administrative control of river and drainage work in the Clutha River area. For many years four Boards have been exercising jurisdiction in this area, these being the Clutha River Board, the Matau River Board, the Inch-Clutha River and Drainage Board, and the Otanamomo River Board. Differences of opinion between the Clutha River Board and the other three Boards as to the proper expenditure of the income from endowments vested in the Clutha River Board led to representations being made to the Hon. Minister for the institution of a local inquiry into the whole position. After a full investigation of the facts, which were fully known to the Department, this request was declined. Subsequently the Matau, Inch-Clutha, and Otanamomo Boards initiated proceedings for the promotion of a local Bill with the object of amalgamating under one local authority, to be known as the Lower Clutha River Trust, the activities and functions of the four existing Boards. The Bill was duly passed into law during the 1938 session, but certain provisions were inserted designed to continue for the benefit of the settlers in the upper parts of the Clutha River area the steamer and motor transport services formerly conducted by the Clutha River Board. The amalgamation took effect as on and from the 20th December, 1938, and the Lower Clutha River Trust is now functioning as the sole river and drainage authority for the district. (6) Local Acts. Nineteen local Bills were submitted to the Department by the Local Bills Committee for examination and report. Representatives of the Department appeared before the Committee and gave evidence on several of these Bills. Seventeen of the Bills were passed into law, several being amended. Most of these measures are of a machinery nature, but two are worthy of special mention. The Opunake Harbour Act provides for the dissolution of the Opunake Harbour Board, which was constituted in 1908, and for the transfer of the functions, property, and endowments of this Board to the Opunake Borough Council. The Wellington City Housing Act, 1938, is of considerable interest in that it gives evidence of growing local authority concern over the admitted problem, of housing. The Act authorized the Council to guarantee housing mortgages and to combine with financial institutions in making advances for housing purposes. Among the novel features of the Act is one which enables the Council to make advances for improvements to existing housing-accommodation. For the above purposes the Council is authorized to raise loans aggregating £60,000. C. Local-body Elections, May, 1938. The triennial general elections of members of all local bodies were held on Wednesday, 11th May, 1938. • This is the first occasion on which all local-body elections have been held simultaneously, and accordingly completed the scheme contemplated by the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1934-35, for the fixing of a uniform date for these elections. Partly as a result of unforeseen circumstances arising out of the fixing of a uniform date for the elections and partly because of changes in the law regarding voting-rights, the Department was called upon to investigate and advise on an abnormal number of questions arising out of the operation of local-governme'nt electoral laws. Tt may be mentioned that a considerable number of requests for advice arose out of the fact that the elections for members of Hospital, Harbour, and Electric-power Boards are conducted either by Borough Councils or County Councils, and on this occasion it was necessary to consider these elections as part of the co-ordinated scheme. In addition, the different hours of closing the poll prescribed in respect of the elections of the various classes of local authorities necessitated consideration being given to a large number of requests for an exten«iou of polling-hours, so as to simplify and unify the taking of the poll in districts where two or more different local authorities were concerned. Orders in Council were issued extending polling-hours in the case of nineteen local authorities. D. Local-Government Reform. The Local Government (Amalgamation Schemes) Bill, which had been introduced into the House in 1936 and again in 1937, on both occasions for circulation purposes only, was not again reintroduced into the House in 1938, but the special Committee which had been set up and which had heard some evidence on the proposed Bill, was reconstituted as a Committee to hear evidence on the Government's proposals. The Committee met on numerous occasions and heard evidence from most national associations of local authorities and from many other interested bodies, including several individual local authorities. In its report to Parliament (paper J-15, Appendices to the Journals of th e House of Representatives, 1938) the Committee endorsed the proposals of the Government as set out in the proposed Bill; the only amendment which it considered desirable was that clause 18 (which places on the local authority or person objecting to the scheme the onus of proving that an amalgamation scheme was not desirable) should be

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omitted. The net result of this omission would be that the Commission as proposed by the Bill would then be required to adjudicate on the scheme on the basis of the evidence submitted and its own investigations, and the objecting local authorities would not be placed in a disadvantageous position. The final clause of the Committee's recommendations is worth quoting in full: "We are of opinion that the proposals as outlined in the draft Bill before the Committee (with the amendment suggested in paragraph (g) of this report (the amendment suggested above)) should be given legislative effect so as to open the way for a solution of the admitted problem of local government, consistent with efficiency in administration and also with the principles of democracy." The Committee did not conclude its deliberations in time to enable the Bill to be considered for introduction into Parliament last session, and the matter will therefore come up for consideration in relation to the legislative programme for the 1939 session. E. Hokianga County : Financial Difficulties. Matters relating to the financial affairs of the Hokianga County came before the Department in August, 1938, as a result of a request made to the Government by the Hokianga County Council for financial assistance. Discussions subsequently took place between the representatives of the Native Department, the Treasury, and the Departments of Internal Affairs and Public and in view of the issues involved it was considered desirable that officers of the Treasury, Public Works, and Internal Affairs Departments should visit the county for the purpose of making an investigation into the underlying causes of the financial embarrassment of the Council, and possible means of alleviating the situation. The officers detailed for this purpose spent some days in the county, when the difficulties facing the Council were fully discussed with representatives of the Hokianga County Council, and inspections of various parts of the county were made. In addition, discussions took place with the local officers of Government Departments concerned. As a result of the investigations undertaken by the officers concerned the Departments are now in possession of full information in regard to the position of the county, and the full report submitted by the officers is at present under consideration by the Government. F. Thames Borough. Matters relating to the administration of Thames were again prominent in the Department's activities. During the year four quarterly reports were received from the Thames Borough Commissioner, and the necessary action taken thereon. The time was extended on two occasions preventing persons from applying for a Receiver in respect of Thames Harbour Board debentures. During the year, Mr. C. L. Grange received the appointment of Secretary of the Auckland Hospital Board, and consequently tendered his resignation as Thames Borough Commissioner as from 31st August, 1938. Mr. Grange had been appointed as the first Commissioner in terms of the Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932, on the 24th August, 1932. During his six years of office he had maintained a very close contact with the Department. He took over the administration of Thames at a critical stage in its history, and his close application to duty, combined with the skill and tact which he exercised throughout the whole of his term of office, were such that his contribution towards the ultimate rehabilitation of Thames was a real one. On an occasion such as this it is not necessary to set out facts and figures in detail. It is sufficient to say that a reference to them in the reports issued from time to time concerning Thames will show the substantial progress made during Mr. Grange's term of'office, to which his wise administration was an important contributory factor. Mr. A. L. Burk, formerly Town Clerk of Green Island, was appointed Thames Borough Commissioner in place of Mr. Grange. Mr. Burk took over his duties on the Ist September, 1938. The existing arrangements respecting the payment of reduced interest and sinking fund on the Thames Borough loans and the Thames Harbour loans expire at stated periods during the year ending on the 31st March, 1940. The question of making future arrangements in regard to these loans thus arose for consideration, and certain proposals have been submitted in connection therewith. Debentureholders are vitally concerned in any fresh arrangements that may be made, particularly as any such fresh arrangements will probably be of a permanent nature. It is therefore desirable that the debentureholders should be fully acquainted with the position and that any proposals which are being submitted should be discussed with them. Mr. Burk has devoted his energies largely to discussions with debenture-holders of all interests, and from tentative reports which he has submitted it is pleasing to be able to record that he is making substantial progress in this direction. Any conclusions which arise from these discussions will be a material factor when it comes to the time for making final arrangements with respect to the debt of and other matters relating to Thames. Mr. Burk is maintaining the same close contact with the Department in all matters pertaining to Thames as did his predecessor. G. Matakaoa County. The usual close contact was maintained with the Matakaoa County Commissioner throughout the year. Two reports were received from him concerning the administration of the county, and necessary action taken on those reports. The limits of the powers of the Commissioner to borrow by way of overdraft were fixed. As usual, among other things, the Commissioner paid considerable attention to the question of further reduction of the outstanding liabilities of the county, and he made satisfactory progress in this respect.

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The Commissioner again pursued a vigorous policy of rate collections in the face of the adverse conditions existing in the county —namely, the straitened financial circumstances of a large number of the ratepayers, a severe Native rating problem, isolation from markets, and others. The total collections represented 75 per cent, of the current rates and a substantial amount of arrears. This, considering the adverse conditions existing in the county, can be regarded as very good. The collection of arrears was assisted to a substantial degree by the disposal of mortgagor relief applications, and by certain Native lands coming under Native development schemes. These two sources of collection are now no longer available to any similar degree and, accordingly, the collection of any further substantial amounts of arrears of rates is now very remote. Furthermore, the recession in prices for primary products is severely affecting the farming community comprising the Matakaoa ratepayers, as most of them have no reserves to fall back on. The position is being closely watched with a view to minimizing, as far as possible, the effect of this recession on the progress of works in the county. Further extensive flood damage occurred during the earlier portion of the year causing an additional drain 011 the county's resources, but the dry summer has enabled ordinary maintenance and new works to be carried out without interruption. Making the most use of the limited resources at his disposal and the assistance given to the county by governmental and other organizations, the Commissioner secured the maximum improvement possible to the roads and other facilities in the county. The assistance rendered in this respect by the Public Works Department was most helpful, as also was that of the Employment Division of the Department of Labour. The Commissioner has maintained a policy of holding regular meetings with the Matakaoa County Council and with groups of settlers in the various ridings. This has enabled him to keep them acquainted with the affairs of the county and to obtain their advice on various matters. The results have been beneficial in the administration of the county. H. Auckland Metropolitan Drainage. In the last annual report full details were given of the proposed Auckland metropolitan drainage scheme. During the 1938 session of Parliament the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board introduced a Bill, largely 011 the lines recommended by the Commission which investigated the problem in 1937. The Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee, which heard considerable evidence from interested parties. Before the Committee had reported on the Bill the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board asked leave to withdraw the Bill for further consideration of some of the disputed points. The Bill was therefore allowed to lapse. No information is at present available as to the future intentions of the Board in this connection. IV. TOWN - PLANNING. A. Development in New Zealand. It is very gratifying to be able to report a quickening of interest throughout the Dominion in the problem of town-planning. Not only has there been evidence of a greater public interest in this field of activity, but also among local bodies there has been a realization in a greater degree of the necessity for the power to exercise control over physical developments which town-planning schemes enable them to exercise. Although the number of schemes finally approved, and therefore in full operation, is at yet small, in most of the cities and larger towns and many of the smaller towns work is steadily proceeding with the preparation of town-planning schemes. During the year the Dannevirke Town-planning Scheme No. 1 and the Napier (Marewa) Town-planning Scheme No. 1 were finally approved by the Board, while the New Lynn Town-planning Scheme No. 1 was provisionally approved. Although the Town-planning Board held only two meetings during the year, committees of the Board were active ; in particular committees of the Board heard objections and made recommendations in connection with the Dannevirke and Napier (Marewa) Town-planning Schemes. Perhaps the most important development during the year was the decision 011 the part of several County Councils to control the urban development in areas under their control. With the more adequate transport facilities which are available at the present day, many areas which are outside the districts controlled by urban local authorities are becoming quite important as residential districts, and many County Councils, recognizing their responsibilities in this matter of residential development, have decided that control can best be exercised through the preparation of extra-urban planning schemes. The Ashburton County Council decided to prepare extra-urban planning schemes for the Allenton, Methven, and Rakaia Townships respectively. The Hutt County Council likewise decided to prepare extra-urban planning schemes (a) for the Taupo Riding, in order to control the development of the Township of Plimmerton and surrounding areas ; (6) for the Whareroa Riding, which includes the townships of Paekakariki, Raumati, and Paraparaumu, and Paraparaumu beaches ; and (c) for that part of the Wainui-o-Mata Riding between the Borough of Eastbourne and the Borough of Lower Hutt, so as to control the development taking place in Lowry Bay, York Bay, and along the seafront generally. The Mackenzie County Council has shown commendable foresight in deciding to have an extra-urban planning scheme prepared for the Lake Tekapo Township, one of the best areas in the Dominion from a health and climatic point of view, and a local committee is doing some admirable work to this end. The Whakatane County Council also is preparing schemes for three areas within

