5

H.—22

Assistance has been given by many veteran soldiers and settlers, and also by Maoris who fought on either the side of the Government or that of the Native confederations. A special feature of the work will be the illustrations, which comprise a large number of valuable drawings, portraits, diagrams, and plans not previously published. Volume 1 covers the Dominion's Native, pioneering, and military history from 1840 to 1860, and includes much new and interesting information. Volume '2 (1860—64) takes in the period of the King movement, the first and second wars in Taranaki, the Waikato War, and the first operations in the Bay of Plenty. Volume 3, which lias involved more research than either of the other volumes, embraces the whole history of Hauhauism and the campaigns of the west and east coasts from 1864 to 1872. The history will provide citizens of the Dominion with a work much needed, a complete and authoritative narrative of the numerous campaigns which made history in the Island, and of the struggles and adventures which brought oul I,he heroic virtues of both races and laid the foundations of our national patriotism. Mr. Cowan's engagement has been extended for another year. ()i,i> SouiiuKs and Historical Gravis, The Inspector of Old Soldiers and Historical Graves has been busily engaged throughout tin' year in arranging for the maintenance and upkeep of graves and cemeteries. Thirty-one cemeteries have received attention in regard Io dilapidated monuments and plots, and investigations are bring made concerning many others. Two plots on Great Barrier Island, wherein the bodies of the victims of the wreck of the " Wairarapa " are buried, are being vested in the Crown, and the plots will be maintained by the Department, .The Department has lately undertaken the control of graves of members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force buried in New Zealand. Censorship of Films. During the year 1,735 films-, containing 3,791,230 ft.>, have been examined by the Censor of Films, Of these twelve were rejected, and cuts were made in 143. It has been brought under notice that many of the advertisements and posters in connection with cinematograph films are offensive to public taste. The question of introducing legislation to censor all advertisements and posters is at present under consideration. Land Agents Act. Up to and including .'Sl,st .March, 1920, 1,236 licenses and one transfer under the Land Agents Act were granted, as against 1,158 licenses and seventeen transfers during 191!), and 806 licenses and nine transfers during 1918. Administration of the Act lias brought to light many defects, which will later be removed by the introduction of fresh legislation. Messenger Service. The messenger service for the disposal of interdepartmental correspondence has maintained a high standard of efficiency, and although three motor-vans and a cycle are in use at Wellington the time, has arrived when another van will be required to cope with the work. The expansion of the Civil Service in general and the increasing difficulty to obtain office accommodation has resulted in offices being far removed from the Government Buildings, and these factors are responsible for the increased work in the messenger service. Staff. The general reclassification of the service took place during the year. In addition to the standard regrading increase a number of my officers, who displayed more than ordinary ability and were performing important duties, were specially classified. A large number of officers of the Department who served in the war have now returned to duty and are doing excellent work. 1 regret to report that during the year Mr. (1. P. Newton, the Assistant Under-Secretary, had, on medical advice, to take extended sick-leave. Mr. Khmiburgh, Officer in Charge of War Funds, retired, on superannuation. i have once more pleasure in acknowledging the true-hearted co-operation of my executive officers and heads of sub-departments, and the excellent service rendered by officers of all grades. Assistance rendered by other Departments. The generous assistance rendered by other Departments again demands special acknowledgment. The Customs and Police Departments continued to afford invaluable help in the administration of the war regulations dealing with passports and permits and of the Registration of Aliens Act. The Public Works, Lauds and Survey, Justice, and Valuation Departments again lent their expert officers for commissions dealing with local-government matters. The organization of the Post and Telegraph Department was freely placed at niv disposal for the purpose of enrolling electors for the general election in December last. The work performed by its officers was excellent throughout. I have, &c, J. Hislop, Under-Secretary.