DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1948

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1948 Session I, H-22

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1948 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1948

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 16th September, 1948. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1948. I have, &c., A. G. Harper, Acting-Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs. REPORT I. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS The necessary action was taken in regard to the following matters : (a) Summoning and proroguing of Parliament. (b) Appointments to and a resignation from the Legislative Council. (c) Appointments and resignations of Ministers. (d) Appointments of members of Executive Council. (e) Appointments and resignation of Parliamentary Under-Secretaries. (/) Resignation of the Clerk of the Executive Council. (g) Issue of writs and other steps for by-elections in Avon, Mount Albert, and Westland Electoral Districts.

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11. LOCAL GOVERNMENT A. Local Government Reform Reference was made in the last annual report to the contemplated setting-up of the Local Government Commission. The appointment of the Commission is now an accomplished fact. The Commission was constituted by the Governor-General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Internal Affairs, on 16th April, 1947. The Commission consists of I. J. Goldstine, Esq., 0.8. E., who was appointed as Chairman, W. C. E. George, Esq., appointed on the nomination of the Government, and J. W. Andrews, Esq., and G. A. Monk, Esq., both appointed on the recommendation of the nominating associations under the Local Government Commission Act, 1946. The Commission commenced its duties under the Act immediately upon appointment and has made considerable progress during the year. A separate report of the proceedings and operations of the Commission will be presented to Parliament in terms of section 27 of the Act. B. General Organization The Local Government Branch was again actively engaged in carrying out the various statutory functions required by the local-government Acts administered by the Department. The close contact of the Branch with local authorities, other Departments, and organizations was maintained, and advice and assistance given when requested with regard to problems confronting local authorities and others interested in this field. Some idea of the more general matters dealt with may be gained from the following: — (1) Boroughs The Municipal Conference was held this year in Dunedin and was officially opened by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, who spoke about the early settlement and development of the Otago Province and matters of interest to municipalities. The annual Conference of the New Zealand Institute of Town Clerks was also held at the same time. The Department was officially represented throughout the proceedings of both Conferences. The boundaries of the City of Christchurch were altered on two occasions by the inclusion of defined areas of adjacent counties. The boundaries of the Boroughs of Timaru, Waimate, Oamaru, and Balclutha were altered by the inclusion of areas previously under County Council control. Two of these alterations were the subject of inquiry and report by Commissions of Inquiry. Following the issue by the Local Government Commission of a final scheme under the provisions of the Local Government Commission Act, 1946, the boundaries of the Borough of Rotorua were altered by the inclusion of two areas of land previously under the control of the Rotorua County Council. Consideration was given to the change of status of three town districts and two road districts which had qualified for borough status by reason of attaining the necessary one thousand of population. The Town Districts of Kaikohe and Putaruru were duly constituted as boroughs. The proposal regarding Mount Roskill Road District was referred to the Local Government Commission, which, after public inquiry, recommended its constitution as a borough. An appropriate instrument was issued accordingly. The proposed change of status of the Glen Eden Town District and the Mount Wellington Road District was not recommended by the Commission, and no further action was taken regarding these two cases.

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Loans were authorized under section 7 of the Local Bodies' Finance Act, 1921-22, for the Boroughs of Masterton, Timaru, and Whangarei for purposes of flood-damage restoration. The Councils of the Boroughs of Masterton and Patea were also authorized to raise loans under that section to meet other extraordinary expenditure. The Shannon, Pukekohe, and Papatoetoe Borough Councils were authorized to purchase certain areas of land on the instalment system. The Hastings, Ashburton, and Mount Roskill Borough Councils obtained approval to publish booklets containing information regarding their respective districts. The Gore Borough Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity used. Notification of the abolition of the ward system in the Borough of Riverton was gazetted in accordance with law. Owing to a destructive fire in the Greymouth Town Hall, the Greymouth Borough Council was granted an extension of time for the preparation of a district electors' list, and action was taken to validate the district electors' roll for the district. Members were appointed to Assessment Courts under the Urban Farm Land Rating Act, 1932, for the City of Wanganui and the Boroughs of South Invercargill and Alexandra. A Judge was appointed to the Assessment Court for the Borough of Northcote. A Judge was appointed to the Assessment Courts for the City of Dunedin and the Borough of Green Island under the provisions of the Rating Act, 1925. A by-law of the Gore Borough Council was confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. A Board of Appeal to consider an appeal against the refusal of the Petone Borough Council to approve a subdivisional plan for an area in the Borough of Petone was set up in terms of section 332 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933. An Order in Council was issued under section 329 of that Act prescribing tables of repayment of principal and interest at specified rates of interest for varying terms in respect of advances for the erection of workers' dwellings. (2) Counties The annual Conference of the New Zealand Counties Association was held in Christchurch on 16th and 17th July, 1947. This is the first time the Conference has been held outside Wellington, and resulted in a highly successful Conference. Remits before the Conference covered a wide range of matters of interest to County Councils. The Department was represented throughout the Conference. Arising out of this Conference, arrangements were made for the remits of the Conference to be submitted to the Government through the Department, which will in future act as the channel of communication for dealing with county remits. The annual Conference of the New Zealand Institute of County Clerks was also held at this time, and this Conference was also attended by an officer of the Department. The boundaries of the Counties of Waipukurau and Patangata were altered by the exchange of land, and the boundaries of a number of other counties were redefined consequent on the exclusion therefrom of areas placed under Borough and City Council control. The Hutt, Kairanga, Raglan, and Rodney County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and in some instances altering riding representation. The special orders were duly gazetted. The Springs, Rangitikei, and Ellesmere County Councils were authorized to levy rates on a uniform scale over internal drainage districts. The Ashburton County Council obtained approval to the publication of a booklet containing information regarding its district. The Wairarapa Counties' Joint Health By-laws Amendment By-law 1947 was confirmed. The Masterton County Council was authorized to raise a loan under section 7 of the Local Bodies' Finance Act, 1921-22, for the purpose of flood-damage restoration. The usual close contact was maintained with the Matakaoa County Commissioner, and discussions were held with him regarding problems arising in the county. Apart from the usual maintenance work, it was possible to carry out the remetalling of a large

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portion of the roads in the county. During the year the Commissioner made a comprehensive survey of the roading requirements of the county and has drawn up a programme of roading improvements with the idea of the work being undertaken over a period of years. A start has already been made with this work, and it is hoped that ultimately the whole programme will be completed. The financial position of the county continues to give cause for concern, and it is evident the position will have to be watched carefully for some considerable time yet. The collection of rates in the county has been maintained at a high level. In accordance with past practice, the overdraft limit of the County Council for the year was fixed by the Minister of Internal Affairs. Further attention was paid to the operations of the Chatham Islands County Council with a view to assisting the Council to finance its share of the cost of the roading scheme undertaken by the Works Department. As a result of consultations with the Council, an Order in Council was issued making further regulations under the Chatham Islands County Council Empowering Act, 1936, removing the time limit during which the dues on goods passing over the wharf at Waitangi could be doubled. It was also considered advisable, on the advice of the Council, to double the dues on goods imported to or exported from any other part of the county with the exception of that portion of the county comprising the islands other than Chatham Island. The amending regulations made provision accordingly. (3) Town Districts A proposal to constitute the settlement of Pokeno a town district was submitted to the Local Government Commission for investigation. The Commission's finding was unfavourable, however, and the proposal was not proceeded with. (4) Road Districts The long-standing problem of local government on Waiheke Island has now been satisfactorily settled. The proposal that finally emerged from the discussions and negotiations extending over a lengthy period was that the Ostend Road District should be extended by including therein all the island lying to the west of that district. This proposal received general support except from one property-owner, who objected to his land being included in the district. This was an area of some 1,600 acres situated at the extreme western end of the island. This objection threatened to upset all the arrangements hitherto made, and in an endeavour to have the matter settled amicably an officer of the Department proceeded to the island to mediate between the parties. Whilst the initial discussions between the parties proved inconclusive, later discussions with the objecting owner resulted in the withdrawal of the objection. Subsequently an Order in Council was issued on 18th June, 1947, extending the boundaries of the Ostend Road District to include the area previously referred to and altering the name of the district to the Western Waiheke Road District. The new Board for the district, comprising nine members, was elected at the triennial elections held on 19th November, 1947. It is anticipated that the local-government needs of the island will be adequately provided for by the arrangements now concluded for some years to come. The Mount Wellington Road Board was authorized by Proclamation under the Road Boards Amendment Act, 1914, to exercise certain powers of a Borough Council set out in that Act. (5) Drainage Districts The boundaries of the Christchurch Drainage District were altered on four occasions, in most cases consequent on the inclusion of lands in the City of Christchurch. Trustees of the Pyramid Block Drainage District were appointed. An extension of time was

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granted for the holding of the triennial election of members of the Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Board so as to fit in with the November elections. The Eltham Drainage Board was authorized to vary the mode of publication of its balance-sheets for the years ended 31st March, 1946, and 31st March, 1947. Following final schemes issued by the Local Government Commission, the Ellesmere Lands Drainage Board was dissolved and the powers and functions thereof transferred to the North Canterbury Catchment Board, and the Pyramid Block Drainage District was abolished. The Hauraki Plains West Drainage Board passed a special order subdividing its district and fixing representation. Arrangements were made for the gazetting thereof. (6) River Districts The Benmore-Limehills, Winton, and Upper Winton River Districts were abolished on the recommendation of the Local Government Commission consequent on petitions presented under the provisions of section 141 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941.. The river-control work in those areas will now be undertaken by the Catchment Board having jurisdiction over the area. {!) Fire Districts On 18th November, 1947, a disastrous fire, involving the loss of forty-one lives and •substantial property, occurred at the premises of Messrs. J. Bailantyne and Co., Ltd., Christchurch. The Government decided to set up a Royal Commission to inquire into the cause of the fire and to make recommendations with respect to fire-prevention measures. The Commission was duly appointed, and consists of the Honourable Sir Harold Featherston Johnston, K.C. (Chairman), Mr. A. J. Dickson, City Engineer, Auckland, Mr. C. A. Woolley, Fire Brigade Superintendent, Wellington, and Mr. A. W. Croskerv, Secretary, of Wellington. An officer of the Department was appointed as Secretary of the Commission. The Commission held a preliminary meeting in Christchurch on 17th December, 1947, and commenced taking evidence on 27th January, 1948. Evidence was still being heard at 31st March. During the year, the triennial election and appointment of members of Fire Boards was carried out, and, in addition, steps were taken to make new appointments in respect •of fifty-two extraordinary vacancies which occurred through resignations and various other reasons. Of these new appointments, three were in respect of Government members, twenty were insurance-company representatives, and twenty-nine were elected by contributory local authorities. Effect was given to a final scheme issued by the Local Government Commission providing for the constitution of a new united fire district to cover the North Shore .areas, including the Boroughs of Devonport, Takapuna, and Northcote, and the previous Fire District of Birkenhead. Subsequently the first members of the new Fire Board were appointed, and notification thereof published in the Gazette. An extension of borrowing-powers was granted to the Timaru and Masterton Fire Boards, both in respect of new building proposals. Loan authorities were issued to several Boards, and consents were a lso given to a number of agreements for fire protection •outside fire districts. The usual list of fire-insurance companies carrying on fire-insurance business in New Zealand was published. The estimates of expenditure of all Boards were reviewed and approved in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Brigades Act, 1926. As in previous years, the annual report of the Inspector of Fire Brigades (H.-12 will be published as a separate report.