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its county. The Orders in Council necessary to implement all tlie above proposals have been duly issued, and the Department has rendered the local authorities all the help possible in launching the schemes. This general development is particularly significant, and should prevent much of the disfigurement which has taken place through uncontrolled development in county areas in recent years. If extended to include the majority of the watering-places and holiday resorts the result should be to provide really restful surroundings in our recreational areas. The Town-planning Board, in the exercise of its functions, has from time to time felt it desirable to make suggestions to local authorities as to the necessity for planning particular areas. During the current year the Government decided to proceed with the transfer of the Palmerston North Railwaystation and yards from the centre of the city to an area in the Kairanga County. The Board felt that this work would naturally result in urban development in the area adjacent to the proposed station, and as a consequence suggested to the Kairanga County Council that it should prepare and submit an extra-urban planning scheme for the area. The County Council agreed with the Board's suggestion, and it has now been empowered to prepare the required scheme. In view of the fact that the Government proposed to proceed with the development of extensive iron works in the Onekaka region, the Town-planning Officer was asked to prepare a lay-out for the town which would necessarily come into existence as an adjunct to the works. Preliminary investigations have been made in this regard, but no definitive plans have yet been submitted. If the work proceeds, it is confidently anticipated that it will be possible to lay out a town on the most modern town-planning principles. One of the most interesting developments during the year was the issue of model town-planning clauses. These clauses, which were prepared under the auspices of the New Zealand Standards Institute by a committee representing all phases of town-planning interests in the Dominion, embody a very comprehensive set of provisions relative to the preparation of town-planning schemes. In addition to formulating certain general provisions, the clauses also make recommendations regarding physical measurements and similar criteria. The clauses have been submitted to all the interested local authorities in New Zealand and to a large number of professional bodies and individual professional men for general comment and criticism It is proposed at the end of twelve months to review the clauses in the light of the comments and criticisms received, and it is then hoped that the clauses will be prepared in their final form. It is, of course, admitted that as circumstances change from time to time the clauses may have to be altered, and in any case it is granted that in drawing up a scheme for any particular locality the individual clauses may need considerable adjustment in the light of local conditions ; but as a guide in preparing individual schemes the clauses should go a considerable distance in assisting local authorities. The general problem of education in relation to town-planning is one which requires the immediate consideration of all parties likely to be interested. The Town Planning Institute, through its journal and by its general publicity work, has done admirable service in this regard, but the Town Planning Board believes that the time has come for intensive propaganda work in this direction. Major developments of an industrial character are about to take place in New Zealand, and if delay is experienced in the putting into force of town-planning schemes, then much harm will be done and much damage will result. In this connection, attention is drawn to the proposal to incorporate a town-planning exhibit in the Government court at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. B. Hutt Valley Development Scheme. The developments which have been taking place in the Hutt Valley iti the industrial and housing field in the course of the past two or three years have raised some very important problems as to the future of the valley. The Government and the local authorities concerned have recognized the necessity for a plan setting out a general scheme of development so that such developments as take place will proceed in a logical fashion. The activities of the Housing Construction Department alone are resulting in a very considerable increase in population, and this increase demands a correlative increase in the supply of services. On the other hand, the tendency for heavy industry to locate itself in the southern portion of the valley has become very marked in the course of the past few years and has raised problems of the first magnitude. After considerable discussion the Minister of Internal Affairs, in conjunction with the member of Parliament representing the greater part of the district (the Hon. Walter Nash), decided to call a conference representative of all the Government Departments, local authorities, and others directly concerned, in order to discuss the question of the preparation of a master plan for the whole district. The conference met in Parliament Buildings on the Ist March, 1939. It unanimously endorsed the proposal to prepare a master plan for the district, and then proceeded to make certain recommendations as to the procedure that should be adopted in preparing that plan. Discussions subsequently took place with certain representatives of some of the local bodies, and finally Cabinet, after due deliberation, decided to appoint Mr. J. W. Mawson, Town-planning Officer of the Department, to prepare a scheme of development for the Hutt Valley. In so doing, Mr. Mawson was instructed to maintain close co-operation with the local authorities affected in preparing this scheme. Although the method of procedure decided upon by Cabinet did not conform to the method recommended by the conference and in the subsequent discussions, Cabinet felt that its method of procedure had all the advantages of the method suggested at the conference and would achieve the desired results in a quicker time. Mr. Mawson straight away set up an office in the Lower Hutt Borough and, assisted by a suitable staff, commenced the work of preparing the scheme of development. His first task was the preparation of the physical, social, and economic surveys of the area which are necessary before any positive planning can be done. It is anticipated that the surveys will be completed within a short time, and that the final report embodying a plan for the area will be presented to the Government and to the local authorities concerned within a period of twelve months.

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As part of the plan for working in collaboration with the local authorities and for securing their co-operation, a committee has been set up consisting of the Mayors of Lower Hutt, Petone, Upper Hutt, and Eastbourne, and the Chairman of the Hutt County Council. Mr. Mawson is maintaining regular contact with this committee. In addition, consultations have taken place with and active co-operation is being sought from numerous business and social interests in or connected with the Hutt Valley, with a view to studying all phases of the problem and producing a scheme of development which serves the best interests of all concerned. C. International Housing and Town-planning Congress. The Sixteenth International Housing and Town-Planning Congress, organized by the International Federation for Housing and Town-planning, was held in August, 1938, in Mexico City. The New Zealand Government has for many years been associated with the work of the Federation, but it has not previously sent an official delegate to the Congress, although it has been represented on several occasions by New-Zealanders resident in England and others. It was felt that, in view of the developments in this field which are taking place in New Zealand at the present time, valuable knowledge would be gained if a direct representation from New Zealand was made. To this end it was decided to send Mr. A. G. Harper, Officer in Charge of the Local Government Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs, to the Congress, and in view of the subjects under discussion and the knowledge Mr. Harper was able to gain of movements in housing and town-planning in other parts of the world this decision was fully justified. Among subjects which were discussed and which were of particular interest to New Zealand can be mentioned " Housing in Tropical and Sub-tropical Countries," " Progress in World Housing," " Town-planning Education," " Planning, Recreation, and the Use of Leisure Time," and " National Planning." Mr. Harper has made a very full report on the subjects discussed at the Conference, and already the information which he has gained has been of considerable value to the Government. Mr. Harper was able to discuss in some detail the work of the New Zealand Government in the field of housing and town-planning and in the physical welfare and recreation movement, and considerable interest was taken by the Congress in this development. It is felt that New Zealand has much to gain from and to contribute to these international gatherings. V. LAND-AGENTS. Seven hundred and thirteen licenses were issued and 16 transfers granted, as compared with 694 licenses and 10 transfers for the previous year. Two cases of default on the part of land-agents were considered by the Department during the year. One of these cases was adjusted with the appropriate insurance company after certain questions had been submitted to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal for decision. The other case is still being investigated. VI. AUCTIONEERS. Four hundred and fifty-nine licenses were issued, 7 transfers were granted, and 204 changes of endorsement of seller were made, as compared with 444 licenses, 2 transfers, and 326 changes of endorsement for the previous year. Default on the part of one auctioneer was brought to the notice of the Department, and the matter was adjusted with the appropriate insurance company. VII. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS. A. General Scheme. In order that an adequate organization should be available in any emergency of a national or local character the Government appointed a Committee to prepare, for the guidance of controlling authorities, an emergency-precautions scheme. The general object of this scheme is to provide a uniform basis for organization throughout the Dominion for the control in any locality of all essential services when these have been suspended as a result of a disaster. While the scheme is designed primarily to provide for control in the case of disaster due to natural causes, it nevertheless provides an organization to cope with disasters consequent upon enemy action. The Department of Internal Affairs is charged with the administrative control of the scheme. A copy of the provisional scheme drawn up by the Committee was forwarded to selected local authorities with a view to obtaining their general comments. The local authorities to whom the scheme was submitted evinced great interest, and many forwarded valuable suggestions. Some local authorities have already prepared local emergency schemes, based on the provisional proposals forwarded to them. In the light of the comments received, it is proposed to revise the scheme and distribute it to interests affected. As finally issued the proposals should provide an authoritative guide to controlling authorities as to the action necessary in an emergency. B. Anti-gas Training. The liability of the Dominion to enemy air attacks has been under consideration by a special Committee. Among other suggestions, the Committee recommended that in the four main centres classes be formed of specially selected persons who will receive elementary instruction in anti-gas measures. It is considered that the most satisfactory work will be done if membership of the classes

