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Conditional Approval, —The approval by the Censor of any film may be absolute, or may be given subject to a condition that the film may be exhibited only to a specified class or to specified classes of persons. Of the 439 " quota " films that were approved for exhibition, some 165 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and it is significant that so large a number was deemed to be unsuitable for children. This classification is intended to convey a warning to parents or guardians, but places no obligation on exhibitors to exclude children. The experience everywhere in New Zealand, in common with other parts of the British Empire, shows that the dialogue of sound films more acutely emphasizes delicate situations as compared with the system of titling which prevailed in the silent films, and doubtless it is this factor which materially contributes to the increase during recent years of the number of approvals subjected to conditions. Film Subjects. —It is observed that film subjects go in cycles, and a good reception by the public of a particular theme induces producing companies to make films on similar lines. Thus the gangster and racketeering stories of the United States of America have been much in evidence, but it is doubtful whether domestic problems peculiar to one country are appreciated to the same extent in other countries. A preponderance of the films shown in New Zealand originate in the United States of America, and it is not unnatural that the history and the social and political problems of that country should predominate in forming the basis of so many films exhibited in this country. Dominion Museum. New Museum. —The commencement of building operations on the Mount Cook site brings the opening of the new museum within a definite time. The work of preparing the exhibits and labels is therefore proceeding apace with routine work. Special attention is being given to the preparation of exhibits of a directly educational character, especially those which will serve as an introduction to the principal collections in the museum. It would be desirable to show in the Dominion Museum a series of exhibits illustrating the industries of the Dominion, and especially the activities of such Government Departments as the Forestry, Agriculture, Industries and Commerce, and Fisheries. Such, however, would require an addition to the museum galleries of nearly the same area as those provided in the new building. Maori Ethnology. —The Sydney Street store is now open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on week-days, except Saturday. Most visitors to the museum also view the Maori collections. Work is proceeding with the larger Maori exhibits. Barge boards have been completed for the Turanga house, and a prow-piece, replica of an old one in the Berlin Museum, has been made for the canoe " Te Heke Rangatira." The principal addition to the Maori collection was a series of eleven carvings from Te Kooti's meeting-house at Mataatua in the Urewera Country. The panels were found to be lying on the ground without any protection from the weather, and it is obvious that if steps had not been taken for their removal to the museum these historical carvings would have been lost through decay. Other Collections. —Very little expenditure for collecting has been incurred, but opportunity has been taken of members of the staff travelling for other purposes to collect in the localities visited. In this way small collections of plants, insects, fishes, and rocks have been made at Mount Egmont, Mount Ruapehu, Marlborough Sounds, Rotorua, and Napier. Collections received as exchanges from overseas include West Africa Mollusca from Mr. W. H. Weeks, New York ; Cambrian Brachiopods from the United States National Museum ; and plants from the University of California. The transference to the museum of Dr. Cockayne's botanical collections was completed during the year. Visit of Representative of Carnegie Corporation. —Mr. S. F. Markham, representing the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Museums Association of London, made a tour of New Zealand, and, accompanied by the Director of the Dominion Museum, visited every museum and art gallery in the Dominion. A joint report has been compiled, which is being submitted to the Carnegie Corporation, and it is hoped that, acting on the recommendations contained therein, the Corporation will approve of a policy of assistance to the various museums and art galleries of New Zealand. Mr. Markham's visit has undoubtedly been a helpful stimulus to the museum and art gallery service of the Dominion. Moreover, by his advice he has directed museum curators along lines designed better to educate the public, and more in accordance with modern practices in Europe and America. At the same time he pointed out that for the museum and art gallery service to advance in New Zealand much more financial aid than is given at present is required. International Exchange Service. —Thirty-one cases of publications from the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and several parcels from Belgium, Italy, Germany, and China, have been received and distributed to various recipients throughout the Dominion. Publications. —Two of the late Mr. Best's manuscripts still await publication. The following papers were published by members of the staff during the year : Miss E. M. Heine, " New Zealand Species of Xiphophora " ; Mr. W. J. Phillipps : " Canoe-poling on the Whanganui River " ; " Notes on New Fishes from New Zealand " ; " Some New Opiliones from New Zealand " (with R. E. R. Grimmett). Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing. —The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves is now 39,250. There has been practically no binding done. Additions. —About 233 volumes, including 159 donated, were added to the library ; those added by purchase being continuations of sets. Donations. —The chief of these are the following : His Excellency Lord Bledisloe—(1) " A Conspectus of Recent Agricultural Research " (Cawthron lecture), and (2) " Report on Excavation . . . of Roman site, Lydney Park" ; Gerald FitzGerald — Volume of original verses; Sir George Fowlds—Many pamphlets and miscellaneous publications ; Roman Catholic Mission, British

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