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G; Legislation (1) Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1947 The purpose of this Act was to give effect to the wishes of the Government regarding certain policy matters relating to local-body elections. Although the provisions of the Act are not extensive, nevertheless its provisions are of considerable importance and provide for the following matters : (а) Every worker to be granted time off for the purpose of recording his vote not later than 3 o'clock in the afternoon of polling-day and for the remainder of the day. Special provision is made with respect to employees in essential undertakings. (б) Any primary school may be appointed a polling-place under section 12 of theLocal Elections and Polls Act, 1925, and any school so appointed shall be placed at the disposal of the Returning Officer from 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the day preceding election-day. (c) The verification of the declarations and the counting of declaration votes is deemed to form part of the scrutiny of the rolls and. the official count, thus automatically ensuring that scrutineers may be present when declaration votes are being counted. (d) Any blind or illiterate voter may elect, in lieu of the usual practice of being accompanied to a voting-booth by the Returning Officer or his deputy, to take another qualified person into the voting compartment for the purpose of assisting in the marking of the voting-paper. (e) Qualified persons residing in the area occupied by the Auckland Hospital are given the right to vote at the elections of the Auckland City Council. (2) Statutes Amendment Act, Finance Act, and Finance Act (No. 2), 1947 Several sections included in these Acts, covering a wide range of local-government activities, were promoted by the Department. County Councils were authorized topay the travelling-expenses of representatives attending ward conferences of the New Zealand Counties Association, and the limit of £4O per annum for travelling-expenses payable under section 132 of the Counties Act, 1920, was removed. Section 198 of the Counties Act was amended to permit County Councils to contribute towards the cost and maintenance of women's rest-rooms, Plunket rooms, and similar amenities established in adjoining districts. Power was conferred by two separate provisions on County Councils and Town Boards to make by-laws regulating and controlling the design and construction of buildings in relation to their resistance to earthquake shock. This provision will enable County Councils and Town Boards to utilize the Standard Code of Building By-laws in framing their building by-laws. A number of important amendments were made to the Land Drainage Act, 1908, and the River Boards Act, 1908, covering the following matters: — (a) Authorizing River and Drainage Boards to make and levy special-works rates of a limited amount over the whole of their districts or over defined portions thereof to meet the cost of particular works which cannot be met out of general rates and are too small to justify the raising of special loans. (b) Providing that no special-works rates shall be made over the whole district or a defined portion thereof except on a petition of the majority of the ratepayers concerned. (c) Empowering River and Drainage Boards to provide dwellings for their employees, and to raise a loan without taking a poll of ratepayers for the purpose of acquiring land and erecting or purchasing such dwellings.

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The effect of another provision was to grant to each of the Canterbury and Massey Agricultural Colleges exemption from rating liability in respect of 50 acres of land occupied by each college and to make all other land possessed by the colleges liable for rates. The effect of a further section dealing with rating is to postpone in certain circumstances the coming into force of a change in the rating system determined by resolution of the local authority or by a poll of ratepayers. The Town Boards Amendment Act, 1910, was amended to provide for the reduction from four to two of the number of advertisements which a Town Board is required to publish in advertising a special order. Provision was made authorizing City and Borough Councils, Town Boards, and -certain Road Boards to make contributions towards a fitting tribute to the courage and fortitude shown by Londoners during the war. Local authorities were authorized by a further provision to permit any serviceman disabled by war service to travel free of charge on any passenger transport service. This section also permits other local authorities to contribute towards the cost of such travel of disabled servicemen resident in its district. One section of particular importance to local authorities made provision for expenditure by local authorities in or towards the establishment and maintenance of memorials of the Second World War. Further provisions authorized local authorities and public bodies to expend moneys for the purpose of contributing towards the relief of distress caused by the disastrous floods in Great Britain during the year 1947, and validated expenditure involved in welcoming Field Marshal the Right Honourable the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG., G.C.8., D.S.O. (3) Local Legislation Act, 1946 As finally passed, this Act contained forty-five clauses covering a wide field of localgovernment activity. (4) Local Acts Eleven local Bills were submitted to the Department for examination and report. In accordance with the usual practice, the Department was represented at the meetings of the Local Bills Committee when these Bills were under consideration. Two of the Bills conferred additional powers with respect to water-supply on the Wellington City 'Council and the Paeroa Borough Council. Consequent on the alteration of the date for -the holding of local-body elections, two Bills were passed amending the Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Act, 1944, and the Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Amendment Act, 1916. One of the Bills which aroused particular interest at the time amended the Riccarton Bush Act, 1914, to enable the extension of the Riccarton Bush and enlarge the purposes and control thereof. Powers were conferred on the Riverton Borough Council to divert the accumulated income from harbour property towards the provision of water-supply, drainage, and fire protection. Another measure authorized the Central Waikato Electric-power Board to raise a special loan, without a poll of ratepayers, for the erection of buildings, housing and storage of plant, machinery, and stores. Two other Bills authorized the Reporoa Drainage Board to rate on an acreage basis and set up the Canterbury Museum Trust Board to control the Canterbury Museum. Another Bill authorized local authorities to raise special loans without polls for the purpose of assisting the funds of the Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Board. The constitution of the Ohai Railway Board was altered by a further Bill so as to make provision for the appointment of two members of the Board by the Minister of Mines.

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(5) Subsidiary Legislation In accordance with Government policy, further progress was made in the removal of wartime controls, and the following Emergency Regulations were revoked : The Rating Emergency Regulations 1942 (to take effect from Ist April, 1948). The Emergency Shelter Emergency Regulations 1942. The provisions of subclause (2) of Regulation 20 are continued in full force as if the regulations had not been revoked. The Emergency Reserve Corps Emergency Regulations 1941. D. Local Government Refresher Courses An interesting development during the year was the holding of two refresher courses in local government for ex-servicemen employed in the local-government service. These courses were organized and conducted by this Department at the request of the Rehabilitation Department. Associated with the organization of the courses were Messrs. F. H. Hudson, County Clerk, Horowhenua County Council, and E. P. Norman, Town Clerk, Wellington, representing the New Zealand Institute of Local Body Administrative Officers, Incorporated. The interest taken by these two gentlemen in making the courses a success is very much appreciated. The first course was held in Rotorua from 16th to 27th June, 1947, and was attended by 120 officers of different types of local authorities. The second course was held in Dunedin from sth to 15th August, 1947, and attracted an attendance of 90. It is gratifying to record that the courses were much appreciated by those attending and were of considerable value in bringing them up to date with the latest developments in the local-government field. Appreciation is also expressed to all those who co-operated in the scheme by giving lectures on various aspects of local-government work. Approval has now been given to the printing of these lectures in booklet form and will thus be available to those desirous of furthering their studies in local government. E. Local-body Elections The triennial elections of local authorities were held on 19th November, 1947. This was the first occasion on which these elections were held since the legislation was enacted changing the month for holding the elections from May to November. In accordance with the desire of the Government, arrangements were made with the Broadcasting Service to broadcast information regarding various aspects of the elections for the information of electors. The material for the broadcasts was prepared by this Department. The advice and assistance of the Department was freely availed of in regard to many questions arising in connection with the elections, particularly in relation to the effect of the recent legislative changes in electoral law. F. Thames Borough The question of continuing the system of Commissioner control in the Borough of Thames was a prominent matter during the year. The Thames Borough Commissioner Amendment Act, 1940, provided for the continuation of Commissioner control until the date of the triennial election of Mayor and Councillors in 1947—i.e., until November of that year. It was generally understood when the 1940 Amendment Act was passed that if the affairs of the borough continued on a satisfactory basis the Borough would revert to normal Council control at the expiration of the period provided for by that Act. Strong representations were made to the Government on behalf of the Thames people that the time had arrived when normal control should be established. On the other hand, the Thames Borough Loans Creditors Committee considered that, in the

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interests of the debenture-holders, Commission control should be continued for a further period of five years. The Government gave very careful consideration to both points of view, and decided that the time had arrived when the administration of the borough should be handed back to the elected representatives of the people. The Commissioner -therefore went out of office on 19th November, 1947, and as from that date the Council resumed full control of the affairs of the borough. Certain of the special legislative provisions relating to Thames were continued in force by sections 19 and 20 of the Local Legislation Act, 1947. The Department has been closely associated with the administration of Thames since its financial collapse and the institution of Commissioner control in 1932. Throughout the intervening period the objective has been to bring about financial stability in the borough. It is most gratifying to record that this stage has now been reached. The results achieved reflect very great credit on the two Commissioners, Messrs. C. L. Grange and A. L. Burk, who held office at different periods •during the years of Commissioner control. Both these gentlemen carried out their functions with conspicuous success, and there is no doubt the present financial position •of the borough is largely due to their prudent administration. <G. Miscellaneous The Kauana, Dipton, Ettrick, and Kawhia Rabbit Boards, the Marlborough Nassella Tussock Board, and the Masterton Licensing Trust were authorized to borrow moneys by way of overdraft for the first year of their existence. The necessary arrangements were made for the appointment of members to fill vacancies occurring on the National War Funds Council, the Petone and Lower Hutt •Gas Board, and the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum. 111. LAND-AGENTS AND AUCTIONEERS During the year, 762 (752) land-agents' licences were issued and 9 (3) transfers granted; 527 (512) auctioneers' licences were issued and 2 (2) transfers granted (last year's figures in parentheses). IV. PHYSICAL WELFARE AND RECREATION 'General The policy of encouraging and assisting all forms of recreative activity progressed perceptibly over the past twelve months, despite the fact that health restrictions were in force almost throughout the period in various districts. The reports from Physical Welfare Officers show that all sports, without exception, have received practical assistance from the Branch. The assistance given varied in each district according to local needs, but no reasonable request for aid was refused. As would be expected, those recreational Activities received most assistance which were not yet firmly established in every area. Activities particularly assisted in this way included indoor basketball, indoor bowls, softball, marching, outdoor bowls (women's), archery, learn-to-swim campaigns, folk-dance groups, volleyball, recreational programmes at Church camps and conferences, -drama groups. Leadership Training The thirty-hour recreation leadership course initiated by the Branch is recognized by the Church groups supplying trainees to be of the greatest assistance in the organization ■of the recreational programmes of Churches throughout New Zealand. In the twelve

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months under review, seven courses were conducted in various districts and 112 successful candidates received the departmental Certificate of Leadership proficiency. These totals represent more than a 100-per-cent. increase in trained leaders for Church programmes over the past twelve months. In addition, leadership training courses were conducted for specific groups in accordance with the policy of continually widening the scope of leadership training. Leaders were trained and examined for the following organizations : Boys' Brigade,. Legion of Frontiersmen, Catholic Youth Clubs, Sunshine League, Air Training Corps,. Junior Labour League, and Toe H. Leadership training for specific sporting activity was carried a step further with organized courses for indoor basketball referees and coaches, athletic, table tennis,, soccer, and swimming coaches. Grants There was an increased number of requests for financial assistance under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, 1937. This made it necessary to alter the subsidy basis,, which was previously £1 for £2, to £1 for £3. The vote was also increased from £35,000 to £50,000. The table below shows the amount approved for grants and the number of applications since funds were first made available in January, 1946: — £ Expenditure on grants, year ended 31st March, 1946 .. 3,295 Expenditure on grants, year ended 31st March, 1947 .. 37,250 Expenditure on grants, year ended 31st March, 1948 .. 44,660 Total .. .. .. .. .. £85,205 These totals do not include certain grants made where conditions have been imposed and not yet complied with. Applications for grants considered, year ended 31st March, 1946 14 Applications for grants considered, year ended 31st March, 1947 320 Applications for grants considered, year ended 31st March, 1948 513 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 847 The increase in applications during last year, indicates greatly increased national expenditure on recreational facilities, a conservative estimate for the year being £lBO,OOO. This sum constitutes expenditure on recreational facilities or equipment the provision of which would have been greatly retarded or altogether prevented were grant moneys not available. A checking system is maintained on every grant made to prevent misuse of public moneys and to ascertain the effect of physical welfare grants on the community. After a lapse of approximately three months from the expenditure of an individual grant, district Physical Welfare Officers report on the efficiency of the grant in providing recreation for the community, the criteria for assessing such efficiency being based mainly on figures of increased membership of assisted organizations and the provision of permanent facilities. A study of the 141 reports received to date shows that, with a few exceptions, grants have been instrumental in increasing membership of practically every recreational organization. In general, such increase in membership involves the provision of more recreational facilities which are permanently available to the community.