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is restricted to employees of local authorities, members of first-aid organizations, police officers, and the personnel of the Defence Forces. Following on a request by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the local authorities in these centres willingly agreed to co-operate in the scheme by giving facilities to their officers to take part in the classes which had been organized. The instructional work is in the hands of the Defence Department. In the meantime the classes are conducted in the evenings and on occasional half-days. VIII. DOGS REGISTRATION PREVENTION OF HYDATID DISEASE. The scheme envisaged by the Dogs Registration Amendment Act, 1937, for the purpose of minimizing the prevalence of hydatid disease was put into active operation during the year. Regulations were issued prescribing the preparation known as arecoline hydro-bromide as the approved preventive to be used in the treatment of dogs. This particular remedy was prescribed after exhaustive research by the Hydatid Research Committee of the Otago Medical School in consultation with officers of the Health Department as being the most effective drug for the purpose of preventing hydatids in dogs. In accordance with the powers vested in him by the Act, the Minister made arrangements for the purchase in bixlk of the required amount of the drug. It was then sold to local authorities in bulk, the quantity prescribed for each local authority being sufficient for all dogs registered in its district. The regulations provide that a copy of printed instructions as to the use of the approved remedy is to be given to each person registering a dog, and sufficient copies of these instructions were accordingly forwarded to the local authorities for distribution. The regulations further provide that, in addition to the usual fee for dog registration, every dog-owner, when registering a dog, shall pay to the local authority the sum of Is. to reimburse that body for the cost of the drug. IX. PHYSICAL WELFARE AND RECREATION. Considerable progress has been made during the past year towards implementing the proposals contained in the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, 1937. Early in the year a Council was set up under the terms of section 3 of the Act and section 44 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1938, and since that date has held four meetings. The personnel of the Council was chosen so as to give a broad representation of all sections of national life. The Council so set up consists of — The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry (Chairman) (ex officio). The Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, J. W. A. Ilecnan, Esq., C.B.E. (Deputy Chairman) (ex officio). The Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, C.B.E. (ex officio). The Director of Education, N. T. Lambourne, Esq., 1.5.0. (ex officio). N.Z. Defence Forces, Captain A. H. L. Sugden (ex officio). Dr. T. H. Pettit, M.8., Ch.B., Auckland. Miss A. Kennedy, Auckland. L. J. Brake, Esq., Whangarei. W. H. Moyes, Esq., M.A., New Plymouth. Miss K. McKenzie, Napier. Dr. C. E. Hercus, 0.8. E., D.5.0., Dunedin. T. Meredith, Esq., Invercargill. F. G. Dunn, Esq., Christchurch. A. C. Kitto, Esq., Wellington. Mrs. R. S. Mclnnis, Wellington. C. F. Schadick, Esq., 0.8. E., Westport. M. H. Wilks, Esq., Taumarunui. At its meetings the Council was able to devise machinery which should go a long way towards making the physical-welfare movement a real factor in community life. In particular it has considered the general problems involved in creating a public consciousness of the need for adequate work in the field of physical welfare and recreation, and has been able to place specific proposals in this regard before the Minister. The need to make the country realize the value of physical fitness as the best means for personal security led to the planning of a " drive " which opened with a National Fitness Week in February. In every part of the Dominion special physical displays and athletic meetings were arranged, and an intensive publicity campaign was engaged in. The public response was very gratifying, and bears out the contention of the Council that there is a considerable demand from all sections of the community for opportunities and facilities for recreational activities. In an endeavour to sustain the interest thus created, advantage has been taken of the facilities offered by the press and the radio to keep the movement before the public eye. It was pointed out by the Council that it was necessary to have available a corps of instructors who could guide the movement into the best channels. Hence it is suggested that among the first specific advances should be the institution of a system of training with a view to providing the leaders who are necessary if proper progress is to be made. It is recognized, of course, that a properly balanced recreational system requires the provision not only of playing-fields, but also of accessory buildings and amenities ; nor must the provision of gymnasia and similar facilities be overlooked When fully qualified instructors are available, it is felt that area organizers should be appointed whose duty it would be to arrange for the best use of existing and proposed facilities, and to see that provision is made for all citizens who wish to increase their physical efficiency.

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The above scheme implies, among other things, that there are available the playing-fields and other necessaries to cope with any increasing demand. In order to ascertain what facilities are at present available a complete survey of existing recreational facilities is at present being carried out. In this work local authorities are actively co-operating. When the survey is complete, the adequacy of existing recreational facilities can be ascertained, and it will then be possible to advise where extension is desirable. Naturally, in a work which touches so intimately the private lives of the citizens, it is necessary in planning local effort to encourage local endeavour, and with that object in view some 160 local committees have been set up under the statutory provisions in that regard. In nominating those committees it has been the practice to include in each several members of the local-governing authority as well as other representative citizens. In order to encourage uniformity throughout the Dominion the National Council has circularized all committees setting forth its views as to possible lines of advance. Many of the local committees are in active operation and have already created an enthusiasm for the objects of the movement. Among the other matters discussed by the Council was a proposal to encourage group travel. In other countries such work has been most successful, and there is not wanting in New Zealand evidence that, given the necessary lead, a considerable increase on present activities is possible. A proper appreciation of our own " great outdoors " is a vital element in any national recreation programme. During the year two specialist officers were appointed to advise as to the most satisfactory methods of procedure. Already as a result of their work it is evident that considerable progress has been made. X. KING GEORGE V NATIONAL MEMORIAL FUND. Legislation necessary for the purpose of making provision with respect to the control and administration of this Fund was enacted during the 1938 session under the title of the King George the Fifth Memorial Fund Act. In brief, the Act gives statutory recognition to the Fund, constitutes a Board of Trustees to administer the Fund, and defines the purposes upon which the moneys in the Fund may be expended. In addition, authority is contained in the Act for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees' as to the expenditure of moneys. Local authorities, public bodies, incorporated societies, trustees, and others are authorized to make contributions to the Board of money, chattels, and land. XI. CINEMATOGRAPH-THEATRES. A. Film Censorship. During the year 1,866 films of all classes, totalling 4,713,790 ft., were examined. Of this number, 5 were rejected in the first instance, 2 were subsequently passed after reconstruction, 112 were passed subject to excisions, 183 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 3 were passed with the caution that they were not suitable for children. Three appeals were lodged ; one was dismissed, and the other two were allowed. These, however, were merely protests against some minor excisions, and not against total rejection. An analysis of the work shows —

Quota Films : The countries of origin of the quota films examined were as follows : Great Britain, 56 ; Australia, 5 ; United States of America, 381 ; France, 1; Switzerland, 1; Czechoslovakia, 1. Rejections: Of the 5 films rejected, 4 were " quota "or long films'—l originating in Great Britain, 1 in Switzerland, 1 in United States of America, and 1 in Czechoslovakia. General Remarks : During the year under review, as compared with the previous year, the number of rejections was 5 as against 6, the number of films requiring amendment increased from 32 to 112, and the number of films recommended as more suitable for adult audiences dropped from 203 to 183, while the number considered to be definitely unsuitable for exhibition to young people was 3, as compared with 5 in the previous year. There was a considerable increase in miniature films presented for examination, mostly comprising cultural, educative, and recreative subjects, showing that these films are now coming into more general use. Quite a fair proportion of industrial or advertising films, both in standard and miniature size, were also submitted. The number of British feature films coming to New Zealand continues to decline ; 56, as compared with 93 in the previous year. Some of these films were of a high standard, fully equal to the best American productions in technical excellence and entertainment value.

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Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. ; Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 61 448,360 495 451,430 Foreign .. .. .. 384- 2,836,220 926 977,780 445 3,284,580 1,421 1,429,210

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It was noticed that a marked feature in the production of American films is the tendency to make entertainment out of some of the sociaJ problems peculiar to the States. Another feature is the production of " typed " films or pictures similar in theme and story treatment to that of an initial production which has turned out to be a success at the box-office. It is interesting to note that a comparison between the operations of the censorship in Canada and Australia during the year shows that the amendments made in these countries are very similar to those made here. In general, it may be conceded that the improvement in films is being maintained. Nevertheless, constant vigilance is necessary to see that the standard set is conformed to, as evidenced by the large number (112) requiring amendment during the year. B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators. The Cinematograph Operators Licensing Regulations 1938 (issued in pursuance of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, and amendments) came into force on the Ist June, 1938. These regulations were issued consequent on representations made by cinematograph operators in New Zealand. The primary object of the regulations is to improve the standard of projection technique and to ensure a greater degree of public safety. In accordance with the provisions of the regulations a Cinematograph Film Operators' Licensing Board was set up. The main duties of the Board are to arrange for the examination and licensing of all cinematograph operators. An officer of the Department has been appointed Secretary to the Board, and is responsible for the general administrative work in connection with the scheme. All operators and assistant operators, seven hundred and six (706) in all, at present in employment have been granted provisional licenses. Within a reasonable time all holders of provisional licenses will be required to qualify by examination for a definitive license. Ultimately there will be five grades of definitive licenses, named respectively A, B, C, D, and E Grade license. The general purpose is that as the responsibility of the operator increases he shall be required to have additional qualifications. A person holding an A Grade license, for instance, can operate in any theatre and with any equipment; a person holding a D grade license, only in a theatre operating not more than two nights per week. For the higher grades of license a more extensive examination is prescribed. The examination is divided into two parts —(a) written, and (b) oral and practical. The written examination, which consists of a questionnaire containing several hundred questions, covers all phases of an operator's work and duties, and has been designed with the dual purpose of educating the candidate in and ascertaining his knowledge of projection work. Two copies of the completed questionnaire are forwarded for examination ; one corrected copy is returned to the examinee for his information and future guidance. The scheme, which has the full support of the motion-picture operators, should do much to improve the standard of work and minimize the dangers from fire. C. Exhibitors' and other Licenses. The following licenses under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, were issued during the year ended 30th September, 1938, corresponding figures for the previous year being given in parentheses : Exhibitors', 426 (427) ; circuit exhibitors', 42 (42) ; renters', 20 (18) ; storage, 5 (12) ; miscellaneous, 29 (36). D. Accidents. The number of fires which occurred during the projection of film was seven, as against a figure of eight for the previous year. Two only of these fires resulted in the destruction of more than one spool of film, and in both, instances the cause was traceable to breaches of the regulations. Inquiries made subsequently showed that spools previously removed from the machine had not been placed immediately in the special fire-resisting programme box, but had been left on the rewinding-bench. The majority of the seven fires originated from breaking of film whilst passing through the machine, but one case is reported of a fire occurring when the leader from the upper magazine curled and touched the cooling-plate of the projector. XII. ANIMALS PROTECTION AND GAME. A. General. (1) Bird-life. Reports continue to indicate that some species of birds, particularly bell-birds and tuis, are on the increase. Persons who have in earlier years planted suitable trees have had their hopes of attracting these birds realized. Concern is being expressed at the reduced numbers of wild ducks in many localities, and it is evident that, with the disappearance of natural feeding-grounds and other causes, the question of periodical close seasons for ducks will have to be seriously considered. (2) Shooting Seasons. Open seasons have been declared in all acclimatization districts. In all North Island acclimatization districts the license fee for native and imported game has been fixed at £1 10s. Provision has, however, been made that the fee for a license issued to a person receiving an age benefit or a miner's benefit under the Social Security Act, 1938, shall be £1. The conditions for the 1939 shooting seasons include a new provision by which the feeding of waters with grain so as to lure ducks into positions convenient for shooting is prohibited.

