C.—lA

In anticipation of the purchase of two Zeiss multiplex projectors, the flying is being carried out to obtain at a scale of 1 in 23,760 (30 chains to 1 in.). The Air Force are employing a special plane purchased for the purpose, and it is anticipated that the work will be of high standard. The staff has been increased by the addition of an experienced draughtsman. In order to cope with the programme arranged for the Department by the Mapping Committee of the Organization for National Security, a further increase in the staff will be necessary. The services of approximately six additional draughtsmen will be required, in addition to an augmented field staff. Draughtsmen and Computers' Examination. —At the annual examinations held in October, 1938, forty-one candidates presented themselves for examination. The results were as follows : —• First-Grade Draughtsmen— B. E. Andrewes (Hokitika). J. H. Cook (Napier). C. E. Leikis (Napier). J. A. Whitcombe (Christchurch). Second-grade Draughtsmen — D. A. Macmorland (Nelson). W. Mcßae (Napier). G. W. Markham (Auckland). J. N. Whibley (Napier). Second-grade Computers — A. J. Gillon (Dunedin). R. A. Innes (Dunedin). C. R. Lanning (Auckland). K. W. Loan (Blenheim). J. A. Mcßae (Dunedin). P. R. Malthus (Head Office). T. E. Miles (Hokitika). S. M. Noble (Housing Department). C. W. J. Pierson (Invercargill). 0. H. Wilton (Christchurch). Standard of Length.—During the year there were thirty-three bands, comprising 200 chains, tested with the standard bands in the custody of Head Office. Scheme Plans. —The following table (Id) sets out in summary the number of town-scheme plans dealt with under section 16 of the Land Act, 1924.

TABLE 1d. —Summary of Town Scheme Subdivisions dealt with under Section 16 of the Land Act, 1924, for the Year ended 31st March, 1939.

The area dealt with is approximately equal to that of the previous year. There has been a slight decrease in the percentage of area set aside for the purpose of reserves, but a relative increase is shown in the area set aside for new road, which represents approximately 10 miles of new roading for subdivisional purposes. Centennial Exhibition. —The layout for the Department's exhibit at the forthcoming exhibition has been finalized. Mr. G. L. Redward, of the Head Office staff, has been transferred to the Exhibition buildings to assist the designers in the designing-work. The technical branch of the Department has been fortunate in being allotted sufficient space to display and illustrate the various branches of the work of the Department. An attempt is being made to make the exhibit educational as well as interesting.

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Number ' timber . Reserves District. of | g a ew ,{j0alls - Reserves. Saleable Lots. Total Areas. Plans - Lots. Lots). A. R. P. A. E. P. A. B. P. A. B. P. Auckland and North Auckland 117 1,013 58 3 16-2 28 2 23-1 8 337 2 26-7 425 0 26-0 Gisbome .. .. .. 9 33 1 2 38-0 11 16 0 21-5 17 3 19-5 Hawke'sBay .. ..8 43 1 0 07-2 0 1 20-8 2 16 2 23-0 18 0 11-0 Taranaki .. .. .. 1 2 .. .. .. 20 30-5 2 0 30-5 Wellington.. .. .. 30 207 3 0 38-4 2 0 28-2 4 60 0 23-1 65 2 09-7 Marlborough .. .. 4 9 0 0 01-0 0 2 34-0 7 10 1 11-0 11 0 06-0 Nelson .. .. ..7 97 4 3 27-3 4 3 22-9 19 26 0 01-1 35 3 11-3 Westland .. .. .. 14 110 0 0 03-9 2 0 20-9 6 34 1 36-4 36 2 21-2 Canterbury .. .. 44 407 7 3 01-9 5 1 30-1 4 149 0 38-0 162 1 30-0 Otago .. .. .. 22 163 0 2 13-5 1 135-4 3 45 0 02-6 47 0 11-5 Southland .. .. .. 3 14 .. .. .. 3 0 34-1 3 0 34-1 Totals .. .. 259 2,098 76 1 29-4 47 2 13-4 7 701 0 08-0 825 0 10-8