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The main beneficiaries from the grants since January, 1946, have been as follows : £ £ Tennis clubs .. .. .. 12,723 Recreation-ground committees .. 2,573 ■Church organizations .. .. 9,138 Basketball (indoor and outdoor).. 2,395 Local authorities ... .. 4,950 Community centres .. .. 2,275 Boy Scouts .. .. .. 4,916 Hobbies, recreation and rotary 2,225 Boating and yacht clubs .. 4,466 f clubs Bowling clubs .. .. 4,432 Athletics and cycling .. .. 2,110 Y.M.C.A's. and Y.W.O.A's. .. 3,360 and hands " " M7O Improvement and residents 3,260 i) oma i ns 1 658 associations Councils of Sport .. .. 1,600 Surf life-saving and swimming .. 3,210 Young people's clubs .. .. 1,590 Hall committees .. .. 3,135 Cricket .. .. .. 1,472 Tramping, mountain, and ski clubs 2,845 Social organizations .. .. 1,405 Sports clubs .. .. .. 2,747 Croquet .. .. .. 1,065 Grants aggregating in total less than £l,OOO have been made to numerous other -associations and organizations.

On a physical welfare district basis, grants were allocated as follows during tlie 1947-48 financial year :

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District. Total Grants. NORTHLAND (Manganui, Hokianga, Whangaroa, Bay of Islands, Wtangarei, Hobson, £ 2,046 Otamatea, and part Rodney Counties) AUCKLAND {Auckland Metropolitan Area, Eden, Waitemata, Manukau, Franklin, 8,646 Coromandel, and part Rodney Counties) WAIKATO (Waikato, Thames, Hauraki Plains, Ohinemuri, Piako, Raglan, Waipa, 4,625 Kawhia, Otorohanga, Matamata, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Kaitieke Counties) ROTORUA (Taupo, Rotorua, Whakatane, and Opotiki Counties) 2,165 POVERTY BAY (Matakaoa, Waipu, Uawa, Waikohu, Cook, and Wairoa Counties) HAWKE'S BAY (Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Patangata, Dannevirke, and 805 1,415 Weber Counties) TARANAKI (Ohura, Clifton, Whangamomona, Inglewood, Stratford, Taranaki, Egmont, 1,870 Waimate West, Eltham, Hawera, and Patea Counties) CENTRAL (Waimarino, Wanganui, Waitotara, Rangitikei, Kiwitea, Pohangina, Oroua, 2,510 Manawatu, Kairanga, and part Horowhenua Counties) WAIRARAPA (Woodville, Pahiatua, Akitio, Eketahuna, Mauriceville, Castlepoint, 835 Masterton, Wairarapa South, and Peat hers ton Counties) WELLINGTON (Wellington Metropolitan Area, Hutt, Makara, and part Horowhenua 5,900 Counties) NELSON (Takaka, Collingwood, Waimea, and part Murchison Counties) 920 MARLBOROUGH (Marlborough and Awatere Counties) 1,240 WEST COAST (Buller, Inangahua, Grey, Westland, and part Murchison Counties) 1,240 CANTERBURY (Christchurch Metropolitan Area, Kaikoura, Amuri, Cheviot, Waipara, Tawera, Kowai, Ashley, Oxford, Selwyn, Rangiora, Malvern, Eyre, Paparoa, Springs, 3,415 Ellesmere, Halswell, Wairewa, Akaroa, Mount Herbert, Heathcote, and Waimairi Counties) SOUTH CANTERBURY (Ashburton, Geraldine, Mackenzie, Levels, and Waimate 1,727 Counties) OTAGO (Waitaki, Waihemo, Waikouaiti, Taieri, Peninsula, Bruce, Tuapeka, Vincent, 4,596 Lake, and part Clutha Counties) SOUTHLAND (Fiord, Wallace, Stewart Island, Southland, and part Clutha Counties).. 725 Total .. •• .... 43,750

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Information Service The importance of a central source of information on recreational matters is fully realized and steady improvement has been made in the provision of this service. A bulletin averaging twenty-five pages was distributed monthly to every officer,, the purpose of this bulletin being to unify Branch policy and aims among scattered district officers and to serve as a medium for conveying general trends and information on recreation, both in New Zealand and overseas, through the Physical Welfare Officers to the community. The following booklets dealing with specific aspects of recreation were published and distributed to interested persons among the general public r Measurements for Sporting Facilities (Indoor and Outdoor); Athletics ; Community Centres ; Table Tennis : and Canoeing. Further publications are planned and will be published as staffing arrangements permit. Contact has been established with recreational organizations in England, Australia, America, and Canada and arrangements made for inter-change of information. A library of books, stencilled material, and photographs and films has been set up and is now in use, primarily by Physical Welfare Officers, but also by approved organization? and individuals. Posters of a general publicity nature were designed in co-operation with the Health Department and 10,000 of these are to be distributed. Co-operation with other State Departments This co-operation has always existed, but during the past twelve months steps were taken to place it on a more organized basis, with mutually beneficial results. An interdepartmental committee composed of representatives of the Education,. Housing, and Internal Affairs Departments drafted a booklet on community centres which will be published shortly. A similar committee drew .up recommendations for gymnasiums which will form an appendix to the community centre booklet and which, in cyclostyled form, has already been widely distributed. A committee composed of members of the Physical Education Branch of the Education Department and the Physical Welfare Branch of the Internal Affairs Department formulated plans for publication of standard specifications for gymnastic equipment which will be published during this year. The same committee is to meet periodically to discuss other types of recreational equipment. Liaison was established between Branch officers and officers of the Maori Affairs Department and the Labour and Employment Department with a view to assisting the recreational activities of Maoris and immigrants respectively. The Branch is also working in close co-operation with the Publicity Branch of the Health Department both in producing publicity material of joint interest and in placing health publicity among groups not normally reached by the Health Department. Recreation for Firms' Employees Employees of industrial and business firms in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, and Wellington were assisted in recreational matters. The Christchurch Firms' Recreation Association is now a firmly established and accepted factor in the recreational

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life of that city. Branch sponsored and assisted trade-union and mercantile basketball leagues flourish in Dunedin and Auckland, while a recent innovation in Wellington is the Trades-union Recreation Group, which was brought into existence, with the active support of the Branch, to provide eventually for all forms of recreation for employees as required. An Auckland experiment was the commencement of lunch-hour recreation programmes by a large industrial firm. Should the initial success in this direction be maintained, expansion to other firms will undoubtedly follow. Rural Recreation The Branch is aware of the very urgent necessity to assist recreational activities in rural areas. Apart from the importance of the sympathetic consideration given to requests for financial assistance from rural areas, valuable work was carried out by individual officers. Plans for the formation of rural recreation clubs in all areas have been made for some time, and though considerable progress was achieved, difficulty of access and shortage of staff have mitigated against the full programme being carried out. Group Travel Most of the field officers organized and conducted group-travel trips in the past twelve months. The aim of the Branch is in no way to compete against the commercial agencies, many of which are supplying a very real recreational need, but to introduce and encourage the idea of group travel in localities where, as yet, this popular form of recreation is relatively unknown. Mountain Tracks and Huts The policy of facilitating safe and relatively comfortable back-country travel has been restricted in scope owing to difficulties of supply of material for huts and the general labour shortage. The chain of huts established by the Department in the Harper Pass was used extensively, and several conducted trips which were well supported were organized by the Christchurch Physical Welfare Office. In other areas, assistance has been limited to financial aids on a favourable basis to assist the individual projects of tramping, mountain, and ski clubs. Marching As in past years, assistance was rendered, whenever possible, to the New Zealand Marching and Recreation Association in the conduct of its recreative programmes. Special displays were organized to popularize this form of recreation in the few areas where it is not yet firmly established and general assistance given by individual officers to the officials administering a sport which continues to grow in popularity. The New Zealand Marching Championships, held in Dunedin in February, 1948, under the auspices of the New Zealand Marching and Recreation Association as a part of the Otago Centennial Celebrations, were a great success, and were witnessed by a very large audience which included the Governor-General and Lady Freyberg, the Prime Minister, several Ministers of the Crown, the Leader of the Opposition, the Mayor of Dunedin, and many other leading citizens.

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It is pleasing to report that the negotiations between the New Zealand Marching and Recreation Association and the New Zealand Marching Union have now been successfully concluded and the two bodies have agreed to form one organization to control marching. The Department took a leading part in these negotiations. Staff Training and Physical Welfare Officers' Conferences Following the dictum that work in adult recreation requires specialist training, the Branch is trying to ensure that replacements and additions to field staff are made with fully trained personnel. Nine junior officers are at present undergoing training in Head Office, an increase of four over last year. In addition, young or relatively inexperienced officers are placed under direct supervision in the larger district offices and undergo systematic training in practical work. Physical Welfare Officers' conferences, which are largely refresher and training courses for all field officers, were held again this year and valuable assessment of past work was carried out, as well as deliberation on policy for future activities. V. WILDLIFE BRANCH A. Staff Some success has attended the efforts made to fill the gaps occasioned by recent losses and to meet the staff requirements of the Branch's recently increased functions. Recruitments have been largely of young men desirous of making a career of the Wildlife service, and from a long-term viewpoint this augurs well for the future provision of highly qualified technical staff. Progress has been made in the training of junior officers by a system of job rotation, which will produce the essential background knowledge of the whole of the diversified nature of the Branch's field activities and ensure the eventual assignment of officers to the specialized duties for which they have demonstrated the greatest aptitude and interest. A start was made with a system of the seconding to the Marine Department of technical trainees for a thorough two to three-year course of training in fresh-water fisheries work. B. Field Investigations and Research (1) Waterfowl The investigation commenced in 1947 in the Manawatu district was continued there. The greater part of the year was devoted to the following:— (a) Study of nesting cycles and population densities and movement of the two main local species—viz., the native grey duck and the exotic mallard duck. (b) Study of interspecific competition for food, cover, and nesting sites. (c) Trapping wild birds for banding and age and sex determination. A most successful trapping technique was evolved, 602 ducks being taken and reliberated. The data already accruing from this research will, in time, be of great value as a guide to proper conservation measures. The success attending this project has been largely contributed to by Mr. T. Andrews (Ranger), whose services were made available by courtesy of the Wellington Acclimatization Society ; by shooters, in returning leg bands and by forwarding blood smears and measurements from birds shot; by property-owners, who freely made facilities available, and by well-wishers, who contributed damaged grain for baiting traps.