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(3) Opossums. There were no open trapping seasons for opossums, the evidence available being that the prices of skins were such as to make it impossible for trappers to obtain any financial success from the sale of skins. A special permit was issued to the Egmont National Park Board to destroy opossums in the area under its control, as concern was expressed at the possibility of damage to trees if the opossums were allowed to increase. Some permits were also granted to persons who complained that opossums were damaging gardens, &c. (4) Sanctuaries. Two areas approximating 56 acres at Taiaroa Head, Dunedin, and one of about 14 acres near Paekakariki were declared as sanctuaries. Unfortunately, a fire swept through the latter. (5) Stoats. Very low prices were obtained for the consignment of stoat and ferret skins sent to England and referred to in last year's report. With the increase in the shooting-license fee in all North Island acclimatization districts provision has been made for ss. out of each £1 10s. license fee being paid to the Council of the North Island acclimatization societies to be devoted by that Council to the payment of bonuses for the destruction of hawks, stoats, ferrets, polecats, and weasels. The Rotorua Acclimatization District, in which the Internal Affairs Department carries out the functions of an acclimatization society, is included in the scheme. (6) Sea Turtles. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the luth or leathery turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) have been afforded protection under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. The latter is a tropical species, but has been recorded as having been found as far north as the English Channel and as far south as Taranaki, and the course decided upon was with a view to giving protection to visiting species, principally in the vicinity of Cape Brett, where apparently there have been some for several years. (7) Royal Albatross Colony. The sanctuary declared at Taiaroa Head, Dunedin, was primarily to assist the endeavours being made to re-establish a colony of royal albatrosses on the mainland of the Dominion. Through a series of misfortunes, only one bird was reared last season, and its ultimate fate is doubtful. Again this year, although six pairs of birds mated, only one chick was hatched owing chiefly to disturbance by vandals. A committee of the Otago Branch of the Royal Society under the leadership of Mr. L. E. Richdale has at considerable expense erected fencing to protect the nesting-area. In this and in other work pertaining to the development of the area in the direction sought the Otago Harbour Board and its signalmen at Taiaroa Head have whole-heartedly assisted. That such measures are necessary for the protection of birds already absolutely protected by law is lamentable, but the efforts of all those who have assisted to improve the position must surely have the full support of all responsible citizens. In addition to the actual instigation of protective measures, Mr. Richdale has by persistent observations and records gathered much valuable information regarding the life-history of these birds. (8) Fires. With the dry conditions prevailing during October, November, January, February, and March, the year has been marked by widespread damage through the ravages of bush, scrub, and grass fires in various parts of the Dominion. The damage to Crown land and reserves administered by the Government Departments is serious, and when to this is added damage to private property and that of local bodies the national loss is severe. A record has been taken of all grass, scrub, and bush fires reported in the press. This list, while not serving as a complete record, gives an indication of the widespread loss, to which must be added the deterioration of much of the land thus laid waste. Evidence as to the suggested origin of the outbreaks is not given in the majority of cases, but sufficient data is available to indicate that a great deal of this loss should be avoidable. In co-operation with other Departments, efforts have been made to bring the matter before the general public. This propaganda has included the erection of notices in conspicuous places, the use of adhesive stickers on official envelopes, press publicity, and radio talks. The lessening of outbreaks of this nature is a complex matter which additional restrictions would not alone solve. As in so many other problems of the day, an improvement will only be gained by restraint, care, and thought on the part of members of the general public. B. Deer, Thar, Chamois, and Goat Destruction Operations. (1) Numerical Results. During the financial year a total of 34,370 of the above animals were killed, comprising 30,372 deer, 906 thar, 1,497 chamois, 1,475 goats, and 120 wild pigs ; and 12,230 deer-skins were recovered. It has been the practice in the past to show separately the results for the whole " season " up to 31st May, but as this report is prepared this year prior to the end of the season the results for the financial year only are given and those for the portion of the " season " after 31st March will be included in next year's report.

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The following details refer to the financial year only. The deer killed were of several species, the numbers of each being—Red deer, 30,044 ; fallow deer, 163 ; Virginian deer, 56 ; Japanese deer, 12 ; sambur deer, 38 ; wapiti deer, 59. A geographical analysis of the year's results is as follows : — North Island— t i w i tt f1 > 528 deer killed. .Lake Waikaremoana - Urewera area .. .. .. < i \ 80 pigs killed. National Park - Kaimanawa Mountains area .. .. f 2 ,791 deer killed. 5 goats killed. Ruahine Mountains area .. .. .. .. 3,746 deer killed. f 1,618 deer killed. Tararua Mountains area .. ~ .. <( 655 goats killed. 38 pigs killed. South Island— Fiordland National Park-Lake Wakatipu area .. 2,268 deer killed. South Westland- South Canterbury - Otago area .. 17,785 deer killed. f 280 deer killed. South Westland - South Canterbury thar and chamois area 906 thar killed. 1,497 chamois killed. Stewart Island .. .. .. .. 356 deer killed. South Westland Goat Colony .. . . .. 818 goats killed. (2) Sphere of Operation and Taction employed. North Island—(a) Lake Waikaremoana - Urewera Area: A permanent highly trained field officcr and an assistant were established in this area, with very satisfactory results. It is proposed to extend this principle to the Tararua Ranges and the Fiordland National Park after the end of this season. In the Urewera country two men operated during the winter and five men during the summer. There is evidence that their operations have been very successful, and already there are signs of an improvement in the state of the forest surrounding the lake. (b) National Park - Kaimanawa - Kaweka - Ahimanawa : This undertaking was fully reported on last year, and the results represent the closing stages of the operations. (c) Ruahine Range Area : This divide constituted one of the danger spots from the point of view of deer damage to forest and erosion. The season's experience shows that the commencement of operations there was timely. (d) Tararua Range Area : During the period since the last operations in this area deer have increased, with consequent damage to the forest. This damage and the erosion resulting therefrom constituted a very grave menace and called for immediate drastic action. It has been decided to appoint a permanent officer here as in the Urewera-Waikaremoana area. It having been discovered that colonies of goats were established in a few limited areas and were doing damage to the bush, a special goat party using dogs was employed and has done good work. South Island. —(a) Fiordland National Park - Lake Wakatipu Area: This undertaking was fully reported on last year, and the results represent the closing stages of the operations. (6) South Westland - South Canterbury - Otago Area : Parties commenced operations at various times during October and November in various localities. These operations have embraced the whole of the deer-infested country from Mount Aspiring to Mount Cook on both sides of the Southern Alps. (c) South Westland - South Canterbury Thar and Chamois : Various parties were in operation at different times, with satisfactory results. A large proportion of the animals inhabiting the area were killed, so that the undertaking can be regarded as. fully successful. (d) Stewart Island : A permanent control was established at Stewart Island, and excellent work has been done. This officer's operations have been extended to the killing of rats and cats as a means of affording further protection to the bird-life. (e) South Westland Goat Colony : The colony existing in the State Forest near Harihari was reduced to almost negligible numbers. (/) General Winter Work : During the winter months a number of men were engaged in the cutting of tracks and the erection of " miners' chairs " over rivers in the portion of South Westland from the Wanganui River to the Karangarua River to permit of the thar and chamois operations referred to above. (3) Personnel. Difficulty was again experienced in obtaining the required number of men with the requisite skill and stamina. As from the Ist January, 1939, wages and bonuses were increased, and this should go some way towards attracting more men of the type required. XIII. ROTORUA ACCLIMATIZATION DISTRICT. A. The Fishing Season. The fishing season opened on the Ist November, 1938. During the early part of the season conditions were unsatisfactory, due to rough weather and strong westerly winds, which continued generally to the middle of February. During the months of February and March little rain fell, and

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consequently the level of the lakes and rivers dropped considerably. Fortunately, temperatures did not rise so high as during the previous summer. In some areas, particularly in. Lake Tarawera, although from observations made during the winter there were a large number of fish on the redds, few were caught. Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti again proved the popular lakes with both fly fishermen and trailers. Inspections of the small streams at Okataina were made during the winter months, where rainbow trout up to 151b. were netted for stripping purposes. This lake was well fished during the season and good catches were reported. Good catches were also recorded from Lake Rotoma. In both these latter districts reports indicate that the fish were in good condition although they did not recover from the spawning until later than usual. The Bay of Plenty rivers were lower than in previous years and fished well during the late summer. The following are particulars of some of the large fish taken during the season and coming under the notice of the departmental officers : — ROTORUA FISHING DISTRICT. TAUPO FISHING- DISTRICT. Weight. Locality in which taken. Weight. Locality in which taken. 9 lb. .. .. .. Ngongotaha. 12 lb. 2 oz. .. Whakaipo Reef. 9 lb. .. .. .. Waikuta. 9 lb. .. .. Tongariro Delta.10 lb. (brown) .. .. Ngongotaha. 10 lb. .. .. Three-mile Bay. 11 lb. .. .. .. Waikato River. 11 lb. 4 oz. .. Delatour's Pool (Waitahanui 13 lb. 8 oz. .. .. Hamurana. River). 9 lb. 8 oz. .. . . Alexandria. I'll lb. 4 oz. .. Tongariro Delta. 10 lb. .. .. .. Lake Okataina. 10 lb. 9 oz. .. Tongariro Delta. 10 lb. .. .. .. Lake Okataina. 131b. 10 oz. .. Major Jones' Pool (Tongariro 14 lb. 2 oz. (brown) .. Hamurana." River). 12 lb. 8 oz. (brown) .. Awahou. B. General. 1 (1) Fry and Ova. Stripping operations were carried out during the year in the Hatchery Creek, Tongariro River, and at Lakes Okataina and Tarawera. Throughout both districts a very dry winter was experienced and at times the run of trout into the streams was comparatively sjnall. This was most noticeable in the Tongariro district, and at times it was thought that difficulty would be experienced in securing the required number of eggs, as large numbers of fish were spawning in the main stream. This difficulty has recurred during the past two winters but has not had any detrimental effect on the naturally hatched, fry, which appeared to be as plentiful as ever. Large numbers of spawning fish were seen in the streams flowing into Lake Rotorua, while at Lakes Waikaremoaua and Tarawera inspection showed that there w.as no shortage. The total number of eggs taken at the Tongariro River Hatchery was 6,745,000, while 2,315,000 were collected, at I.akes Tarawera and Okataina. Ova amounting to 1,990,000 was sold to various acclimatization societies ; 150,000 ova was exchanged with the South Canterbury Acclimatization Society, while 500,000 ova (brown) was bought from the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society; the Tourist Department purchased 50,000 fry. The following are the particulars of liberations of fry in the various waters in the Rotorua Acclimatization District: — Fry planted. — Rotorua District: Rotorua, 872,000; Rotoiti, 829,000; Okataina, 329,000; Tarawera, 300,000; Okareka, 211,000; Rerewhakaitu, 50,000; Okaro, 50,000; Rotokakahi, 11.9,000; Rotoehu, 110,000 ; Rotoma, 163,000; Waikato* River, 100,000; Poueto, 301,000; Waipunga, 51,000 ; Taahunaatara, 102,000 (brown). Wairoa Area: Waikaremoana (Lake), 420,000; Ruakituri, 230,000; Waikaretaheke, 100,000 ; Hangaroa, 30,000 ; Waikareiti, 20,000 ; Waihi, 10,000 (brown). Taupo District: Tongariro, 664,000; Waitahanui, 54,000; Waikato, 165,000; Two-mile Bay, 29,000 ; Tauranga-Taupo, 207,000 ; Hatepe, 165,000 ; Waipehi, 33,000 ; Waimarino, 117,000; Waiotaka, 66,000 ; Waihi, 17,000 ; Tokaanu Stream, 24,000 ; Omoko, 21,000. Bay of Plenty Rivers: Ruatahuna, 5,000 (brown) ; Pakalii, 15,000 (brown) ; Wai-iti, 30,000 (brown) ; Waioeka, 155,000 (rainbow), 325,000 (brown); Waimana, 1.75,000 ; Whakatane, 200,000 ; Tarawera, 50,Q00 ; Whirjnaki, 100,000. It was considered advisable to stock the Waioeka with " brown " fry, and it is pleasing to record that fish up to Sin. in length have been taken there on the fly. (2) Culling of Fish. Many inspections of trout were made during the winter months and it was found that the condition was such that general culling was not necessary.. At Lakes Okataina and Tarawera, where stripping was carried out last winter, the fish were all in excellent condition. The usual culling was carried out at the Tongariro River Hatchery, when 109 males and 122 females were destroyed. ... <„■

