O.—lA

" Records of the Survey of New Zealand." —The second volume of this publication is in the press, and Volume 3, containing supplementary information to this report, is in course of preparation. Professional Paper No. 1. —A second edition of the original paper by T. Humphries, F.R.A.S., formerly Surveyor-General, on " Directions for testing Traverse Bearings by Observations on Circumpolar Stars," has been issued. The new edition contains also, as Part 11, " Determination of Time, Latitude, and Azimuth," a reprint of the original paper under that title by C. W. Adams, Geodesical Surveyor, and formerly Chief Surveyor of Marlborough. New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, 1925-26. —A special publication, under the title of " Surveys and Maps," was issued for distribution at the above Exhibition, being an exposition of the work, methods, and organization of the New Zealand survey system. The Department was represented by a small court, in which were exhibited various field instruments relating to past and present methods whereby the various operations are conducted. Computing and drawing instruments were shown, and specimens of maps, illustrating the processes by which some of the more important results are achieved. A model of the City of Dunedin and the surrounding country was a feature of the court which attracted much interest. A number of the town-planning schemes received in connection with the Orakei and Lower Hutt competitions were on view, and photographs showing the progress of land-settlement in the Dominion. Full details and photographs of the more important exhibits will be published in the " Records of the Survey." Desiderata. —A repeat magnetic survey at the more important seaports is a matter that should receive early attention. The erection of a suitable building in which to house the comparator, and the securing of a site in connection therewith to compare tapes, is becoming a pressing matter. Staff. Retirements. —The following officers retired on superannuation during the year : 6. H. Bullard, Chief Surveyor, Canterbury (31/12/25) ; W. F. Marsh, Chief Surveyor, Auckland (31/12/25) ; J. Cook, Chief Surveyor, Taranaki (31/12/25) ; V. I. Blake, Chief Surveyor, Gisborne (31/12/25) ; 0. G. Goldsmith, Chief Draughtsman, Invercargill (30/9/25). Appointments, Transfers, <&c. —T. Brook, Chief Surveyor, Wellington, was promoted to the position of Valuer-General (1/2/26) ; K. M. Graham, Chief Surveyor, Invercargill, to Chief Surveyor, Auckland (10/10/25) ; N. C. Kensington, Chief Surveyor, Nelson, to Chief Surevyor, Invercargill 10/10/25; A. F. Waters, Chief Draughtsman, Nelson, to Chief Surveyor, Nelson, (1/1/26); E. H. Farnie, Chief Draughtsman, Gisborne, to Chief Surveyor, Gisborne ; W. D. Arm.it, Chief Draughtsman, New Plymouth, to Chief Surveyor, New Plymouth (1/1/26) ; W. Stewart, Chief Draughtsman, Christchurch, to Chief Surveyor, Christchurch (1/1/26) ; F. H. Waters, Chief Draughtsman, Wellington, to Chief Surveyor, Wellington (1/2/26) ; B. C. A. McCabe, surveyor, Taranaki, to Chief Draughtsman, New Plymouth (22/3/26) ; S. L. Fairhall, surveyor, Wellington, to Chief Draughtsman, Invercargill (29/6/25) ; H. L. Primrose, surveyor, Gisborne, to Chief Draughtsman, Gisborne (21/1/26) ; A. J. Wicks, Land Transfer draughtsman, Christchurch, to Chief Draughtsman, Christchurch (1/1/26) ; L. Hunt, Land Transfer draughtsman, New Plymouth, to Land Transfer draughtsman, Christchurch (18/3/26); R. W. Collins, draughtsman and computor, Wellington, to Senior Draughtsman, Wellington (13/3/26) ; C. G. S. Ellis, computor, Head Office, to Land Transfer draughtsman, New Plymouth (12/3/26) ; A. V. Adams, Survey cadet, appointed surveyor (1/5/25). Twenty-one draughting cadets have been appointed during the year, and eight have resigned from the staff. Obituary.—Mr. Percy Mitchell, draughtsman and computer of the North Auckland Office, died on the 19th November last. Before joining the Department Mr. Mitchell had eleven years' experience in surveying and engineering in Otago and Southland. Hr joined the staff in May, 1897, at New Plymouth, where he remained for ten years. He was transferred to Auckland in November, 1907, and was engaged in the Land Transfer Office and later in the North Auckland Survey Office. Mr. Mitchell was regarded as an experienced and capable officer, and was in his fifty-seventh year. Wilfrid May Atkinson, Land Transfer draughtsman at New Plymouth, died on the 4th April, 1925, after a short illness. His death was very much felt by the Department, as he had proved himself a thoroughly capable officer his careful and methodical manner making him especially fitted for the duties of Land Transfer draughtsman. He joined the Department in 1907 as assistant surveyor at Whangarei. Transferred to Napier in 1912, he carried out various field operations, including settlement, standard, and inspection surveys, for eight years, after which, for health reasons, he took up office duties at Auckland, Invercargill, and Gisborne, being appointed Land Transfer draughtsman at the last two places. Appreciation.—ln conclusion, I am pleased to bring under your notice and to place on record the appreciation by the various Chief Surveyors of the manner in which their officers have carried out their duties during the year, and I desire to convey my thanks to the whole of the Survey staff for their good work. rp Neill, Surveyor-General.

Table 1. —Return of Field-work executed by Head Office Staff from 1st April, 1924, to 31st March, 1925.

7

Standard Surveys. Geodetic Triangulation. — Other Work. Land District. Completed. In Progress. Completed. In Progress. Miles. Cost. Miles, i Cost. Utiles 6 Cost. 6 ! Cost. Cost. £ s. d. I £ s. d. j £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. North Auckland .. 2*6 140 13 3 1 20 1,060 16 1 ! .. .. .. 39 17 3 Taranaki .. .. .. 30 3,044 0 2! Giabom<f " }" •• j " " " " 7 ' 200 5 > 105 13 2 Southland .. .. .. .. 3,203 4 7 .. .. .. .. j _ j l_ _ ___!