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(2) Wallabies Advantage was taken of an opportunity created by wallaby-control operations in the Hunters' Hills, South Canterbury, to acquire data and materials for fundamental research. These included standard measurements, stomach contents, parasites, blood smears, and vegetation samples. Further work will be undertaken. (3) Opossums The initial phase of the investigation, which was commenced last year, has been completed. Valuable assistance was rendered by the Dominion Laboratory and the Botany Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Work on the second phase, which is on a wider basis, is now proceeding. Methods of control by hunting, without loss of either birds or farm stock, have been elaborated experimentally, and successfully applied in the Poverty Bay district, where a series of well-attended demonstrations was conducted for the benefit of trappers, farmers, and Catchment Board officials. Work on methods of assessment of relative population densities has proceeded sufficiently to permit of the undertaking of a New-Zealand-wide field survey, which is now in progress. The draft of a bulletin on the opossum, written in simple terms and covering briefly the life-history and habits of the animal and, more fully, methods of control, is now near to completion. Large-scale trapping, and preparation and disposal of skins, is explained for the commercial trapper, and special consideration is given to the needs of the farmer, orchardist, and householder. General bionomic research, together with further investigation into control methods, are continuing. (4) Californian Quail Research into the distribution and ecology of quail was initiated by systematic interviewing of property-holders and rabbiters in the Otago lakes district. (5) Canadian Geese With a view to bringing about a fuller exploitation of the sport value, and at the same time ensuring essential control of this species, inquiries were made in Canada as to hunting methods, and trial shoots were conducted. Publicity was given to results through a popular sporting publication. (6) Keas Several problems relating to these birds were brought to the notice of the Branch. Field surveys on their incidence were conducted in the Arthur's Pass and Lake Wakatipu regions and plans made for further investigations. (7) Fisheries (Rotorua and Southern Lakes Acclimatization Districts) The research and advisory services made available to the Department by the Fisheries Branch of the Marine Department were utilized to considerable advantage.

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On the advice of that Department, the previous system of data recording and reporting, which was considered to have provided ample data of the special nature dealt with for present purposes, was revised. New forms were adopted for use by the field staff, anglers, and fishing-lodge and hire-launch proprietors from which data can be obtained for estimating fish yield and angling pressure. Investigational visits to both districts were made by the senior Fresh-water Fisheries Officers of the Marine Department. Benefit has accrued to the Department from its representation on the Fresh-water Fisheries Advisory Council. (8) Field Observers' Reports Progress was made, by the issue of " Conservation Directives " and guidance in the field by specially qualified officers, in the training of all members of the field staff in observing and reporting. A fund of valuable knowledge is being accumulated from this source. (9) Field Records and Library Further improvement was made in the systematic recording and mapping, with many photographs, of wild-life data, Additions relating to special activities and staff training were made to the Branch library, and use was made of more general technical literature held elsewhere. (10) Other Research Work (a) The Department participated in the framing of plans, sponsored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, for the setting-up by that Department of an organization to conduct research into problems affecting feral animals. (b) Officers of the Branch closely collaborated in a wild-life survey undertaken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and much recorded information was made available. (c) Officers participated in visits by the American Museum of Natural History Expedition to the Snares Islands, Lake Brunner, and islands in the Bay of Plenty. (d) Further assistance was given to representatives of the Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology in their investigation regarding wapiti. Much benefit accrues to the Department from the experience gained by officers of the Branch thus working with overseas scientists and from the co-operative relations thus established. (e) Clutches of eggs were collected and forwarded to Cambridge University for a research project being conducted there. (/) Blood smears of wallabies, opossums, and waterfowl were supplied to the Zoology Department, Victoria University College, for research into hsematozoan parasites. (g) Field-survey data respecting pollution of water were collected on behalf of the investigating departmental committee in the Rotorua and Southern Lakes Acclimatization Districts. C. Administration of Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22 (1) Absolutely Protected Birds Increased efforts were made to effect an improvement in the difficult matter of affording protection in remote regions. A gratifying growth of public sentiment in favour of protecting native birddife is, however, apparent.

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Appeals were made by circular to all directly concerned and to appropriate persons and organizations for help in—(a) The preservation of the flora and fauna of Stewart Island ; and (b) Saving the North Island weka in its last remaining strong-hold, the East Coast District. From several persons who volunteered for the duty, an appointment was made ©f a part-time Bird Warden (Mr. J. C. Aitken) for Otago Peninsula. This and further action to be taken by the Department in this region is in continuance of much work and great interest by Mr. L. E. Eichdale, of Dunedin, the Otago Harbour Board, and local residents. Suitable notice-boards were erected at several sanctuaries and the nesting-places of protected birds. (2) Sanctuaries A sand-dune area at Waikato Heads and the Blue Lake, near Takaka, were declared sanctuaries. Island sanctuaries were inspected and action taken towards declaring others, notably the Snares Islands. (3) Imported and Native Game Animal protection warrants were issued containing the following provisions : (a) The definitions of the mallard duck (imported game) and the grey duck (native game) contained in the Second and Third Schedules to the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22, respectively, were extended to include any cross between these birds or between either of them and any other species of duck. (b) Guinea-fowl in the Taranaki Acclimatization District was declared to be imported game in that district. Open shooting seasons were declared in all acclimatization districts. The continued decrease in the wild-duck and pheasant population is occasioning much concern amongst sportsmen, and for this reason the Department is pursuing vigorously a programme of research in an endeavour to discover the causes of and means of checking the decline. On the other hand, an up-surge of the black-swan population in recent years has permitted of larger legal daily bag limits. (4) Importations of Animals and Birds All applications for permission to import were closely scrutinized in order to ensure that acclimatization of further noxious species does not occur. Especial vigilance is necessary also owing to the fact that a number of species which exist in other countries are known carriers of certain virulent diseases of danger to human beings or to poultry and stock. To this end close collaboration is maintained with the Agriculture, Health, and Customs Departments and the Dominion Museum, (5) Opossums The Opossum Regulations 1947, which came into effect on the Ist. May, 1947, define the means by which the animals can be taken, and make it an offence to harbour or liberate opossums in any part of New Zealand. The low ruling prices for opossumskins continued, throwing into sharp relief the extreme difficulties to be faced where the sole normal means of population control is directly affected by fluctuations in the commercial skin values.

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(6) International Conference for the Protection of Nature, Brunnen, Switzerland, June, 1947 While the New Zealand Government was not represented at this widely attended Conference, a message was sent indicating that if an international organization came into being which was widely representative of the various national Governments the question of New Zealand's membership would be placed before the Government for decision. D. Wild Animal Pest Control Operations (1) Operations General operations were again conducted this year over a large portion of the deer- and goat-infested country of New Zealand. Control measures for deer, &c., were conducted in the Lake Waikaremoana region up to the end of February, when operations were temporarily discontinued for the purpose of making this region available to sportsmen for a period of ten weeks over the rutting season. During this period 212 deer, 81 wild pigs, and 10 wild cattle were destroyed. With the fall in prices received for deer-skins, it is evident that private shooters are not operating to any considerable extent. In an effort to assist Britain in the provision of dollar funds, skins were recovered this year from localities where normally skin recovery would not be undertaken. Altogether, 12,403 deer-skins, 6,744 goat-skins, and 1,233 wallaby-skins were recovered. Special Campaigns.—Wallabies and Opossums : During the year experimental campaigns were conducted against these animals. Valuable information for use in any future campaigns was obtained. Wild Pigs : Following on representations which were received from interested persons and organizations, a campaign was undertaken against these animals on unoccupied Crown lands and on areas under the control of the State Forest Service in Taranaki and the western King-country. No operations were conducted on any land in private occupation in the area. Much assistance, however, was rendered to farmers by advising them of the location of carcasses of wild goats killed by the Department's operatives in order that such carcasses could be used by the farmers as the bait essential to poisoning pigs on their properties. The farmers took full advantage of this, with beneficial results. Special facilities for obtaining poison and advice as to methods of use were also extended to these farmers. Tahr and Chamois : Operations were conducted against these animals in the Mount Cook region, and excellent results were achieved. It is evident that these animals are spreading and that, owing to the difficult nature of the country in which they are located, the problem of control will be a difficult one. It is intended to intensify efforts next year, and it is confidently anticipated that success in achieving control will be the outcome. Stewart Island: Operations were continued with improved results. A party was employed this year in opening new tracks and on the construction of additional huts. At the end of the year, arrangements were in hand for the erection of accommodation for personnel operating on the island.

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Animal Pests destroyed. —Owing to the large extent of country now covered by •departmental operations, it is not practicable to adhere to the previous practice of indicating the particular area in which operations were conducted during the year. A new table has, however, been drawn up which gives the districts covered by these -operations and the results secured. For comparative purposes, a similar table covering the year ended 31st March, 1947, is also included. The table, as set out hereunder, .also contains information as to the boundaries of each district: —

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Operational District. Deer. Goats. Chamois. Tahr. Wild Pigs. 1 Wild | Sheep. {a) For year ended 31st March, 1948— Central North Island District Tararaa Range area Nelson-Marlborough District Canterbury District Southern Lakes District Stewart Island Special campaigns— Poverty Bay (opossums) Waimate (wallabies) 3,071 946 1,375 6,769 13,830 340 10,821 228 4,000 17j 804 73 " 3 1,092 169 1 j 467 565 934 5 682 549 33 " 2 707 2,622 Totals 26,331 32,926 1,264 2,032 2,205 3,329 (b) For year ended 31st March, 1947— Central North Island District Tararua Range area Nelson-Marlborough District Southern Lakes District Canterbury District (Mount Cook region only) Stewart Island Three Kings Islands 4,920 924 1,441 6,083 151 5,885 161 50,460 16,111 393 14 *642 801 429 1 4,604 40 86 3^570 Totals 13,519 73,010 656 801 5,074 3,656 Operational District Wapiti Cross.* Wild Cattle. Wild Cats. Opossums. Wallabies. Totals. (a) For year ended 31st March, 1948— Central North Island District Tararua Range area Nelson-Marlborough District Canterbury District Southern Lakes District Stewart Island Special campaigns— Poverty Bay (opossums) Waimate (wallabies) 55 5 * 56 8 16 5,061 4 j 521 15,538 1,179 8,682 9,877 32,456 412 5,142 4,523 Totals 55 5 64 5,077 4,521 77,809 (b) For year ended 31st March, 1947— Central North Island District Tararua Range area Nelson-Marlborough District Southern Lakes District Canterbury District (Mount Cook region only) Stewart Island Three Kings Islands .. 11,320 1,086 60,089 22,234 1,443 151 393 Totals •• 96,716 * Wapiti x Bed Deer.

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Descriptions of Districts referred to above . I. The Central North Island District embraces the country lying to the north of a line commencing' at Wanganui, running thence due east to the Manawatu Gorge, and thence in the same direction to Napier, and bounded on the north by a line running due east from Kawhia Harbour to Tauranga. 11. Southern North Island District.—All that portion of the North Island lying to the south of the southern boundary of the Central North Island District. 111. Nelson-Marlborough District.—That portion of the South Island lying to the north of a line commencing at the mouth of the Grey River on the west coast, thence following the left bank of that river to its source, thence along the summit of the Spencer Mountains to the watershed between the sources of the Clarence and Sabine Rivers, and thence in a straight line to the mouth of the Conway River. IV. Canterbury District.—All that portion of the South Island to the south of the southern boundary of the Nelson-Marlborough District and bounded in the west by the Southern Alps from the point where that range is crossed by the southern boundary of the Nelson-Marlborough District to Mount Cook, thence due east to Timaru. V. Southern Lakes District. —All that portion of the South Island lying to the south of the Canterbury District and including the west- coast south of a line turning due west from Mount Cook to the sea. (2) Air Transport (a) Supplies. —During the year, in conjunction with the R.N.Z.A.F. and theAerodromes Branch of the Public Works Department, supplies were dropped from Dakota aircraft in the more remote areas where departmental parties were operating, and the successful carrying-out of these operations augurs well for the future and should result in a quickening of the tempo of departmental operations. The thanks of the Department are due to the R.N.Z.A.F. for the manner in which these operations were conducted. (b) High-level Huts. —It was not possible during the year to proceed with the erection of any further high-level huts. (3) Personnel (a) Progress and Training. —Good progress was maintained in the training of new men as hunters. The steep fall in the prices realized for deer-skins—and it is by no means certain that these prices will not still further recede—has resulted in many experienced hunters again undertaking service with the Department, and this has assisted in the building-up of a strong force of experienced shooters. Numerous requests are, however, being received from local authorities for assistance in controlling feral animals which have become a menace in the areas concerned. To enable the Department to afford this assistance and, at the same time, to meet other expanding responsibilities, it is urgently necessary that further appointments be made to the field staff, which, moreover, suffered severe loss in personnel during and immediately after the war. (b) Accident. —During the course of a campaign against tahr and chamois in the Mount Cook region, a regrettable accident resulted in the death of Mr. D. A. Lyes, a promising young hunter, who was a member of one of the parties operating in that region. The Department's sympathy is extended to his bereaved relatives. E. Rotorua Acclimatization District (1) The Fishing Season Despite the continued dry summer, which extended until the end of March, 1948, many " limit " bags of fish were taken, particularly from the mouths of the Whanganui, Waihora, and Waihaha Rivers, in Western Bay, Lake Taupo. The fish caught were in splendid condition and weighed up to 13| lb.