3—H. 22,

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(3) Tagging of Trout. During the winter 594 rainbow trout were tagged at the barriers at the Tongariro River Hatchery. In the Waimana River a small number of trout were tagged, but none bearing tags have been reported. The following is a table of tagged fish which were either rehandled at the hatchery stream or caught and reported by anglers : —

(4) Facilities for Anglers. Owing to the low state of the Torigariro River during the past year the road and track were not damaged by floods. Tracks were kept clear in the vicinity of Lake Taupo, and a new road to Rangitira Point was commenced so that cars can now go as far as Acacia Bay without any difficulty. The Information Bureau, Taupo, was again opened for a short time each day to give anglers the opportunity of obtaining information regarding fishing. (5) Food-supplies for Trout. In all the Rotorua lakes there was an exceptionally large hatch of smelts. The endeavour to establish the smelt in Lake Taupo was continued and shoals of these fish have been seen in various parts of the lake. Owing to exceptional weather conditions both koura and smelt were very difficult to net until the end of January. However, 14,400 koura and 110,000 smelts were successfully transported, to Lake Taupo and planted in suitable localities between Acacia Bay and Tokaanu Wharf. Observations proved that the smelt has been established in Lake Okaro, and a small consignment was planted in Ngahewa. An experiment is being conducted in the Tongariro Hatchery Dam with a view to breeding koura. (6) Black Shags and Hawlcs. One thousand four hundred and twenty-seven shags and 265 hawks were presented for payment. In addition to these numbers, 209 shags and 72 hawks were destroyed by departmental rangers. (7) Scientific Operations. Throughout the summer lower temperatures than last year prevailed. Consequently the mortality among the toi-toi and molluscs was negligible. Post-mortem examinations of many trout were made, and it was found that comparatively few were affected with the nematode worm. This does not, however, apply to trout examined from Lake Waikaremoana, where numbers of fish contained the parasite. (8) Fish-hatcheries. The new hatcheries at Ngongotaha and at Lake Waikaremoana were put into operation and in both cases proved most successful. A concrete flume was built at the Tongariro River Hatchery to replace the old wooden structure, which was unsafe. (9) Game-farm. The game-farm was improved in appearance during the year. Large numbers of native shrubs and ferns were planted, and it is intended to secure further quantities of these for planting next season. The breeding-pens were increased, thus allowing for a larger number of stock birds to be held. Over three hundred pheasants' eggs were given out to applicants, but unfortunately this experiment did not prove successful and very few birds were reared. Prom the early pheasants reared most of the stock birds for next breeding season have been selected. (10) Game Liberations. Pheasants numbering 1,214 were liberated from the farm between Ist April, 1938, and 31st March, 1939 ; 310 mallard ducks reared on the farm were liberated at Lake Rerewhakaitu. (11) Bird-life generally. Weather conditions during the early summer were not very conducive to the natural reproduction of game birds. Notwithstanding the bad seasonal conditions, the Department, so far as its district was concerned, was able to hold its own by the liberation of pheasants from the farm. There is an abundance of evidence that the grey duck are becoming year by year more scarce than ever in the history of that game-bird. The depletion of the ranks of the grey duck is due to the constant shooting over the years, by the operation of more and better shooters, and the draining of

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Tagged. j Returned. ■ I | Tag No. j Weight. j Length, j Date. Weight. J Length. Locality. Date. lb. oz. In. lb. oz. In. 2396 .. .. 3 II 213 25/8/38 4 2 22 Mission Bay .. 1/12/38 2407 .. .. 3 12 23$ 27/9/38 3 8 24 Whangamata 27/1/39 2457 .. .. 2 1 19 27/9/38 2 8 19 Kowhai Flat .. 27/11/38 2492 .. .. 4 3 22$ 27/8/38 * .. MotuopaBay Xraas, 1938 2533 .. .. 3 9 20$ 23/8/37 4 11 22 Hatchery .. 15/8/38 2534 .. .. 3 10 22$ 23/8/37 3 8 23 Waitabanui Bay 21/2/38 2542 4 2 22$ 23/8/37 6 8 23 Mouth Amoho 21/2/38 Stream 2588 .. .. 3 13 21J 23/8/37 * .. Delta .. 11/2/38 2604 .. .. 5 5 22$ 13/8/37 4 8 * Four-mile Bay 23/12/37 2615 .. .. 4 12 22$ 13/9/37 5 0 * Rangatira Point 1/1/38 2660 .. .. 4 6 25 13/9/37 5 6 25 Hatchery .. 12/8/38 2691 .. .. 4 4 23 13/9/37 4 0 23 Jerusalem Bay 14/11/37 * No particulars.

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the birds' feeding-grounds. It now seems that, unless there are frequent closed seasons for the shooting of this bird to give an opportunity to the young birds to increase, we will come to an abrupt stop with our native duck. The great preponderance in numbers of duck to-day is of old birds from which close breeding could not be expected. This is brought about by the less cunning of the young ducks when shooters are about and they are shot in greater numbers than the old birds, thus creating a condition that must spell complete annihilation of the grey duck. The birds are about holding their own in the forest reserves, where there is a natural supply of food, but if they are to be preserved for future generations a careful policy must be planned. Black swans are not so numerous. Reports from Ohiwa Harbour indicate that godwits were seen in larger flocks than the previous season. Black teal are not increasing, the highest numbers being seen at Lake Rotomahana. This year grey ducks have commenced to come into the sanctuary at Hamurana, but black teal have practically left this locality. Native birds have increased, particularly in the Urewera and in the bush surrounding Lake Waikaremoana. Pigeon, tui, kaka, kakariki (parakeet), and tititi-pounamu (rifleman.) have all increased in the sanctuary at Lake Waikaremoana. Kiwi are also heard there, six being in the vicinity of Lake House. Matata (fern-bird) are fairly numerous in parts of the district, while tiwakawaka (fantail), popokotea (white-head canary), miro-miro (tomtit), and riroriro (grey warbler) do not appear to be so plentiful as last year. The ruru (morepork) is scarce, very few being heard. The poaka (pied stilt) did not appear in very large numbers during the past summer. Korimako (bell-birds) were plentiful in all bush country, and during the winter could be seen in the gum-trees on the State plantations and about the gardens in Rotorua. (12) Statistical Records. Monthly, biological, meteorological, temperature, and food reports were received from all rangers, and information of much value was contained therein. (13) Ranging. The ranging organization has been strengthened by the appointment of a Head Ranger with headquarters at Rotorua. During the year under review fines amounting to £68 15s. were imposed for breaches of the animals-protection and fishery laws in the Rotorua Acclimatization District. XIV. WAR GRAVES. Six hundred and twenty-two (622) notifications of deaths of returned soldiers were received during the year ; of these, 131 were accepted as war graves, the cause of death being attributed to disabilities sustained or aggravated by war service. Temporary crosses were placed on 369 graves, and headstones to the number of 109 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the soldiers' cemeteries at Hamilton, Karori (Wellington), Taihape, Masterton, Waikumete (Auckland), Taita, Bromley (Christchurch), Taumarunui, and Anderson's Bay (Dunedin). All soldiers' cemeteries continue to be suitably maintained, under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Veterans' graves continue to be attended to, and during the year extensive renovations were carried out to old settlers' and veterans' graves and memorials at Paterangi, Te Rore, St. Mary's Churchyard and Te Henui Cemetery (New Plymouth), and at St. James' Churchyard, Mangere. 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, to which the Imperial and Dominion Governments contributed in proportion to the number of graves of-their dead. XV. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. Among the many notable people who arrived in New Zealand during the past year were Sir Harry Batterbee, who has taken, up the position of High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand, and Lady Batterbee. They were welcomed in an appropriate manner by Government, local bodies, and patriotic societies. Among others, Government hospitality was extended to the following visitors : The Marquess of Lothian; Sir Edward Ellington, Inspector-General of the Royal Air Force; Lord Strabolgi; Sir Harry Twyford, ex Lord Mayor of London ; Right Hon. Stanley M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia in the United Kingdom ; Lord Douglas Hamilton and party of English public-school boys ; Mr. Percy Good, Deputy Director of the British Standards Institute ; His Excellency the GovernorGeneral of Australia, Lord Gowrie ; The Right Hon. Sir Earle Page, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia ; Hon. E. Dwyer Gray, Treasurer of Tasmania ; Sir Geoffrey Whiskard, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Australia ; Hon. E. J. Mackrell, Minister of Labour, Victoria ; Hon. G. F. Jenkins, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, Adelaide ; Hon. Mitchell F. Hepburn, Premier of Ontario ; Hon. Colin A. Campbell, Minister of Public Works, Ontario ; Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C., Mauritius ; Sir Arthur Richards, Governor of Fiji, now Governor of Jamaica. Overseas delegates to the British Commonwealth Relations Conference held in Sydney were extended facilities and courtesies whilst in New Zealand, as also were delegates to the Catholic centenary celebrations held in Auckland. During the year we were honoured by the visit from America of the destroyer " Maury " and from France of the sloop " Rigault de Genouilly." Government hospitality was extended to the officers and men of these vessels.

