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and likely to be within the range of the finances of the committees throughout the Dominion was made, and photographic copies thereof sent to local bodies and memorial committees throughout the Dominion, where they were on exhibition for periods varying from, three to seven days. Many letters of appreciation have been received from local bodies and committees, which go to show that the designs have served a useful purpose. The designs reflect great credit on the taste and judgment of Mr. Seager. Manuscripts presented by Sir George Grey. Amongst the public gifts made by Sir George Grey to South Africa when he left that colony was a number of books, letters, and manuscripts referring to New Zealand. In like manner his gift to Auckland City contains a good deal of literature relating to South Africa. On several occasions the New Zealand Government has communicated with the Government of the Union of South Africa regarding an exchange, and in September last the Prime Minister of the Union of South. Africa, Cape Town, was asked if he could kindly see his way to introduce legislation to enable the trustees of the South African Public Library, Cape Town, to enter into negotiations with the Auckland Public Library for the exchange. A reply has now been received from the Right Hon. J. C. Smuts, enclosing a copy of an Act passed by the Legislature of the Union of South Africa vesting the Grey Collection in South. Africa in the trustees of the South African Public Library, Cape Town, and empowering the trustees to exchange the books and manuscripts relating to the Maoris of New Zealand and to Polynesia for the books and manuscrijjts relating to South Africa or its people in the Grey Collection in the Auckland Public Library. In forwarding the Act Mr. Smuts states that he is in entire agreement with the New Zealand Government that it is highly desirable these exchanges should take place. The Auckland City Council has been supplied with a copy of the South African Act, and it is hoped that the necessary arrangements will be made at an early date. Animals Protection Act. Acclimatization Districts. The boundaries of the Marlborough and North Canterbury Acclimatization Districts were defined) and the Waitaki Acclimatization Society deposited amended rules. Shooting Season. Open game seasons were declared in every acclimatization district. Following the usual practice, licenses to sell game were not issued. It was again possible to declare short open seasons for the taking or killing of paradise duck in certain southern acclimatization districts. Deer. Open seasons for deer-stalking were, as usual, provided for in the various acclimatization districts in which these animals exist, and from reports received some good heads were taken. It becomes more evident each year that a comprehensive system of deer-culling will have to be carried out. Tuatara Lizards. Good work is being done by the keepers on island sanctuaries in destroying cats, hawks, and goats. Opossums. During the session of 1920 an Animals Protection Amendment Act was passed making provision to declare an open season for the taking or killing of opossums ; and early in the new year a conference was held, consisting of representatives of acclimatization societies, Government Departments, the fruitgrowers' association, skin-dealers, and others, including Professor Kirk, of Victoria College, Wellington, the object being to draw up regulations which would meet all the varying conditions affected. It was found necessary, among other things, to authorize the destruction of opossums at any time in any registered orchard or any certain orchard areas. It was also suggested that there should be a royalty payable of Is. on every opossum-skin, and that provision be made to enable the GovernorGeneral to fix the proportion of fees, fines, and royalties payable to acclimatization societies. Very great interest is being taken in the matter throughout the Dominion, more especially in those districts in which opossums are plentiful; and it is believed that a fair amount of revenue will be received, and that possibly a considerable industry may eventually be developed. ft was decided that as the matter was in its infancy it would not be desirable to have an open season at present for a lengthy period, and it was decided that the season should be limited this year to the month of June. Wapiti and Moose. On the 3rd March, 1905, ten wapiti (three males and seven females) were liberated at the head of George's Sound, while on the 9th April, 1910, ten moose (four bulls and six cows) were liberated at the head of Dusky Sound. Considerable interest has been taken in the liberations, and to ascertain whether they had become acclimatized it was decided to send the Conservator on an expedition of inquiry. In the absence of a steamer service the journey from Bluff to the sounds was undertaken in a small sailing-craft. On arrival at the locality where the wapiti were liberated several landings were made, and on the western end of Lake Katherine a fine wapiti hind was seen, while at this and other places numerous tracks and footprints were discovered. In the vicinity of Supper Coy being the spot where the moose were liberated —many landings were'madc, and, although none of the animals were actually sighted in the dense bush, there was abundant evidence of their presence. It was observed that the bark had been eaten off trees to a height of 12ft., and clear-cut hoof-marks were seen which measured 6| in. wide by 5 in. long. With a view to obtaining further information on the subject it has been decided to make an investigation on the eastern side of the mountain-chain in Fiordland during the coming season.