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A large number of anglers visited the district and there was again a marked increase in the number of licences issued as compared with the previous season. Numbers of excellent-conditioned fish were taken, their average weights being higher than for last season, as will be evident from the following records of fish from the Rotorua area : Weight. Numbers of Weight Numbers of lb. Fish recorded. lb. Fish recorded. 10 .. .. .. 19 15 .. .. .. 6 11 23 m 5 12 .. .. ..9 19l .. .. ..1 13 .. .. .. 5 (2) Fisheries Conservation (a) Hatchery Operations.—Ova were recovered and laid down in the two hatcheries for " eyeing " or complete incubation as follows No. 1 (Ngongotaha) Hatchery (Rotorua area) .. .. 4,269,500 No. 2 (Tongariro) Hatchery (Taupo area) .. .. 6,587,000 Of the above ova, 4,440,000 were sold to acclimatization societies and 2,865,000 were despatched to the Department's Southern Lakes District. (b) Restocking of Waters. —Fry were liberated in the district as under: —

(c) Trout-fishing. —There was a marked increase of smelt (Retropina lacustris) in. most of the lakes throughout the district, and particularly in the Western Bay region of Lake Taupo. (d) Anti-poaching Measures. —It was realized that out-of-season taking of spawning fish in the district had assumed such proportions as to prove a very serious threat to the successful operation of the fisheries in the district owing to loss to anglers of many hundreds of mature fish. In a determined attempt to stamp out these illegalities a vigorous campaign was carried out, the ranging staff being considerably augmented during the winter. As a result of these steps, large numbers of persons committing breaches of the Fishing Regulations were prosecuted, and 39 fines, amounting to a total of £237 10s., were imposed in addition to Court costs. The large number of successful prosecutions and the penalties inflicted should have a markedly deterrent effect on these illegal practices. (e) Black Shag Control. —The following black shags were destroyed:—(i) Under bounty paid by Department .. .. .. 426 (ii) Destroyed by departmental officers .. .. .. 129 (3) The Shooting Season The sum of £1,878 was received from the issue of 1,257 game-shooting licences.

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Waters. Hatchery. Rainbow. Brown. Totals. Rotorua area No. 1 1,925,000 325.000 2,250,000 Taupo area No. 2 1,805,000 40,000 1,845,000 Totals 3,730,000 365,000 4,095,000

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(4) Game Conservation (a) Game Farm. —The necessity for limiting the consumption of foods suitable for fowl and pheasant foods was again felt during the year, and this was a limiting factor in the rearing of game birds. Operations were again conducted, therefore, on a reduced scale and will result in the liberation of only approximately 900 pheasants and 160 ducks. (b) Vermin Control. —The table hereunder shows the numbers of various species on which bounties were paid under the scheme operated by the North Island Vermin Control Board, and those destroyed by officers of the Department:—

(c) Anti-Coaching Measures.—Proceedings taken for breaches of the regulations resulted in fines amounting to £69 being imposed. (5) Absolutely Protected Birds A vigorous campaign of ranging designed to check the prevalent practice of killing these birds was conducted, a number of offenders being prosecuted. i\ Southern Lakes Acclimatization District (1) The Fishing Season The fishing season generally over the whole district has been good. In the area of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea some excellent-conditioned rainbow trout were taken early in the season, but as the season advanced results were poorer. In the Lake Wakatipu area, Lake Hayes has been particularly good in the evening and Moke Lake and the Kawarau River gave some good results on the dry fly. Reid and Diamond Lakes gave excellent fishing with the dry fly and on several occasions limit bags were taken consisting of brown trout from 5 lb. to 8 lb. in weight. The Lake Te Anau area has produced good fishing, a large number of Atlantic salmon being taken, particularly at the mouth of the Upukerora River. Some excellent rainbow trout were taken from both the Waiau and Eglmton Rivers, amongst these being a considerable number of young fish which, it appears, are the outcome of the liberations of the first rainbow ova sent to the district from the Taupo waters. Rainbow trout similar to these have been caught in Lake Wakatipu and the Arrow, Kawarau, Hawea, and Clutha Rivers, and, from this, it is considered that considerable success has been achieved in the restocking of the waters of this district. The largest fish caught was a brown trout weighing 10| lb. taken between Half-way Bay and Kingston, on Lake Wakatipu. (2) Fisheries Conservation {a) Fish Salvage.—The salvage of fish rendered necessary through the rivers drying up was continued in April, 1947, and again this year, and a total of 17,567 fish from the Lindis River, irrigation races from that river, and the Mataura River were saved and placed in safe waters. Most of the fish from the Lindis River were reliberated in the Clutha and Hawea Rivers. All these fish were in good condition and should in the near future improve the fishing in the rivers in which they were reliberated. (b) Hatchery Operations.—The hatchery at Lake Hayes commenced operations on 11th July, 1947, but, owing to a very dry season, the fish were very late in " running."

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— Hedgehogs. Hawks. Stoats. (i) Destroyed under North Island scheme (ii) Destroyed by Departmental officers 3 377 13 GO

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A total of 1,010,000 brown-trout ova were collected and disposed of as follows : (1) 500,000 to the Wellington Acclimatization Society. (2) 120,000 to the Department's Rotorua Acclimatization District. (3) 150,000 were taken to Lake Te Anau and hatched there. (4) 240,000 were hatched at Lake Hayes, from which 187,000 fry were liberated. From the Department's hatcheries in the Rotorua and Taupo districts a total of 3,015,000 ova were received, and these were distributed as follows : —- (1) Te Anau Hatchery .. .. .. .. 810,000 (2) Queenstown Hatchery .. .. .. .. 705,000 (3) Wanaka Hatchery .. .. .. .. 1,500,000 In addition to the above, a further 15,000 brown-trout ova were collected from Glendhu Creek, Lake Wanaka, and hatched in the Wanaka hatchery. (c) Re-stocking of Waters. —Liberations of fry were made as follows

In nearly all the streams in which liberations were made, young fish in good condition are to be seen. (d) Destruction of Shags. —Three hundred and twenty-five black shags and 72 eggs were destroyed by departmental officers, and 18 heads of these birds were presented by private persons for payment of the bounty. (e) Destruction of Eels. —Eel-trapping was continued during the season and a total of 5,067 eels were caught. Again most of these were caught in the Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka, and Hawea systems. Poor results were obtained in the Lake Te Anau system. (/) Ranging. —No breaches of the Fisheries Act, 1908 (Part II), and the Fresh-water Fisheries (Southern Lakes) Regulations 1945 were detected. (3) Animals Protection and Game Act (a) The Shooting Season, 1947. —The open season commenced in fine weather. Paradise and grey duck were plentiful over most parts of the district, but very few birds were shot after the opening day owing to the large expanses of water to which they migrate and remain in safety by day. Quail were not numerous, but owing to a good spring they have increased and more birds have been seen this year than for many years past. Chukor are scattered over the whole district with the exception of the Te Anau area.

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Waters. Rainbow. Brown. 1 Totals. Lake Hawea system 282,000 1 282,000 Lake Wanaka system 427,000 15,000 442,000 Lake Wakatipu system 563,000 563,000 Lake Te Anau system 555,000 30,000 585,000 Lake Manapouri system 95,000 95,000 Kawarau River system 105,000 50,000 155,000 Small lakes 15,000 37,000 52,000 South Westland - Hollyford Rivers systems 95,000 95,000 Lake Hayes 100,000 100,000 Clutha River system 441,000 441,000 Totals 2,483,000 327,000 2,810,000

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Canadian geese are still plentiful. These birds, owing to their alertness, are very hard to obtain, but shooters who persevere can obtain good results. Pukeko were plentiful. The sum of £226 was realized from the issue of game-shooting licences. This represents a slight increase on the 1946 season. (b) Absolutely Protected Birds. —Officers of the Department are vigilant in preventing the illegal taking of absolutely protected birds. It is interesting to note that these birds are doing well in such areas as Paradise Valley (Glenorchy) and the Eglinton Valley. Weka and blue, or mountain, duck have recently been observed in areas where they have not been seen for many years. Rock wrens also appear to be increasing. It seems evident that the consistent efforts to destroy vermin are resulting beneficially as far as these birds are concerned. (c) Vermin Control.—Under the scheme operated by the South Island Vermin Control Board, bounties were paid on tokens as under : Stoats'tails .. .. .. .. .. 1,711 Stoats' skins .. .. .. .. .. 204 Polecats' tails .. .. .. .. .. 55 Ferrets'tails .. .. .. .. 1,686 Ferrets' skins .. .. .. .. .. 90 Hawk's feet (pairs) .. .. .. .. 1,666 Hedgehogs' snouts .. .. .. .. 408 German owls' heads .. .. .. .. 165 (d) Ranging.—Two offences only were detected, the persons concerned being prosecuted and convicted. G. Inter-departmental Committee on River Pollution Further meetings were held and excellent progress was made with the compilation of a report on the collected factual evidence as to the present pollution situation. An explanatory statement as to the activities of the Committee was circulated to local authorities assisting the survey H. Glossary Grey duck (Anas poicilorhyncka). Rock wren (Xenicus giliventrus). Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Red deer (Cervus elaphus). Blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus). Virginian deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Black swan (Cygnus atratus). Wapiti (Cervus canadensis). Canadian goose (Branta canadensis). Tahr (Hemitragus jemlaicus). Black shag (Pkalacrocorax carbo). Chamois (Rupicapra tragus). Pukeko (Porphyrio poliocephalus). Wild cattle (Bos taurus). •Californian quail (Lophortyx califomicus). Wild sheep (Ovis spp.). •Chukor (Alectoris chukor). Pigs (Sus scrofa). Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus and P. Goat (Capra aegagrus). torguatus). Polecat (Mustela foetidus). ■Guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris). Ferret (Mustela foetidus). Kea (Nestor notabilis). Stoat (Mustela erminea). Hawk (Circus approximans). Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). North Island weka (Gallirallus greyi). Opossum (Trichosurus vulpecula). South Island weka (Gallirallus australis). Wallaby (Wallabia rufogrisea).

