6

G. -U

Land-sale maps to the number of 194 passed through the office, and other maps and tracings numbering 320 were drawn during the year. A map of the Town of Greymouth for reproduction by photo-lithography is in progress; also one of Chatham Islands, showing the latest information in regard to names, &c, kindly supplied by Mr. Shand, one of the oldest residents of the islands. Geological maps were jnrepared of the following districts: Leaning Rock, Tiger Hill, Poolburn, Davy Creek coal area, Waikerikeri and Ophir Goldfields; and ten-mile maps showing land tenure, Native lands, forest reserves, <fee, for Parliament, and maps for Native Land Commission. Schemes of towns, both public and private, numbering in all 98, were submitted for the approval of His Excellency the Governor and Minister of Lands under sections 17 and 18 of " The Land Act, 1892," and " The Towns Main Streets Act, 1902." Schedules and descriptions have been prepared in connection with lands to be taken by Proclamation or otherwise to be set apart for roads, workers' dwellings, local bodies' loans, kauri-gum districts, scenery, State forests, &c. Seventy-one descriptions have been written and recorded, when necessary, of counties, ridings, road districts, boroughs, registration districts, reserves, &c, and schedules prepared and checked of 16 Bills for Parliament. All the county and principal lithographs are now arranged in the draughting-room, which is a great convenience. The office strong-room has also been rearranged, but to bring it up to date, and also facilitate the handling of maps, the old portfolios should be dispensed with and drawers substituted.