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The arrival and departure of sporting representatives was marked by Government in the form of official receptions at Parliament House. Under this heading came the Indian Hockey Team ; the English Women's Hockey Team ; Australian Badminton Team ; New Zealand Ladies' Basketball Team ; New Zealand Secondary Schools Association Football Team; Sir Julien Cahn's English Cricket Team. The Department arranged the exhibition of the coronation robes and regalia. During the twelve weeks' tour of New Zealand, eighteen cities arid towns were visited, and the exhibits were shown before approximately 400,000 people. Thanks are due to local authorities, who co-operated wholeheartedly with the Department and generally assisted in carrying out the Government's policy of entertaining distinguished visitors, and also to the various organizations concerned with naval visitors for their willing efforts in making the stay of the officers and men as pleasant as possible. XVI. RAFFLES AND ART-UNIONS. Six hundred and eighty-six licenses under authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these, 381 were for works of art, 296 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 9 for alluvial gold to the value of £5,000 each The following table shows the results of the £5,000 gold art-unions

Of the net profits, £45,000 was distributed to the various mayoral or other recognized central funds established in the relief of distress, making a total of £325,000 made available for this purpose during recent years, and the balance allocated to charitable and philanthropic organizations, including children's homes and orphanges. XVII. FIRE BRIGADES ACT, 1926. No new Fire Boards were constituted during the year. The number of Fire Boards operating still remains at fifty-five. The annual report of the Inspector of Fire Brigades will be published as a separate statement as in previous years, and that report is a comprehensive review of'the existing position regarding the control of fire-fighting activities. XVIII. CHARTERED CLUBS. The number of chartered clubs still stands at forty-six, no fresh charter having been issued since the year 1908. Several applications were received from various institutions whose objects are of a social character, but is was decided that no increase should be made to the existing number of clubs. Reports furnished by Inspectors of Chartered Clubs throughout New Zealand indicate that all clubs are being conducted in a proper manner and that they are fulfilling all the conditions upon which their charters were granted. XIX. MAORI ANTIQUITIES ACT, 1908. Ten warrants were granted authorizing the export of genuine Maori antiquities made according to ancient Maori methods. Five of these permits were granted to museums in New Zealand for the purpose of exchanging Maori ethnological specimens which are of the common type for other material from museums in other parts of the world. The other five permits were granted to private individuals. XX. PASSPORTS. With the international situation at present it is essential more than ever before, for all overseas travellers (except for Australia) to possess a valid passport. During the year 5,010 new passports were granted, as compared with 4,765 last year and with 4,457 for the year ended 31st March, 1937. Renewals for varying periods were, granted to 563 passports as compared with 620 last year and 681 for the year ended 31st March, 1937. Passport visas to facilitate landing in other portions of the British Commonwealth were granted to 59 alien passport-holders leaving New Zealand.

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License No. and Name. Gross Sales. omT y| l S j^ on on Expenses. Prizes. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. ! Net Profit. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 70. Stroke of Luck .. 21,284 17 6 3,192 14 8 2,939 4 10 5,000 10,152,18 0 2,128 9 9 8,024 8 3 71. Golden Gift .. 19,576 12 6 2,936 9 11 2,923 19 8 5,000 8,716 2 11 1,957 13 3 6,758 9 8 72. My Luck's In .. 18,917 5 0 2,837 11 9 2.940 4 4 5,000 8,139 8 11 1,891 14 6 6,247 14 5 73. My Opportunity .. 18,620 0 0 2,793 0 0 2,918 0 0 5,000 7,909 0 0 1,862 0 0 6,047 0 0 74. My Lucky Dream .. 18,804 15 0 2,820 14 3 2,945 15 5 5,000 8,038 5 4 1,880 9 6 6,157 15 10 75. Happy Lays .. 17,712 0 0 2,656 16 0 2,915 19 7 5,000 7,139 4 5 1,771 4 0 5,368 0 5 76. It's on the Cards .. 24,206 17 6 3,631 0 8 2,915 9 3 5,000 12,660 7 7 2,420 13 9 10,239 13 10 77. New Year Luck .. 23,039 0 0 3,455 17 0 2,927 15 10 5,000 11,655 7 2 2,303 18 0 9,351 9 2 78. Pleasant Surprise .. 19,947 17 6 2,992 3 .8 2,938 16 .8 5,000 9,016 17 2 1,994 15 9 7,022 1 5 Totals .. .. 182,109 5 0 27,316 7 11 26,365 5 7 45,000 83,427 11 6 18,210 18 6 65,216 13 0

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The number of passports issued is the highest total on record, and is considerably in excess of the total for last year, which covered the coronation period, when so many persons from New Zealand visited England for the celebrations. As an indication of first the decline and then the rise of overseas passenger traffic it may be of interest to quote below the number of passports issued during the last ten years : — 1930 .. .. 4,909 1935 .. .. .. 3,382 1931 .. .. 4,120 1936 .. .. .. 3,640 1932 .. 3,412 1937 .. .. .. 4,457 1933 .. .. 2,882 1938 .. .. .. 4,765 1934 .. 2,455 1939 .. .. .. 5,010 In my last annual report, in commenting on what was then a heavy increase of passport work, the conclusion drawn was that the coronation celebrations and improved financial conditions were the cause. It may now be inferred that this year's record figures can be attributed to the continued internal prosperity of the country. It was decided by the Government to reimpose the requirement of passport visas for German nationals entering New Zealand. This decision was in line with the policy of the .British Government, which reintroduced such requirement with effect from Ist April, 1938. A similar decision was given in respect of holders of Czechoslovak passports as from Ist April, 1939. It was found necessary in one case to impound the passport of a person landing in New Zealand holding a passport issued on false statements made to another passport-issuing authority overseas. XXI. FOREIGN CONSULS. There are thirty foreign countries having consular representation in New Zealand at present. During the year the Netherlands Government appointed a vice-consul de carriere with headquarters in Wellington. Gazette notices were published notifying the issue of His Majesty's Exequatur in favour of eleven consuls. Notifications were also gazetted in twelve cases of new appointments and temporary appointments. One consul died and one resigned his office. The Consul-General of Czechoslovakia in Sydney reported the closing of the three consulates of that country in New Zealand. XXII. NATURALIZATION. During the year three hundred and eighty (380) certificates of naturalization were granted. Pour of these certificates were issued to persons who had previously acquired a British status in New Zealand only, but who now desired to obtain the complete status of a British subject. Two certificates were issued in Western Samoa. The number of certificates issued exceeded the total for last year (233), the increase being due to the large number of aliens who wished to exercise a vote at the general election. An order of revocation of naturalization was made by the Supreme Court in the case of a person who, since the date of his naturalization, had been long resident in his country of origin and had failed to maintain substantial action with His Majesty's dominions. Other cases are under review, but difficulty is being experienced in adducing the necessary evidence. Five British-born women who had married aliens were readmitted to the status of British nationals by becoming naturalized. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35, allows a woman who was a British subject prior to marrying an alien, and who had acquired the husband's nationality by reason of marriage to make a declaration, of desire to retain while in New Zealand the rights of a British subject. Twenty-one women made such a declaration. Under these provisions these married women can acquire the rights in New Zealand only, but not the status of a British subject. The Act also allows the wife of an alien becoming naturalized after the year 1934 to choose whether she desires British nationality. Previously the wife automatically acquired British nationality if the husband was naturalized. One hundred and thirty-two (132) wives of naturalized aliens exercised their option of making declarations of desire to acquire British nationality. XXIII. RACING. The Department had a representative at all totalizator race meetings to ensure that the law regarding the operation of the totalizator was complied with. Totalizator investments continue to increase, and it is evident that numbers of clubs arc faced with the position of providing increased totalizator accommodation and facilities for their patrons. The following statistics relative to the racing year ended 31st July, 1938, are of interest (figures for the racing year 1937 in parentheses): Number of racing days, 320 (320); number of races, 2,506 (2,497) ; amount of stakes, £527,545 (£443,538) ; totalizator investments £7,201,820 (£6,220,520); amount paid in dividends, £5,945,365 (£5,136,248) ; Government taxes, £608,340 (£525,314). For the eight months ended 31st March, 1939, of the current racing year totalizator investments have increased by £1,362,322.

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XXIV. WAR FUNDS. The number of registered funds under the War Funds Act, 1915, has, since last report, been reduced by two —the Trentham Scholarship Fund, by exhaustion of its funds, and the Yaldhurst Patriotic League by transfer to the Canterbury Patriotic League. The latest annual statements available show that the total funds in the possession of the fifty-four organizations amounted to £690,309 18s. Id., as compared with £671,590 9s. 2d. shown in the previous annual report. The increase is due to the realization of the Flock House properties by the New Zealand Sheepowners' Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund. The funds are held as follows : — £ s. d. 26 incorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 414 ,406 18 8 7 Red Cross organizations .. .. .. .. .. 88,478 15 0 3 blind soldiers or veterans'homes funds .. .. .. 66,909 1 9 11 unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 7,772 19 1 6 returned soldiers' clubs .. .. .. .. .. 24,555 15 7 1 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 88,186 8 0 54 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..£690,309 18 1 Of this total, advances to soldiers represent approximately 15 per cent., land and buildings 20 per cent., and the remaining 65 per cent, consists of liquid assets. XXV. ADVERTISING OFFICE. The work of this Office is summarized under the following headings : — Accounts. —Advertising claims recorded, checked, and certified during the term numbered 13,749 as compared with 13,281 in the previous year. Expenditure. —The total expenditure recorded for Government advertising reached the figure of £34,682 13s. 7<i., an increase of £2,164 10s. 4d. over last year's amount. The increase was- due largely to the advertising necessary in connection with the general election. Cuttings. —Press-clippings services for Ministers and Departments dealt with an estimated average of 2,400 weekly. XXVI. EXPLOSIVES AND DANGEROUS GOODS. A. Explosives. Licenses. —Licenses covering the importation of the following quantities of explosives were issued during the year : Gelignite, 72,500 lb. ; polar gelignite, 787,850 lb. ; blasting-gelatine, nil; polar blasting-gelatine, 6,100 lb.; gelatine dynamite, 27,700 lb. ; polar gelatine dynamite, 32,150 lb. ; samsonite, nil: polar samsonite, 125,650 lb. ; A2 monobel, 265,050 lb. ; quarry monobel, 3,450 lb. ; polar quarry monobel, 1,8501b.; ligdyn, 5,0001b.; blasting-powder, 114,0001b.; blasting-pellets, 28,750 Ib.; sporting powder, 114,000 lb. ; sporting powder, 5,7501b.; detonators, 2,957,000; E.D. fuses, 870,000 ; safety fuse, 6,264,000 ft. ; fireworks, 126,235 lb. Other licenses were (corresponding figures for previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 207 (213); sale, 63-3 (637) ; storage, 421 (385). Examination of Explosives. —Routine examination of shipments of explosives imported into New Zealand has been carried out according to the usual practice. It is satisfactory to note that the physical condition of the explosives in these shipments has been consistently good. Low-freezing Ex/plosives.—Reports received during the year show that the experience with the " polar " or low-freezing explosives justifies the action taken two years ago in standardizing on this class of explosives for all purposes. Prior to their introduction it was necessary to heat many of the magazines, particularly those supplying the coal-mines, so that the magazines were kept above the freezing-point of nitro-glycerine. During the year under review arrangements were made for tests to be carried out on polar A2 monobel manufactured in Australia. The explosive passed the British test satisfactorily, and all " permitted " explosives in coal-mines are now of the polar type and are in future to be supplied from the Australian factory. Accidents. —For the second year in succession the accident record in connection with the manufacture, storage, and use of explosives has been exceptionally light. One fatal accident occurred in a factory in which explosive components of a "Sprengel " type explosive were prepared. The comparative freedom from accidents in the use of explosives has no doubt been contributed to largely by the elimination of the use of ordinary nitro-glycerine explosives, due to the complete adoption of the " polar " type. Chlorate Explosives. —In consequence of a serious tamping accident which occurred in Wellington in the use of Eruptite, a chlorate type of explosive, causing the death of two workmen, a conference of Quarry Inspectors and Public Works officials controlling the use of explosives was held to consider the circumstances of the accident and the general experience with this type of explosive. The decision reached at the conference was that the accident record of the chlorate explosive was not such as po justify restrictions on its use.