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VI. PATRIOTIC PURPOSES During the year ended 30tli September, 1947, the National Patriotic Fund Board -was concerned mainly with the realization of its surplus assets, the care of the sick and wounded personnel in the hospitals, and the consideration of future policy as regards patriotic funds, as well as with the provision of welfare for the remaining service personnel overseas and in New Zealand. Realization of Assets The sum of £56,000 was realized on the sale of a variety of assets in New Zealand, practically the only surplus assets now remaining being recreation huts. Welfare of Sick and Wounded Personnel The work of providing welfare for these men whilst in hospital is entrusted to the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society, who also conduct the following homes on behalf of the Board : Evelyn Firth Home, Auckland. Mowai Home, Wellington. Rannerdale Home, Christchurch. Montecillo Home, Dunedin. Welfare for Service Personnel Overseas and in New Zealand The Board ceased to provide welfare for service personnel in New Zealand as at 31st March, 1947, but continued to do so for overseas servicemen from moneys made available from art-union profits. Reimbursement from art-union moneys amounted to £10,850, mainly in respect of expenditure in Japan. Expenditure from patriotic funds on overseas servicemen during the year was £lB,OOO. Future of Patriotic and Canteen Funds Conferences between Provincial Patriotic Councils, ex-servicemen's organizations, and the Board were held during the year in connection with the proposal of the Board that canteen profits be amalgamated with the funds of the National Patriotic Fund Board for the benefit of ex-service personnel. Subsequently the Patriotic and Canteen Funds Act, 1947, was passed setting up the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board, in which is to be vested the assets and liabilities of the National Patriotic Fund Board; the Canteen Fund Board, which will receive the accumulated profits of the Canteen Board, which operated in the camps, air and naval stations during the war years ; and the fourteen Provincial Councils, which have their own funds. The purposes of these Boards and the Provincial Patriotic Councils will be to administer the funds for the benefit of discharged servicemen of the 1939-45 war and their dependants. As at 30th September, 1947, the funds of the fourteen Provincial Patriotic Councils were £1,623,317, and of the National Patriotic Fund Board, £1,358,632. VII. CINEMATOGRAPH THEATRES A. Film Censorship A total of 1,529 films of all classes, aggregating 4,245,590 ft., were examined. Of this number, 93 were passed subject to excisions, 151 were passed with the recommendation that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 17 were passed with the warning that they were unsuitable for children.

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Two films were rejected outright In the first instance and 1 was subsequently reconstructed and passed for exhibition. One appeal was lodged against rejection, but the Board of Appeal, after viewing the picture, dismissed the appeal. An analysis of the work shows :

Quota Films : Countries of origin of the quota or feature films examined were as follows : Great Britain, 52 ; Australia, 2 ; United States of America, 281 ; France, 14; Russia, 2 ; Austria. 1. General Remarks: During the year, as compared with the previous year, the number of films in which excisions were necessary was 93, as against 114; the number recommended as more suitable for adults was 151, as against 131, and the number considered to be definitely unsuitable for children was 17, as against 32 in the previous year (1946-47). Miniature films showed an increase—viz., 83, as against 51 in the previous year — while 324 certificates were issued for 16 mm. prints, copies of standard films (features and featurettes) which had been previously released. British quota films submitted for censorship over the whole year showed a substantial increase—54, as against 34 in the previous year —while foreign quota films showed a decline—29B, as against 319 in the previous year. The increase in British pictures is probably due to production now getting into its stride since the termination of the war. Publicity matter relating to 308 films (features) covering posters, stills, slides, &c., was examined during the year, as against 343 films in the previous year. Only some minor amendments were necessary. B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators One hundred and four new applications for provisional and assistant operators' licences were considered, as compared with 96 for the previous year. Thirty-six new provisional licences and 78 new assistant operators' licences were issued. Since the coming into force of the Cinematograph Operators Licensing Regulations 1938, 1,390 operators and 966 assistant operators have been licensed. C. Exhibitors' and other Licences Licences issued under the Cinematograph Films Act for the year ended 30th September, 1947, were as follows : Exhibitors .. .. .. .. 465 (481) Itinerant exhibitors .. .. .. 24 (23) Renters .. .. .. .. 19 (14) Storage .. .. .. .. .14 (9) Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 17 (12) The figures in parentheses are the corresponding ones for the previous year.

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Origin. Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Number. Length. Number. Length. British Foreign Totals 54 298 Ft. 488,070 2,531,070 578 599 Ft. 670,000 556,450 352 3,019,140 1,177 1/226,450

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I). General The Wellington Film Society (Inc.) was approved by the Hon. Minister for the purpose of enabling the Censor of Cinematograph Films to approve any film for screening by or on behalf of the Film Society. This approval was granted after the Minister had been satisfied that one of the principal objects of the society was to exhibit or arrange for the exhibition of films of special interest from the educational, artistic, or technical aspects of film-production. Two appointments were made to the Cinematograph Film Operators' Licensing Board, to replace two members who had resigned. An amendment to the standard form of film-hiring contract was approved by the Hon. Minister pursuant to the provisions of section 10 of the Cinematograph Films Amendment Act, 1934. This amendment extended the provisions of the standard form to cover film of 16 mm. width, in addition to that of 35 mm. width. VIII. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS Among many distinguished people who came to New Zealand in the past year was the Right Hon. J. B. Chifley, Prime Minister of Australia. Earlier in the year the Right Hon. Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, Chief of the General Staff, and his party undertook a comprehensive tour. Other distinguished visitors were Lord Addison, Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, and his party ; Lord and Lady Killearn and party; Mrs. Hector McNeil, wife of the British Minister of State ; the Right Hon. Lord Nathan, British Minister of Civil Aviation, and party ; the Hon. Brooke Claxton, K.C., Minister of International Defence for Canada, and party; Queen Salote of Tonga ; Viscount Hinchingbrooke, M.P. ; Lord Vestey ; Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver Leese, Bt., K.C.8., C.8.E., D.5.0., who succeeded Viscount Montgomery as Commander-in-Chief of the Eighth Army, and Lady Leese ; Lieutenant-General Sturdee, Chief of the General Staff, Australia ; Lieutenant-General H. C. H. Robertson, C.8.E., D.5.0., Commander-in-Chief, British Commonwealth Occupation Force, Japan, and party; General Sir Andrew Thorne ; Lady Dill; Miss Sonia Furlong ; Miss B. Hennell; Lady BadenPowell, G.B.E. ; Admiral Sir Louis Hamilton, Chief of the Naval Staff, Australia ; Air Marshal Sir Hugh Lloyd, Air Commander-in-Chief, Far East, and party ; Sir Brian Freeston, Governor-Designate of Fiji, and party ; Mr. J. A. Lawson, M.L.A., New South Wales, and Mrs. Lawson ; Hon. S. E. Parry, M.L.C. of New South Wales, and Mrs. Parry ; Sir George Aylwen, Prospective Lord Mayor of London in 1948, and party; Sir William Williams, Past Lord Mayor of Cardiff, and Lady Williams ; Sir Percy Silletoe and Mr. Roger Hollis ; Sir Ben Lockspeiser, Chief Scientist, Ministry of Supply, and Mr. H. C. Ashworth ; Lieutenant-Colonel C. Gordon Larking, Chairman of the British Legion ; Colonel John K. Howard, United States of America. Some notable people who came at the invitation of the City of Dunedin for the Centennial celebrations and later became guests of Government were Sir John Falconer, M.A., LL.B., formerly Lord Provost of Edinburgh; the Very Rev. Dr. John Baillie, ex Moderator of the Church of Scotland, and Mrs. Baillie ; the Very Rev. W. Purves Boyes, Immediate Past Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of England ; the Right Rev. A. Campbell Grieve, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia ; Mr. E. B. Jarvis, representing the Presbyterian Church of South Africa ; the Right Rev. Bishop S. E. Wood, Bishop of Litchfield; Mr. and Mrs. Clough-Williams Ellis ; Mr. H. W. Millington, late Minister of Works and the late Deputy Premier of Western Australia.

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Among leading newspaper men to visit the Dominion in the past year were Mr. Randolph Hearst, United States of America, and Mr. Price Day, of the Baltimore Sun. Other distinguished visitors were Professor R. W. Gerard, Professor of Physiology at Chicago University; Dr. Earl R. Carlson, authority on cerebral palsy, and Mrs. Carlson ; Dr. Orton, President, Australian Society of Anaesthetists ; Dr. R. C. Murphy, of the American Museum of Natural History, and Mrs. Murphy ; Mr. Norman Goodall, Secretary, International Missionary Council; Mr. Basil Henriques and Mrs. Henriques, experts on juvenile delinquency ; Mr. J. K. Brownlees, of the Colonial Service, Tonga ; Mr. W. E. Dunk, Chairman, Public Service Commission, Australia; Mr. P. B. Cruickshank, " Otaki Shield " winner. Important delegations that visited the country were the Pakistan delegates and the United Nations Mission to Western Samoa. This year also witnessed the arrival and departure of the first B.C.P.A. aircraft Auckland to Vancouver service, and the Empire Air Navigation School visit of aircraft Aries 11. All the personnel received appropriate hospitality. Apart from State luncheons and other receptions given in honour of some of the above named, morning teas were tendered to the British Phosphate Commission and the members of the executive of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia. An afternoon-tea reception was given in honour of the Boyd-Neel Orchestra. A Government luncheon was tendered to the United States Mapping Mission. The South African Association Football Team was given a morning-tea reception, and the New Zealand Rugby League Football Team was welcomed on its return from its tour abroad. Farewells were tendered to Commodore G. H. Faulkner, D.S.C., R.N., and to the New Zealand Contingent of Boy Scouts who attended the world jamboree in France. Luncheons were given in honour of Dr. A. F. H. von Troostenburg, Netherlands Minister, and Mr. Ivan K. Ziabkin, Minister for the U.S.S.R. State funerals due to the deaths of the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, the Hon. J. O'Brien, and the Hon. M. Fagan, M.L.C., were arranged by this section. The officers and ratings of the visiting warships H.M.S. " Theseus" and its escorting destroyer " Cockade," and H.M.A.S. " Australia " and " Bataan," were given the usual courtesies. The Department is indebted to all local authorities and the Maori people generally who contributed so well in entertaining guests at the places they visited, IX. WAR HISTORY BRANCH Work has proceeded steadily during the past year and the following progress can be reported :—- (a) White-papers. —Two volumes ready for printing. Consent of United Kingdom authorities not yet obtained. (b) Popular Series. —Ten parts out of the projected forty-eight are completed, and two are ready for the printer. (c) Official History.—No volumes complete, but a great deal of work has been done. An immense amount of new information has been received, examined, and sorted, including important German and Japanese records. (d) Unit Histories. —Of the twenty projected, good progress has been made with six, and two are ready for printing. It is difficult to find satisfactory writers, and probably members of the staff will be employed on this series when they have completed their campaign narratives.

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(e) South African War. —In 1903 the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, that a history of the services of New Zealand troops in the South African War should be produced. Five separate authors have been engaged since that date, but their accounts were either not completed or were considered unsuitable for publication as an official history. The South African War Veteran's Association, which for many years has been anxious to have a history published, again approached the Minister during last year. As a result of these representations it was agreed that the Branch undertake the research and writing of a history for official publication, and this is now ready for the printer. Although the appeal of this work will probably be limited, it will undoubtedly fill Si gap in the records of New Zealand history. The considerable problems of printing, publication, and distribution of these war histories now require decisions, and recommendations have been submitted to Cabinet. A high standard of accuracy is aimed at, which entails most careful and laborious 'examination of records, official and unofficial documents, personal narratives and letters, books written by persons of authority, records of Allied Forces and German-Japanese records, and the conduct of numerous interviews. The Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editor attended a conference of British Commonwealth and American historians held at Washington in February. This was attended also by the British, Canadian, Australian, and South African historians and editors. 'The main questions dealt with were synchronization (as far as possible) of programmes, methods for exchange of information, establishment of a uniform system of place-names, and arrangements for access to, translation of, and distribution of the German records, which are held, almost complete, in Washington. Most satisfactory arrangements were made which must have good effects on the accuracy and value of our histories and increase their circulation. All the countries represented at this Conference are preparing full and detailed histories—their historians intend to produce fair and objective histories and are free from all but the most unavoidable censorship. It was satisfactory to find that the New .Zealand plan was generally approved. X. WAR GRAVES A. New Zealand Graves Total Burials in New Zealand In the previous annual report details were given of a post-war provisional summary of burials of ex-servicemen in New Zealand recorded by the Department. The figures have since been rechecked and, with the addition of registrations during the period ended 31st March, 1948, the totals at that date, stood as follows :

These burials are distributed amongst public, servicemen's, and Maori cemeteries in New Zealand. Of this total, 786 are recorded as cremations.

