H.—22,

The above scheme implies, among other things, that there are available the playing-fields and other necessaries to cope with any increasing demand. In order to ascertain what facilities are at present available a complete survey of existing recreational facilities is at present being carried out. In this work local authorities are actively co-operating. When the survey is complete, the adequacy of existing recreational facilities can be ascertained, and it will then be possible to advise where extension is desirable. Naturally, in a work which touches so intimately the private lives of the citizens, it is necessary in planning local effort to encourage local endeavour, and with that object in view some 160 local committees have been set up under the statutory provisions in that regard. In nominating those committees it has been the practice to include in each several members of the local-governing authority as well as other representative citizens. In order to encourage uniformity throughout the Dominion the National Council has circularized all committees setting forth its views as to possible lines of advance. Many of the local committees are in active operation and have already created an enthusiasm for the objects of the movement. Among the other matters discussed by the Council was a proposal to encourage group travel. In other countries such work has been most successful, and there is not wanting in New Zealand evidence that, given the necessary lead, a considerable increase on present activities is possible. A proper appreciation of our own " great outdoors " is a vital element in any national recreation programme. During the year two specialist officers were appointed to advise as to the most satisfactory methods of procedure. Already as a result of their work it is evident that considerable progress has been made. X. KING GEORGE V NATIONAL MEMORIAL FUND. Legislation necessary for the purpose of making provision with respect to the control and administration of this Fund was enacted during the 1938 session under the title of the King George the Fifth Memorial Fund Act. In brief, the Act gives statutory recognition to the Fund, constitutes a Board of Trustees to administer the Fund, and defines the purposes upon which the moneys in the Fund may be expended. In addition, authority is contained in the Act for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees' as to the expenditure of moneys. Local authorities, public bodies, incorporated societies, trustees, and others are authorized to make contributions to the Board of money, chattels, and land. XI. CINEMATOGRAPH-THEATRES. A. Film Censorship. During the year 1,866 films of all classes, totalling 4,713,790 ft., were examined. Of this number, 5 were rejected in the first instance, 2 were subsequently passed after reconstruction, 112 were passed subject to excisions, 183 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 3 were passed with the caution that they were not suitable for children. Three appeals were lodged ; one was dismissed, and the other two were allowed. These, however, were merely protests against some minor excisions, and not against total rejection. An analysis of the work shows —

Quota Films : The countries of origin of the quota films examined were as follows : Great Britain, 56 ; Australia, 5 ; United States of America, 381 ; France, 1; Switzerland, 1; Czechoslovakia, 1. Rejections: Of the 5 films rejected, 4 were " quota "or long films'—l originating in Great Britain, 1 in Switzerland, 1 in United States of America, and 1 in Czechoslovakia. General Remarks : During the year under review, as compared with the previous year, the number of rejections was 5 as against 6, the number of films requiring amendment increased from 32 to 112, and the number of films recommended as more suitable for adult audiences dropped from 203 to 183, while the number considered to be definitely unsuitable for exhibition to young people was 3, as compared with 5 in the previous year. There was a considerable increase in miniature films presented for examination, mostly comprising cultural, educative, and recreative subjects, showing that these films are now coming into more general use. Quite a fair proportion of industrial or advertising films, both in standard and miniature size, were also submitted. The number of British feature films coming to New Zealand continues to decline ; 56, as compared with 93 in the previous year. Some of these films were of a high standard, fully equal to the best American productions in technical excellence and entertainment value.

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Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. ; Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 61 448,360 495 451,430 Foreign .. .. .. 384- 2,836,220 926 977,780 445 3,284,580 1,421 1,429,210