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Fireworks.-—A number of accidents have occured during the year in the manufacture of firework compositions —mostly containing chlorates —by school-children. These usually occur about the Guy Fawkes and New Year periods, and a circular has been sent to all school-teachers setting out the hazards of amateur attempts at the manufacture of fireworks. Arrangements have been made that lessons will be given in the schools immediately prior to the fireworks seasons, based on the information contained in this circular. Sodium and Potassium Chlorates. —The extensive use of sodium chlorate as a weed-killer has been for some years past productive of a number of accidents every year. During the year under review no fatal accident occurred and the number of minor accidents was less than in previous years. It is to be hoped that the publicity given to the hazards of this material both in these reports and the farming journals is having good effect. One fatal accident occurred with potassium chlorate. The deceased was an employee in a factory where the components of Eruptite, a " Sprengel " type explosive, were being prepared. The circumstances of the accident were fully investigated, and after discussions with the Chief Inspector of Factories certain recommendations were adopted by the management with a view to obviating similar accidents in future. B. Dangekous Goods. Local-authority Administration. —During the year the Glen Eden Town Board was appointed a licensing authority under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, whilst owing to its incorporation in the Raglan County Council the Raglan Town Board ceased to function. The number of licensing authorities still stands, therefore, at 163. Visits of inspection were paid during the year to practically every licensing authority, and inspections under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, were combined with those arising out of the administration of the regulations under the Industrial Efficiency Act for the licensing of resellers of motor-spirits. Industrial Efficiency Act. —As mentioned in the previous annual report, arrangements were made for this Branch to take control of the licensing of resellers of motor-spirit under the Industrial Efficiency Act. The issue of licenses in most towns is done by the local authority in conjunction with the issue of licenses under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, but the procedure is controlled from this office. It was recognized by the Bureau of Industry that the issue of licenses to the petrol industry by two Government Departments would greatly increase the difficulties of administration of both, and the experience during the year has fully justified the arrangements made. The additional work involved has, however, placed a considerable strain on the staff of the Branch and has necessitated the holding-up of a large amount of the ordinary routine work. At the beginning of the year a circular was sent to all local authorities affected giving instructions concerning the issue of licenses under the Industrial Efficiency Act, and the work of the Inspectors during the year has of necessity been largely confined to local-authority districts. With the exception of the principal cities, detailed reports have been prepared with respect to all reselling outlets, and these have been of considerable value to the Bureau of Industry in making decisions as to the issue of new licenses or the amendment of those existing. Owing to the limited time available after the issue of the regulations it was not possible to extend the licensing of resellers to sales made otherwise than through petrol-pumps, but it is intended to do this during the coming year. Accidents. —As far as can be ascertained, accidents in the handling of inflammable liquids resulted in only one fatality this year. Several cases of injuries serious enough to necessitate the removal of the patient to hospital were reported. The outstanding feature of all these accidents is, however, that they emphasize a fact which is not very generally realized by the public —namely, that the domestic and industrial use of inflammable liquids is the cause of by far the greatest proportion of accidents, and that the hazards and seriousness of the consequence have no relation to the quantity of liquid involved. XXVII. TURNBULL LIBRARY. Holdings and Acquisitions. The year has seen notable additions to the resources of the library in the sections of both Pacific history and English literature. The state of the holdings is at present as follows : — Number of volumes accessioned, 55,500. Number of volumes catalogued during the year, 3,500 (comprising, apart from newly acquired books, items from the Kinsey collection, mainly in the realm of arts). Number recatalogued, 1,500 (these include Australian and New Zealand war books, and English literature, which sections needed treating somewhat differently and in greater detail). An addition of interest to the shipping section as well as Pacific history was a complete set of " The Mariner's Mirror," the organ of the Royal Society for Nautical Research. This contains many studies of importance to the student of early voyages, especially those of Captain Cook. Among the multifarious activities of John White, author of " The Ancient History of the Maori," was the compilation of a dictionary. This was never completed or published, but it has a certain interest from a philological viewpoint. This compilation on the Maori language was secured for the library, which has probably by far the largest group of John White manuscript in the country.

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An especially curious volume acquired in London was " A Tutor to Astronomy and Geography,'' by Joseph Moxon, Royal Hydrographer to Charles 11, published in 1674 -that is, a century before Captain Cook and thirty years after Tasman's voyage. This, " The Third Edition Corrected and Enlarged," is dedicated to Pepys. His address to the reader is of particular value and interest, for in it he points out the particular improvements and new geographical discoveries that he had added to his new globes, for which the present work was intended as the handbook. He mentions that he had added new islands discovered in the East Tndies and the South Seas. " California is found to be an Island, though formerly supposed to be part of the main continent, whose North-West shoar was imagined to thrust it self forth close to the Coasts of Cathaio, and so make- the supposed Straights of Anian . . . The Dutch . . . having a convenient Port at Batavia in Java have from thence sent forth ships Southwards, where they have found several very large countries ; one whereof they have called Hollandia Nova, another Zelandia Nova, another Anthoni Van Diemans Land." This volume therefore is among the earliest in English to mention New Zealand, though we know that the Royal Society in the same year published an account of Tasman's voyage, which also is in the library. From the estate of the late Bishop Williams, of Waiapu, the library acquired a great number of Maori works, including much in manuscript. A certain number of early New Zealand pamphlets were worthwhile additions, from the same source, as were many Polynesian works. The Katherine Mansfield collection continues to grow, and a number of volumes was added during the year, mainly books dealing with her work, magazines in which her work first appeared, and foreign translations of her books. The Milton collection, too, was able to add nearly a score of volumes both ancient and recent, so that its appeal to both the student and the intelligent visitor is well sustained. One of the chief interests of the late Mr. Turnbull was the study of printing, and this subject has been continued. This year's additions are especially noteworthy, and include, two volumes by Douglas McMurtrie, the American authority on printing history, a very handsome volume entitled " The Printed Book " issued by the American Limited Editions Club, and the new edition of " Printing Types " in two volumes, by Updike, the learned director of the Merrymount Press of Boston. The London " Studio " has issued an excellent volume entitled " The Art of the Book," which brings up to date what appeared in the earlier publication of 1914. The Birmingham School of Arts and Crafts interests itself in the illustrious English printer, Baskerville, and in the last few years has brought out a number of very pleasing volumes devoted to aspects of his life and work. Baskerville, printing in the middle of the eighteenth century, did much to raise the standard of English printing, though his work is so perfect that even to-day it bears comparison with the best. Nearer to home is the enterprise of the Australian Limited Editions Society, which produced two very commendable works last year —Captain Tench's " Narrative of an Expedition to Botany Bay " and Chris. Brennen's poems. The former, and by far the better-produced book, was designed by a New-Zealander, Mr. Percy Green, and the volume is most admirable. In the realm of English literature the library has made several noteworthy additions. Horace Walpole's " Castle of Otranto," 1793, with hand-coloured engravings, famous for these as well as for its place among early novels, was a pleasing acquisition. In the same category is a second edition of Fanny Burney's " Evelina," 1779, and a first edition of Ann Radcliffe's " Mysteries of Udolpho," 1794. William Dugdale, English scholar of the seventeenth, century, is famous for his " Monasticon Anglicanum," and a set of this handsomely printed and sumptuous engraved work was secured. It was issued in 1817, and is the best edition that has ever been produced. This work is of the greatest authority for anything pertaining to monastic life in England before and after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. A complete set of the " Review of English Studies " is an. indispensable aid to the student of many aspects of English literature, and this is now on the shelves in a series of fourteen volumes, dating from 1925. Among other literary periodicals the " Journal of the Kipling Society" will be of interest to many, a full set of which was obtained a few months ago. The name of Alexander Grosart is associated with the reprinting of many rare and out-of-the-way gems of English poetry and prose, and an endeavour has been made this past year or two in completing the splendid sets in the collection. Several important volumes have been added as a result. Use of this Library. The number of readers using the library has increased slightly from 3,000 to over 3,500. The subjects studied (as distinct from odd reference) have included the following subjects : Gold-mining in the North Island, the history of navigation, the history of the Navy in New Zealand, Native land laws, labour laws, the " Tory," early Wanganui, pioneer recreations, early Pacific voyaging, railway development, the inquisition in the later Middle Ages. Members of the staff of the National Historical Committee have been working continuously throughout the year in the library, particularly on the historical atlas. Innumerable others have sought information on family histories and district history in connection with the Centennial. Great numbers of photographs' are being taken in the course of these same projects. The number of photographs, apart from this, has again been large, and the demand for photostat work continues to increase, probably due as much to a wider knowledge of the service as to a mere increase in the demand. Typed copies of material has accounted for about one hundred and fifty pages, sought by correspondents outside the city.