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—- War Graves. ! Non-war Graves. Total. First World War Second World War South African veterans Miscellaneous —i.e. Maori War veterans, Allied Forces, &c. 4,494 1,246 11,647 466 16,141 1,712 1,010 2,300 21,163

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A summary of burials in New Zealand of ex-servicemen and the number of temporary crosses, headstones, and plaques ordered for the year ended 31st March, 1948, is shown below. It is proposed to show similar figures in future reports for comparative purposes:—

A. Registration of Burials

B. Temporary Crosses, Headstones, and Plaques ordered and Permanent Work authorized, on Graves

Servicemen's Cemeteries in New Zealand Considerable work was undertaken during the year in the matter of approving applications for the laying-down of new servicemen's cemeteries in New Zealand. The applications in all cases were made in respect of the new type of lawn cemetery using bronze plaques at ground-level. Many lawn cemeteries were completed during the period and quite a number reached that more or less completed stage where it was possible to see them as good examples of this new type of cemetery. The servicemen's new lawn cemeteries using bronze plaques at ground-level in Whangarei and Thames are splendidly laid out, with many more recently constructed ones commencing to attain similar appearance. The considerable interest taken by branches of the New Zealand Returned Services' Association and local bodies in their respective cemeteries has in no small measure contributed towards the general very excellent appearance of these new lawn cemeteries. Whereas the total numbers of servicemen's cemeteries constructed or under consideration stood at 121 on 31st March, 1947, the figures increased during the year and stood as at 31st March, 1948, as follows:

The figures in parentheses are those shown in the annual report for the period ending 31st March, 1947.

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Year ending 31st March, Wars. Imperial and other Forces. Total Begistions. South African War. First World War. Second World War. Not classified. War Graves. Non-war Graves. Not classified. Cremations. Beyond NewZealand. 1948 .. 1,566 Ill 1,062 297 96 161 1,161 244 220 147 8

Year ending 31st March, Temporary Crosses. Headstones. Plaques. Permanent Work authorized. Headstones and Plaques purchased by lieturned Services' Association and Next-of-kin. 1948 607 398 158 81 307

Classification. Description. Number. 1 Old type, graves covered with concrete and upright 17 (17) headstones used .. .. • • .. 2 Semi-lawn, using upright headstones 32 (2-5) 2a Semi-lawn, using low sloping plaque 4 (2) 3 All lawn, plaques at ground-level 59 (36) 4 Proposed lawn or semi-lawn 22 (41) 134 (121)

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The old servicemen's cemeteries at Waikumete (Auckland) and Hamilton were converted during the year to semi-lawn types. Hitherto the graves in these two cemeteries were covered with concrete, which over the years had fallen into considerable disrepair. In their converted state these two cemeteries now present a pleasing appearance. An improved standard type of grave overtop for graves of servicemen buried in public cemeteries was introduced during the year. The new type is very neat and dispenses with concrete walls and the use of white pebbles, both of which promoted accumulation of weed and dirt. Inspections Officers of the New Zealand War Graves Division made inspections of most servicemen's cemeteries during the year, when generally they met representatives of the local branches of the Returned Services' Association and local bodies and discussed with them matters affecting the future of such cemeteries. A number of historical cemeteries were also inspected, and expenditure was authorized for the purpose of renovating and generally tidying up those which were urgently in need of attention. Headstones and Plaques Considerable improvement was made during the year in reducing the number of headstone orders which were in arrears due to the recent war. Branches of the New Zealand Returned Services' Association and relatives purchased an increasing number of headstones and plaques for those graves of ex-servicemen who died not as a result of war service, and in doing so they obviously took advantage of the Government's concession, which enables purchase of these items at less 25 per cent, of the actual cost to the Government. Maintenance Consequent upon the increasing number of servicemen's cemeteries completed during the past two years, annual maintenance costs have now risen to approximately £2,200. This figure would be much higher if it were not for the fact that many local bodies or branches of the Returned Services' Association are able to arrange a measure of maintenance without requiring monetary assistance from the Government. The actions of such local bodies and branches of the Returned Services' Association are obviously inspired by patriotic motives. The Department acknowledges and fully appreciates such gestures. B. Overseas Graves ■Cemetery Register Forms The task of sending these forms by the New Zealand War Graves Division for and on behalf of the Imperial War Graves Commission, London, to next-of-kin of all those New Zealanders who, during service, lost their lives or were missing overseas or in New Zealand is now nearing completion, although there is still considerable work ahead to compile commemoration lists by theatres of war. The Imperial War Graves Commission is anxious to receive these lists as soon as possible. During the year cemetery register forms relating to 8,000 overseas deceased ex-servicemen of the New Zealand Forces of the Second World War were despatched to the Imperial War Graves Commission. Unfortunately, no final decisions have yet been received by the Department in connection with approximately 500 casualties. These are cases where search for the bodies and graves has not yet been completed.

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XI. HISTORICAL BRANCH Historical Atlas Revision of research, has continued on the majority of maps. These now await drafting, and the chief problem facing the Branch at present is to get a draftsman. Since the beginning of 1948 a qualified officer has been working over the large economic section of the Atlas, which had to be neglected for some years, and this section is now being pulled into shape. The acquisition of photostats of early maps and charts has gone on, and a good many gaps in the cartographical history of Few Zealand have thus been filled in. Bulletins A second bulletin, on brass-rubbings, is about to go to press. Other Publications G. C. Adkin's Horoivhenua has been brought to the stage of printing and will be published during 1948. Roger Duff's Moa-hunters of Wairau is in type and awaits final revision from the author on his return from overseas. Other Activities The Branch has continued to act as a clearing-house of historical information, and has given advice on a number of miscellaneous matters ranging from typography to the writing of University theses. XII. ELECTORAL OFFICE Compulsory Registration oe Electors Current registration work for the year produced the following figures :

General Election Returns Detailed returns of the results of the general election and licensing polls which were held on the 27th November, 1946, were prepared and presented, by command, to both Houses of Parliament on the 12th November, 1917, as parliamentary papers H.-33 r H-33a, and H.-33b. By-elections The following by-elections were held during the period Avon by-election on the 28th May, 1947. Mount Albert by-election on the 24th September, 1947. Westland by-election on the 3rd December, 1947.

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Total for SeventyAverage per six Electorates. Electorate. New enrolments 31,602 415 Removals by death, transfer, &c. 45,124 593 Changes of address within electorates 7,291 95

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Masterton Special Licensing Polls As the Masterton Licensing District had voted, at the last elections, in favour of the restoration of licences, special licensing polls under the Masterton Licensing Emergency Regulations 1947 were held 011 the 28th May, 1947, to obtain an indication of the desire of the electors of the district in respect of the future method of conducting the licensed trade. Following the carrying of a trust proposal in the southern portion of the district, under the Masterton Licensing Trust Act, 1947, the first, election of members of the Masterton Licensing Trust was held on the 10th December. Maori Rolls Preliminary work has been carried out on the preparation of Maori rolls for use at future elections of Maori members. XIII. EXPLOSIVES AND DANGEROUS GOODS The following licences were issued : Importation of Explosives.—Polar gelignite, 1,129,8501b.; polar gelatine dynamite, 65,750 lb. ; polar ajax, 74,900 lb. ; polar quarry monobel, 175,1001b.; polar A2 monobel, 507,1001b.; polar geobel, 1,7501b.; blasting-powder, 75,000 lb.; sporting-powder, 40,000 lb.; detonators (plain), 920,000 ; E.D. fuses, 990,000 ; safety-fuse, 15,864 lb.; fireworks, 62,534 lb. Other licences issued during the year were : conveyance, 177 ; sale, 531 ; storage, 480. Dangerous Goods.—During the year 2,287 licences were issued, as against 2,210 for the previous year. Reorganization of Branch Of necessity, much of the work performed by the Branch prior to the war had to be abandoned or severely curtailed. With the cessation of hostilities, steps were taken to place the Branch back on a full technical footing, and in pursuance of this policy arrangements have been made to secure certain equipment from England for testing of explosives and inflammable liquids. When this is received the explosives laboratory and field testing-station will be re-established, but on a more modern basis. Fire-testing Station The lack of any means of carrying out practical tests on the fire resistance of building-materials against exposure to fires of abnormal intensity such as occur with inflammable liquids has been keenly felt. As a further step in strengthening the technical side of the Branch, plans are in hand for the erection of a small building in which the fire resistance of building-materials, particularly those of local manufacture, can be tested in a practical manner against the exposures to which they would be subjected in the event of their being used, for example, in workrooms and other situations where inflammable liquids are used industrially. The scheme is being developed in conjunction with the Dominion Physical Laboratory, which will be able to assist this Branch materially in the acquisition of the necessary data. The proposed building will serve further important purposes in that it will be available for fire-resistance tests of buildingmaterials generally against fires of normal intensity and also for trials on the efficiency of various fire-extinguishing agents.

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Use of Explosives During the year an approach was made to the Branch by the Post and Telegraph Department, which was considering the practicability of using explosives on certain of its works such as pole-setting, excavation of manholes, opening up trenches for cablelaying, &c. A short specialized course on the use of explosives was devised by the inspection staff of this Branch and trainees at the Post and Telegraph Department's school at Trentham were put through this course, which consisted of brief lectures on properties and methods of handling explosives, followed by a practical course in the field. Demonstrations of the various uses to which explosives could be put in the particular classes of work under consideration were given by Inspectors of the Branch, and the trainees were then required to carry out these operations under supervision so that they would acquire the necessary practical experience. On completion of the courses a comprehensive pamphlet of all features covered in the course was prepared. At the suggestion of the Department arrangements were also made for issuing certificates of proficiency to trainees who qualified in their course on explosives. One further interesting operation was conducted by the Branch at the. request of the Union Steam Ship Co. of New Zealand, Ltd. This was the sinking of an abandoned oil-hulk, the " Adderlev." In view of the closely compartmented construction of the vessel, the problem of sinking it was obviously a difficult one. What is believed to be a new technique so far as the sinking of hulks in New Zealand is concerned was adopted. This new procedure consisted in applying the charge on the outside of the ship well below water-line in place of the hitherto generally adopted method of laying the charges inside. The results demonstrated the efficacy of fixing the charge in this manner, and although the vessel took some time to settle down finally, this was not entirely unexpected, in view of the numerous watertight bulk-heads. Inspection Work This phase of the work is still well in arrears, for the reasons given in the previous annual report. However, with the acquisition of additional staff it is hoped to be able to make up a good deal of the leeway in the forthcoming year. Local Administration The number of local-body licensing authorities under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, still stands at 163. As a result of suggestions made by some of the officers administering the Act within local-body areas, it has been decided to embark upon a new departure —viz., the holding in Wellington of a conference of local-body Inspectors from the major local-body licensing authorities. The response to inquiries by the Department amongst licensing authorities has been most encouraging and a very successful conference should result. Amendment of Legislation For some years past the Department has recognized that the existing regulations under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, which were enacted in 1928, are no longer adequate, nor are they in conformity with technical advances in industrial developments. But for the intervention of the war the regulations would have been amended some years ago, and this matter has now become one of some urgency. One of the principal purposes of the Inspectors' conference mentioned above will be to discuss fully the existing problems and to formulate a basis for the pending amendments to the regulations.

