7

H.—22

During the year the work of the Laboratory has shown an all-round increase, the war in particular placing a heavier burden on the Dominion Analyst and his staff. Dominion Museum. —ln his report the Director presents a closely reasoned plea for the national importance of carrying on the work of the Museum even during the most critical stages of the war. With this I agree, and so far as possible its needs both in the way of equipment and staff have been attended to. It is satisfactory to note that a very encouraging response has been made to the Minister's appeal to the people of the Dominion for materials for a National Historical Collection. Reports. —The annual reports of the heads of sub-departments are printed in the Appendix along with those of the Officer in Charge of the War Funds Office and the Conservator of Fish and Game. lI.—STAEE. Again I have great pleasure in acknowledging the cheerful willingness of all my officers under very trying circumstances. The heads of sub-departments have as usual shown the true spirit of co-operation in their relations with me as head of the Department. Their knowledge and ability have been of the greatest assistance. The staffs of the Head Office and branches have been considerably changed by reason of voluntary enlistments of officers and the operation of the ballot, the latter particularly affecting the Head Office. lII.—ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS. The special assistance rendered by several other Departments demands special acknowledgment. Without the generous co-operation of the Customs Department the War Regulations of the 21st August, 1916, and 26th February, 1917, could not have been satisfactorily administered. Increased calls have been made on the Police Department, and the valuable services rendered by the Post and Telegraph Department resulted in the distribution and collection of census papers much more economically and efficiently than at any previous census. J. Hislop, Under-Secretary.