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1925. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1925.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sir., — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 30th June, 1925. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1925. I have, &c., J. Hislop, Under-Secretary. The Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT. Local Government. Counties.■ —-No new counties were constituted, but there is a proposal to divide the existing Waimea County into two counties. The matter was brought before this Department with a view to ascertaining what attitude would be taken by the Government if a Bill were introduced. The policy of the Government does not favour the division of existing counties unless there is some very good reason justifying such action. In order to assist in determining whether there is any good reason in this case a Commission was set up to inquire into the matter and report to the Government. The matter is still under consideration. The boundaries of several counties were altered and redefined, and riding boundaries were also altered in a number of cases. Boroughs. —The Municipal Conference again met, and passed a large number of resolutions asking for amendment of the existing law affecting boroughs and town districts. These resolutions are being carefully considered as opportunity offers. There was a larger number than usual of alterations of borough boundaries, and a number of Commissions of inquiry were set up during the year to assist in determining whether alterations should be made. Regulations were issued authorizing Renewal Fund Commissioners to invest their funds in the Common Fund of the Public Trust Office, in the bonds, debentures, or other securities of certain local authorities, or in advances by way of first mortgage on real securities in New Zealand. Town Districts. —The boundaries of the Ohura Town District were altered, and the Kaitaia Town District was declared not to form part of the County of Mongonui. Road Districts. —Only one road district was merged, leaving now thirty-four road districts in the Dominion. River Districts. —Quite a number of matters connected with river districts were considered during the year, but only two alterations of boundaries were made. Land-drainage Districts.—A number of drainage-district matters were considered, but only two new districts were constituted.

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