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Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936 There is still a heavy volume of work in connection with applications for licences for the wholesale and retail distribution of petrol, which are dealt with by the Branch on behalf of the Bureau of Industry. Cinematograph Theatres For some time past, deficiencies have been apparent in the existing legislation for control of the licensing of cinematograph theatres. Recently, Parliament set up a Committee to inquire into various phases of the motion-picture industry, and representations as to the necessity for amendment of the licensing regulations will be made to this Committee. A new phase in this ever-changing industry was introduced with the decision of certain of the major distributors of films to make available copies of feature films on sub-standard (16 mm.) film. So far as this Branch is concerned, the effect of this policy was to bring forth a spate of applications for exhibitors' licences authorizing the screening of sub-standard-width film. The possibilities of utilization of sub-standard film for commercial entertainment purposes is still a factor which cannot be accurately assessed as to its effect on existing theatres. XIV. RAFFLES AND ART-UNIONS Five hundred and seven licences under section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued. Of these, 248 were for works of art, 228 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 31 for amounts ranging from £5O to £lOO. In addition, 13 licences were issued in respect of the regular £5,000 alluvial gold art-unions, the aggregate results of these being as follows: — £ Gross sales .. .. .. .. .. 273,867 Commission.. .. .. .. .. 41,080 Expenses .. .. .. .. .. 32,912 Frizes .. .. .. .. .. 65,000 Lottery duty .. .. .. .. 27,386 Net profit .. .. .. .. .. 107,489 Of the net profits, £39,133 was distributed to the various Mayoral and other recognized central relief of distress funds, £30,020 to charitable and philanthropic organizations, £10,850 to Patriotic Funds, and £10,349 to children's health camps. XV. PASSPORTS AND EXIT PERMITS New passports totalling 6,027 were issued, and 296 renewals were granted where the traveller was already in possession of a passport. The issue of exit permits was discontinued after the revocation of the Oversea Passengers Emergency Regulations 1939 on the 21st November, 1947. XVI. NATURALIZATION During the year, 330 certificates of naturalization were issued under the 1928 Act. Eleven alien friends who had served with the New Zealand Forces during the 1939-45 war were granted naturalization under the special 1943 Act. Under the provisions of the 1946 Amendment Act, separate certificates are now issued to alien wives when their husbands are granted naturalization, and a total of 223 certificates were granted in this category.

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In several cases, certified copies of naturalization papers were issued to persons who had lost their original documents and required some evidence to prove their national status. XVII. WAR MEMORIALS Further progress was made in advancing the war-memorial policy, and a number of schemes have been received and were under consideration at the close of the year. XVIII. RACING For the current racing year ending on 31st July, 1948, the allocation of totalizator licences is again at the maximum of 240 days for racing and hunt clubs and 80 days for trotting clubs. Non-totalizator permits for meetings on 136 days were issued for the year ended 31st March, 1948. Several non-totalizator meetings were abandoned on account of the outbreak of poliomyelitis. Inspectors of the Department attended all totalizator meetings to ensure compliance with the law regarding the operation of the totalizator. Investments at these meetings have continued to increase, and a number of clubs are faced with the necessity of providing more adequate facilities for their patrons. Particulars of these investments and details of the taxation thereon are published in the Monthly Abstract of Statistics. The Royal Commission on Gaming and Racing submitted its report in December, 1947. Its principal recommendations are on the following matters : Legalization of off-course betting through the totalizator. Legalization of the doubles totalizator. Setting up of a Racing Advisory Board. Publication of dividends. Non-totalizator meetings—financial help from totalizator clubs. Broadcasting—certain restrictions with respect to racing. Additional nineteen trotting totalizator days. Redistribution of existing racing and trotting totalizator days. Amalgamation of racing clubs. Judicial proceedings Government inspection of the totalizator. Hunt clubs —pooling of profits of totalizator meetings to help all hunt clubs. XIX. WAR FUNDS, 1914 18 There is no change in the number of funds registered under the War Funds Act, 1915. The assets, according to the balance-sheets received, are summarized as follows : £ s. d. 23 incorporated societies .. .. .. 227,875 14 8 7 Red Cross organizations .. .. .. 46,550 0 3 2 blind soldiers and veterans'homes funds .. 64,778 1 1 11 unincorporated societies .. .. .. 5,9121310 6 returned soldiers'clubs '.. .. .. 16,861 7 2 I National War Funds Council .. .. .. 71,062 8 2 50 funds .. .. .. .. .. £433,040 5 2 This represents an expenditure of £26,267 ss. since the last report.

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XX. ADVERTISING BRANCH Casual newspaper advertising costs totalled £32,581 Os. 7d. Contract and campaign advertising was taken over by the Economic Information Service at tlie beginning of the financial year. This accounts for the decrease in total figures from £97,215 14s. 6d. for 1946-47. An average of from 3,800 to 4,000 press cuttings were supplied weekly to Ministers of the Crown, Government Departments, and overseas posts. XXI.|THE ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY Keeping pace with other activity in the library world in New Zealand, this Library finds itself to-day far from the time and tempo of affairs when it could be regarded as a quiet, sequestered retreat. While a scholarly research library might reasonably have such qualities, the policy pursued over a number of years has transformed it into a busy, much used, and eminently usable public institution. At the same time, the conditions for students are still convenient and congenial, the only embarrassment being at times the limited seating-accommodation for such researchers. Demands for information by students at a distance occasion the reference staff a great deal of work, and it is regretted that it is often impossible to undertake the extensive research involved. People do not always realize that the Library's function is to supply the material, but not generally to do the work as well. The increasing availability of the manuscript resources improves greatly the service to students, and the series of calendars that have been prepared should up to a point be of very wide utility. This series will be continued, but at present it describes only a portion of the McLean papers. The Photograph Collection It has become more and more desirable to develop a collection of photographs as a supplement to the New Zealand history section. Until two years ago this group was insignificant, but at present it numbers about 30,000. A number of private stocks of negatives has been acquired by gift or purchase, and the resulting pictures have been carefully culled and the useless discarded. The country is being systematically surveyed with a view to discovering negative collections in private hands. It is believed that here they can be more accessible than in provincial repositories, of which at present none exists. Facilities here for preservation, cataloguing, and the supply of prints are good. The fact that the requests for photographs are surprisingly many and steady demonstrates its value as an. adjunct of the Library's service. Photostat and microfilm copying of a great deal of Library texts were supplied during the year. Holdings and Acquisitions The number of volumes catalogued to date is 76,620. Rather fewer have been processed this year, due to a great deal of internal rearrangement, which diverted staff ordinarily on other work. The practice of acquiring texts, mainly, so far, of MSS not in the Library's shelves, in microfilm copies has been followed more actively this year. A good microfilm reader has been purchased, and it is now easy for a student to consult such records rapidly and with little eye strain. This procedure is being extended, and rare books not otherwise available will be increasingly accessible through this medium. Purchases during the year brought in, as well as the current works germane to the collections, many highlights that add lustre to several sections of the Library. William Cobbett was a virile and active writer at the end of the eighteenth century, but till the arrival this year of a score of contemporary volumes his name scarcely appeared in the

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catalogue. The "Adventures of Caleb Williams, 1794," and " Mandeville, 1817,'* by William Godwin, that curious figure in the midst of the lines of Shelley, Bryon, and Mary Wollstencraft, represented more adequately the output of the man. The " Church Missionary Record " contains much New Zealand material, and a good file of this was secured. A full series of the publications of the Modern Language Association of America was a valuable addition to the English literature section. That classic of Canadian history, the volumes of the Champlain Society, had existed in a partial set here ; during the year it was brought up to date, and is a valuable comparative record of English colonization. Many texts in early English drama w T ere added to improve that already distinguished group. No library appeared to have a set of the Camden Society's books, and this year our small shelf-ful was extended by a full run from 1838. Later, this society merged into the Royal Historical Society. Its volumes are full of out-of-the-way literary and historical texts. Of association interest were two volumes of Elizabeth Barrett's poems, 1844, with an inscription to R. Hengist Home, and Wordsworth's works, four volumes, 1820, with annotations by William Hazlitt. These appear to be worth study, and notes will later appear in the Tnrnbvll Library Record. As yet the Library holds no first edition of Robert Burton's " Anatomy of Melancholy," but some compensation was felt in the recent procuring of the 1628 edition. It is such a classic that it is difficult to uxxderstand Mr. Turnbull's omitting it. The year must for long be a red-letter one for the acquisition of notable items in the realm of fine printing. Foremost is a complete set of the publications of the Doves Press in forty-six volumes. Already its only peer, the books of the Kelmscott Press, were on the shelves. But this series places the Library in the front rank of fine printing collections. It came from the library of St. John Hornby, himself the proprietor of another distinguished press, the Ashendene. Many of the volumes were presentation copies from the printers themselves, Emory Walker and Cobden-Sanderson, or contain letters from them. In the world of books, it may justly be described as a jewel in fitting company. The Ashendene Press is the source of another goodly pair of volumes, the stately " Don Quixote," printed in the chaste folio magnificence of fine type and the decorous use of page and colour, bound in snowy pigskin. Don Quixote is again represented in another prize, the most splendid books to come from the unsurpassed press of Ibarra of Spain. But where Ibarra learned his art was from John Baskerville, of Birmingham, perhaps the greatest name in the history of English printing. Long has the Library needed, among its long array from Baskerville's machines, his first aid probably finest book, a royal quarto, the " Virgil," of 1757. This yeat a fine copy came in its original binding. Of earlier specimens it was possible to secure the Pliny " Natural History " of 1539 from the Basel Press of Frobeii, friend of Erasmus, a robust and dignified folio ; and from the House of Plantin in Antwerp a portly breviary of 1628. A definitive account of this very long-lived printing firm by Max Rooses was a companion addition. Further books for this section were from the Nonesuch, the Gregynog, the Golden Cockerel, and the Grabhorn Presses. Donations The Health Department transferred to the Turnbull Library a group of early medical works of the seventeenth and eighteenth century, since their interest was antiquarian rather than current. From the estate of the late Bryon Brown came a small selection of New Zealand books and pamphlets, but of especial interest was a number of publications dealing with the competitions, in which he was actively concerned. Mrs.

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Urquhart donated twenty-one volumes of the popular old magazine, the Idler. The British and Foreign Bible Society, Sydney, has presented a long series of devotional works in several Native languages of the Pacific islands, which are valuable additions to the Library's great collection on Oceanic linguistics. It is not easy to particularize among the many gifts that have come this year, and limitations of space make it possible only to express appreciation of the generosity of the many donors whose volumes or documents have added to the Library's resources. The Manuscript Section The work done in the manuscript section has been chiefly that of sorting and arranging the unbound manuscript, not yet in any detail, but in broad categories, which will enable the future indexing to be done more easily and more accurately. All the papers have now been shelved and listed, and are already proving more manageable for the staff and consequently more rewarding for research students. A start has also been made 011 the checking of the bound-manuscript shelves, to which, a considerable number of additions has been made during the sorting of the unbound manuscript. These items are at present being catalogued.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (688 copies), £B2

By Authority: E, V, Paul, Government Printer, Wellington,—l 943,

Price Is.]

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