H,— 22

Deer-skins. There is a very keen demand for deer-skins, and at times it has not been possible to fill orders. The total number of skins sold during the year was 7,847, and negotiations were in progress for the sale of remaining stocks. Private deer commercial hunters have also continued to save skins, and in many cases have sold them to the Department. Skins handled from this source numbered 1,601. Cheap Ammunition. The Department supplies -303 ammunition to commercial deer hunters and others desiring it for deer-destruction. It is also issued for use in destroying wild pigs and wild goats. The price is 10s. 6d. per hundred, plus freight. Deer Antlers, &c. This season antlers have been collected where possible, with a view to sending a supply overseas to test the market. It is not possible to save the antlers of any large proportion of the stags shot, owing to transport and other difficulties, and the price will have to be attractive if antlers are required in any quantity. Chamois and Thar. There is ample evidence to show that these animals are spreading in the South Island, and investigations have been made by officers of the Department. The animals were originally liberated in the Mount Cook region, and although in past seasons a few were shot by the departmental parties in other areas, it was evident that it was necessary in any campaign against the menace to pay special attention to the area which has been the source of increase and spread. Departmental parties will operate in the Mount Cook locality during the winter. Opossums. Open trapping-seasons were declared in twenty-four acclimatization districts. The number of skins stamped was 139,725, compared with 252,556 for the previous year. Naturalization. During the year 180 certificates of naturalization were granted, including four to persons naturalized (but within the limits of New Zealand only) under the provisions of previous Acts, and who took advantage of obtaining a certificate under the Act of 1928, so as to obtain the more complete status of a British subject both in and beyond the Dominion. Two British-born women, who had married aliens, were readmitted to British nationality. No certificates of naturalization were revoked. One prosecution was instituted for false declaration. A conviction was recorded and a fine of £10, in default six months' imprisonment, was imposed. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35, allows a woman, who was British prior to marrying an alien, and who has acquired the husband's nationality by reason of marriage, to make a declaration of desire to retain, while in NewZealand, the right of a British subject. Forty-three women made such a declaration. It confers the rights, but not the status, of a British subject, and is operative in New Zealand only. The Act also allows the wife of an alien becoming naturalized after the year 1934 to take her choice of acquiring British nationality. Previously, the wife automatically acquired British nationality. Thirty-six wives of naturalized aliens exercised their option in this direction. Passports. During the year 3,641 new passports were issued as compared with 3,383 last year, and with 2,245 for the year ended 31st March, 1934. Renewals for varying periods were granted to 721 passports, as compared with 724 last year, and 605 for the year ended 31st March, 1934. The noticeable increase of passports issued may be taken as an index of the recent improvement in economic conditions as compared with previous years. Visas were granted to thirty-eight aliens leaving New Zealand and requiring visas to facilitate their landing in other portions of the British Commonwealth. Although no prosecutions were instituted during the year, it was found necessary to recapture a passport which had been issued some years ago to an individual who has since been discovered to be of undesirable character and unfit to hold a passport. Land Agents and Auctioneers. Land Agents. Six hundred and ninety-one licenses were issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 660 licenses and 6 transfers for the previous year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and sixteen licenses were issued and 287 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 405 licenses and 262 changes of endorsement for the previous year.

6