C.—lA.

As it was not possible to purchase the two Zeiss multiplex projectors, the plotting of contours on the military maps has been carried out by plane table with the assistance of the vertical photographs supplemented by the use of the Barr and Stroud stereoscope plotters on areas that are broken and scrub or bush covered. In addition to the military topographical mapping in the Auckland District, two surveyors and parties from the Wellington District Office have been employed on similar work in the Wellington District. Sheet No. 134 (Hastings) of the 1-mile-to-the-inch topographical series was published during the year. The standard of work on this map compares favourably with that produced in other countries. The following is a summary of the topographical work completed and in hand as at 31st March, 1940:—

Mr. R. J. Crawford, draughtsman in charge of the branch, retired after forty-three years' service on the 31st March, 1940, Mr. G. T. Railton being appointed as his successor. Draughtsmen's and Computers' Examinations. At the annual examinations held in October, 1939, forty-five candidates presented themselves for examination. The results were :— First-grade Draughtsmen— K. A. Bell (Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Hastings). D. G. Francis (Gisborne). S. Gibson (State Forest Service, Wellington). J. R. Johansson (Head Office). C. R. Lanning (Auckland). S. A. Park (Dunedin). J. N. Whibley (New Plymouth). Second-grade Draughtsmen— M. M. Bee (Napier). A. J. Gordon (Dunedin). A. L. Cullington (Auckland). K. W. T. Holcroft (Nelson). H. D. McKechnie (Invercargill). T. J. O'Sullivan (Dunedin). W. T. Pethick (Christchurch). F. W. Smith (Christchurch). Second-grade Computers— F. B. Boaden (Auckland). St. J. Coventry (Wellington). H. E. Ellis (Napier). W. A. Fraser (Invercargill). D. S. Gray (Dunedin). L. R. Larcombe (Invercargill). A. J. Reid (Head Office). I. F. Stirling (Auckland). J. N. Whibley (New Plymouth). A. J. Woodgate (Dunedin). Standard of Length. During the year 31-chain bands, comprising 195 chains, were tested with the standard bands in the custody of Head Office.

7

District. Area flown. Published. Scale. Mapping in mapped. Hand. Square Miles. Square Miles. Square Miles. Square Miles. Hawke's Bay .. .. .. 1,680 860 400 1/63360 420 Auckland .. .. .. 272 100 .. 1/25000 172 Wellington .. .. .. 231 120 .. 1/25000 111 Totals .. .. .. 2,183 1,080 400 .. 703