H.—22,

4

Tarawera and Green Lakes. —The fishing on these lakes, as in Lake Rotoraa, was not, during the early part of the season, as good as usual, but as the season advances good fish will be taken. As in previous years, free fishing licenses were issued to the invalid returned soldiers residing at the King George V Hospital. For the convenience of fishermen and others, arrangements were made whereby anglers' trout could be smoke-cured at Taupo and Rotorua, with the result that eighty anglers and others had 807 fish cured at Taupo, while twenty-seven persons had 276 fish cured at Rotorua. Shags. During the past season efforts have been made to reduce the number of shags on Lakes Rotorua and Taupo, with the result that 208 were shot on Lake Taupo, and on Lake Rotorua the number shot was 203. Cinematograph- film Censorship. During the year 1,821 films, of a total length of 4,692,440 ft., were censored. Of this number, thirty-two were rejected wholly, 108 passed subject to excisions, and eleven passed for adult audiences only. Five appeals were lodged against the decision of the Censor in regard to the rejected films. In three instances the Appeal Board upheld the Censor's decision, and in two cases the appeals were allowed, subject to an excision in one film. Mr. Walter Alfred Tanner has been appointed an Assistant Censor of Films. Fire Brigades Act. Westport, Eltham, and Otaki have been constituted fire districts, bringing the total number of fire districts up to forty. Amendments affecting administration of the Fire Brigades Act have been made in the Finance Act, 1924, in regard to the maximum amount which may be borrowed by Fire Boards, and in respect to contributions by insurance companies insuring property in New Zealand although not having any established offices in the Dominion. The Department, following upon direct requisitions received from Fire Boards and the United Fire Brigades Association, has again indented and distributed a large quantity of fire-hose, fire appliances, and other equipment not manufactured in the Dominion. Passports. During the year 4,197 passports were issued, and 1,395 renewals granted. Passports issued since the Ist December, 1924, are valid for five years from the date of issue. At the expiration of that time they may be renewed for periods of one, two, three, four, or five years, at the option of the holder, the fee being Is. for each year of renewal. Raffles. As usual, a large number of applications have been received to raffle works of art, alluvial gold, &c., and in the majority of cases the necessary permission has been granted. The conditions under which licenses to raffle are granted provide that only the articles specified are to be raffled, and that there must be no substitution of other prizes or payment in cash. Certain cases have, however, come under notice in which advertisements have been placed on the tickets in which private firms offer to give to the winner a motor-car, suite of furniture, &c., for the prizes indicated on the tickets. To prevent any evasion of the Act a condition is now inserted in the license that no advertisements will be permitted on any part (back or front) of the tickets, or any part of the book of tickets. Distinguished Visitors. During the year the Dominion was visited by the British Imperial Service Squadron, in command of Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick L. Field, K.C.8., C.M.G., detachments of the squadron visiting various ports. This Department was privileged to carry out the arrangements relative to the entertainment of the officers and men of the fleet, and its sincere thanks is due to other Government Departments, and to local bodies and other organizations, as well as the people of the Dominion for their wholehearted co-operation and assistance. The Admiral of the Fleet expressed appreciation of the hospitality extended throughout the Dominion on the occasion of the visit. Soldiers' and Historical Graves. Veterans' and Historical Graves. —Much progress was made in locating and recording graves of the Maori wars, and it is intended to permanently mark these as work on graves of the Great War is carried out in the various districts. Arrangements were completed for thorough renovation and beautification of the following cemeteries containing graves of early settlers and soldiers of the Maori wars : Onepoto (Lake Waikaremoana); old cemetery, Gisborne; Russell Churchyard ; Taupo old military cemetery ; Opepe (graves of the victims of the massacre) ; Ngongotaha (Bainbridge's grave) ; Opotiki (Kelly Street burial-ground) ; Tuakau ; Mauku (burial-ground on Mr. Edkin's farm, containing graves of those who fell in Titi Farm engagement) ; Bouleott's Farm (monument under construction at corner of old Military Road, Lower Hutt) ; Waitara ; Ohawe (Taranaki). Great War Graves in New Zealand. —The total number of deaths of returned soldiers and those who died while undergoing training in New Zealand is 3,191, and of this number the graves of 2,022, whose deaths are considered' to have been due to disabilities arising from war service, have been accepted as war graves. The definition of a war grave in New Zealand allows of the acceptance of the grave of any soldier who dies of a war disability, but in all other Dominions death from war disabilities must have taken place not later than August, 1921 (the official date of the termination of the war) before graves can be accepted.