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To meet somewhat changed conditions, the library rules were revised and to some extent altered. They were published in the form of a leaflet and are available freely at the library or upon application. There has long been a continually expressed call for a guide or handbook to the library, its particular interests, and collections. It is hoped in the coming year to produce a formal handbook, but during 1938 a small leaflet, duplicated in the library, has been distributed, and has served very satisfactorily to answer the more obvious questions. Over one thousand copies of this have been asked for, and the indications are that something a little more pretentious would be welcomed not only by visitors, but by students, scholars, and learned institutions in many parts of the world. Exhibitions. The attractiveness of the library exhibitions continues, and visitors appreciate the recurring parade of new books, pictures, and documents placed on view. The following subjects have been treated in exhibitions during the year: Shakespeare, early Bibles and Biblical literature, Australia through four centuries, fairy tales, ancient handwriting, review of treasures (over the Christmas season), C. D. Barraud's sketches, Antarctic pictures and manuscripts, famous women. A number of schools have brought classes, to whom members of the staff have given lecturettes. Societies with interests in the library have met here and had lectures with demonstrations of books, &c., and several radio talks have been broadcast. The press has been exceedingly helpful, for articles are supplied, of some kind or another, about once a fortnight, and are accorded excellent space These articles cover not only new exhibitions, but also new acquisitions, donations, and newsy items of general interest. Copying of Manuscript, etc. The work this year has been concentrated upon the copying of the manuscript collection received from Lady Maclean, and the only other copying done has been on the journals of Charles Douglas, (presented by Mrs. William Wilson, of Hokitika), who did much exploring and excellent observation on the West Coast in the " nineties." Neither of these groups is yet available for research purposes. A full account of the Maclean papers is given later. Other work done to make printed and typed material more accessible has been the indexing of the following books : " Old Marlborough," by T. Lindsay Buick ; " Old Manawatu," by T. Lindsay Buick ; " History of Christchurch," by Henry Wigram ; letters of Bishop Selwyn (typescript) ; letters of Bishop Williams and family (typescript) ; " Life of Henry Williams," by H. Carlton ; " The New Zealand Journal " (now in progress). In addition, a commencement has been made in the listing of the fairly considerable collection of maps, an invaluable aid to the historical worker. The index of portraits is proceeding steadily, and about three thousand entries have been added within the past six months. Donations. This year it is possible to record some extremely valuable additions, notes of the more important of which follow. Mr. H. G. Groves, of Mairangai, Masterton, presented a group of letters and documents relating to early Wairarapa and the Enderby Settlement in the Auckland Islands, where his people first settled. Both these areas are not well chronicled, so this material was especially welcome. One of the most famous as well as tragic explorations in the Southern Alps was that of George Whitcombe, after whom the Whitcombe Pass was named. A contemporary manuscript record of this journey made in company with Jacob Louper was presented by Mr. H. G. Whitcombe, of Tawa Flat. Referring to the same region is a manuscript extract from the journals kept by Brunner during his three expeditions of exploration to the West Coast. These are interesting as supporting the published accounts, which are fuller. The greater part of the manuscript, which is in Brunner's handwriting, deals with the second journey made in company with Heaphy in 1846. This was presented by Dr. F. A. Bett, of Nelson. Fine groups of books came from Mr. H. Meek, of Khandallah, and Father P. P. Cahill, of Palmerston North, the first dealing with architecture, and the second with the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand and Oceania. Brother George, of the Catholic Mission Press at Gualalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, maintains his generous interest in the linguistic collection, and many items came as a result. The late Sir Harold Beauchamp presented a small collection of unpublished letters from his daughter, Katherine Mansfield. These are typed copies, but as it is understood that the originals are lost they have considerable importance. Another important group is that donated by Mr. Pilcher, of Invercargill. This included some excellent manuscript notes kept by Edward Hopper, who was a member of the committee set up in Wellington in 1840 by the first settlers. These notes throw interesting sidelights on the New Zealand Company's activities before leaving England, and include an important letter from Edward Gibbon

4—H. 22.

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Wakefield. His nepliew, Edward Catc-hpole, became Collector of Customs, and there is a fair quantity of his records in manuscript of great interest to the student of prices and imports in the early years. One notebook contains minutes of the formation of a very early newspaper —the New Zealand Colonist. A long run of a now-defunct newspaper was handed over by the Havelock Town Board in which town the Pelorus Guardian was published for over thirty years. It records the failing years of a oncethriving gold-mining and timber-milling centre. From Mr. P. Marks, of Sydney, a constant friend of the library, came, among many other items, two convict pardons, interesting in themselves, but additionally so for the signature of Sir John Franklin which each bears. A particularly important work in the realm of Polynesian studies came from Major Penlingtom of Hastings, who presented two volumes of Samoan proverbial sayings compiled by the profound German scholar, Dr. Erich Schultz. A bequest from the same town was the papers of the late R. H. Fitzherbert, who had interesting records of naval history and English literature ; of especial note were letters from Joseph Conrad and E. V. Lucas. Finally, the library takes especial pride in the gift of the magnificent catalogue of the " Wrenn Library," of Austin, Texas, United States of America. It is a classic among book catalogues, and was edited by the famous collector, the late Dr. T. J. Wise, of the Ashley Library. It is with the greatest appreciation that acknowledgment is accorded to the Library of the University of Texas, through whose courtesy this fine work has come here. It will prove as useful among the rare books as it is esteemed. McLean Manuscript. The library in particular, and future research workers as a whole, are greatly indebted to Lady McLean, of Napier, for making available for copying the entire collection of papers of her father-in-law, Sir Donald McLean. Native Minister from 1869 to 1876, McLean was closely associated with Native administration from the early " forties " until his death in 1877. Besides holding administrative posts at New Plymouth, he undertook the purchase of large tracts of land in Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Rangitikei, and was for a time Superintendent of the Hawke's Bay Province. When it is remembered that he was most careful in preserving every draft and communication, the wealth of material forming a background to the first thirty years of New Zealand's history as a British colony can be imagined. The material falls roughly into four classes —McLean's diaries, letters received by him, his own draft communications, and various official communications including telegrams. The diaries cover intermittently the years 1844-55, but, as is inevitable with a busy man, are not continuous. It was, presumably, the same pressure of public duties which prevented their continuance beyond that date, except in the form of brief entries or memoranda. However, the records kept include the period of his life at New Plymouth, and describe in detail the many journeys made as Land-purchase Commissioner over the North Island. The letters received form a particularly valuable section of the collection. Several hundred from J. D. Ormond, prominent in the history of Hawke's Bay, covering the many years of his family's association, afford a remarkable insight into the political undercurrents of the day. Over critical periods one has almost a day-to-day commentary on events by the participants themselves. In the same category are smaller batches of letters from Fox, Pollen, Bell, Gisborne, Sewell, Richmond, and others. The unofficial letters of the various officers dealing with the Maoris constitute an illuminating background to the selected official reports published in the Appendices to the Journals of the House of Representatives. Here we have the periodic reports of Land-purchase Commissioners and Magistrates from the troubled years of the first Taranaki War to the final pacification after 1871. Kemp, Rogan, Searancke, Harris, Deighton, and Biggs (killed in the Poverty Bay massacre) are but a few of the men who discussed intimately with Te Makarini their difficulties and successes. The available material on the Maori wars is already rich, but it seems probable that the letters of Whitmore, St. George, Preece, and others will throw light on contentious points. McLean's relations with his Governors were informatively frank, and the known opinions of Bowen, Ferguson, and Gore Browne are here privately supported and elaborated. New Plymouth history is elaborated by Charles Brown, Henry and William Halse, Dr. and Mrs. Wilson, Captain King, and others. Fitzgerald, Cooper, Purvis Russell, and Featherston reflect the feelings of the growing province of Hawke's Bay, while such general figures as Domett, Colenso, and F. E. Maning are well represented. McLean's draft communications range from the transcription of official letter-books to tentative jottings of headings to be later amplified. Naturally there is much variation in the completeness with which his opinions are recorded over a course of years, but it is possible to obtain a fairly continuous picture of interests and activities. The official drafts and communications lack the general interest of the other sections, but, supported by archive research, they will be found by the student invaluable both as a guide to the development of certain Native and defence legislation of the period and as an aid in assessing historical responsibility. The telegrams (of which there are about two thousand) are a class to themselves, and are practically a daily record of problems and decisions by Ministers and officials over the North Island for the period of McLean's office as Native Minister. It is certain that when the donor's conditions under which the material at present being sorted and copied by the library staff will permit of its being made generally available, no historian of the period can safely disregard the McLean papers.

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Other donations of an appreciated nature have been received from the following friends who have interested themselves in the development of the library : A. W. Seaven, Christchurch ; F. W. Sims, Wellington; D. R. Menzies, Wellington; Miss Hamley, England; A. H. Carman, Wellington; Perennial Publications, Washington, D. C.; F. W. Millar, Wellington ; Mrs. Worsley, London ; J. C. Rolleston, Takapau ; G. M. Fowldes, Auckland; Ft. J. Staveley, Otaki ; J. H. Tanner, Wellington ; N.Z. Council of Educational Research, Wellington ; Paul Pascoe, Christchurch ; Mrs. E. Codd, Wellington ; P. Whall, Haywards Heath, England ; D. Gardener, Tokomaru ; Dr. Redman, Blenheim ; Miss C. M. Henderson, Hastings ; W. Toomath, Petone ; Mr. Swan, Wellington ; Mrs. A. Mclntyre, Wellington ; Miss Inglis, Eastbourne ; Miss Didsbury, Wellington; H. L. Nathan, Wellington ; J. R. Peters, Karori; Mrs. E. J. Moore, Wellington ; A. J. A. Holmes, Otaki; A. L. Lee, Whitianga ; Australian Trade Commissioner, Wellington ; T. W. Brown, Wellington; Australian Council for Educational Research, Melbourne ; E. J. Riches, Geneva ; F. J. Evans, Wellington ; J. C. Andersen, Point Howard ; H. G. Beasley, Chislehurst, England; F. W. Williams, Napier; Mrs. R. A. Montgomerie, Wanganui; Rev. Dotti G. Capra, Sydney ; H. Lucas, Cheshire ; F. B. Stephens, Wellington ; Y. Macdonald, Wellington ; Dr. Bett, Nelson; W. Maclean, Wellington ; Mrs. A. Wylie, Auckland ; Miss Clare Benedict, Basle, Switzerland ; the University of Hawaii; the Town Clerk, Christchurch; F. L. Pleadwell, Honolulu ; C. J. Scott, North Sydney ; Mr. Dunn, Glasgow ; Mr. Bursett, Wanganui; Dr. P. V. Graves, Waverley; Miss D. Hagemeyer, Carmel by the Sea, California; Mr. Crompton Smith, Khandallah ; Miss Brookfield, St. Heliers, Auckland; the Chairman, Aeradio Committee, Wellington ; S. Leslie, 36 Sth. Lodge, London ; P. G. Small, Covent Garden, London. A particularly interesting visit was received from Sir James and Lady Leigh Wood, of Great Cumberland Place, London. Lady Wood is the sister of the late Alexander Turnbull, and both she and Sir James interested themselves considerably in the library at the time, and have shown in material form their continued efforts to help, mainly in supplying biographical matter relating to the founder of the library.

Approximate Coat oj Paper.—Preparation, not given: printing ((J45 copies), £32.

Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—1939.

Price 9cL.~\

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