11.—22.

The following surveys were published during the year : — " New Zealand in the World," by F. L. W. Wood. " Government in New Zealand," by Leicester Webb. " New-Zealanders and Science," by S. H. Jenkinson. " Letters and Art in New Zealand," by E. H. McCormick. " The Farmer in New Zealand," by G. T. Alley and D. 0. W. Hall. The " Making New Zealand " series of pictorial surveys has been completed, the following numbers appearing during the 1940-41 year : —• 14. Bread. 15. Manufacturing. 16. Tracks and Roads. 17. The Railways. 18. Sea and Air. 19. Communications. 20. Houses. 21. Public Buildings. 22. Furniture. 23. Dress. 24. Defence. 25. Recreation. 26. Summer Sports. 27. Winter Sports. 28. Racing. 29. Polynesians. 30. The Changing Land. The " Dictionary of New Zealand Biography," in two volumes, edited by Dr. G. H. Scholefield, was published during the year. This authoritative publication has already established itself as a major work of reference, indispensible to historical workers. The " Centennial Atlas " continues as an important research project. However, war conditions are having their effect in that difficulty is being experienced in securing the services of draughtsmen and in obtaining paper of the requisite type. Therefore early publication of the atlas cannot be anticipated. During the year the staff rendered a good deal of assistance to members of the Government requiring historical information, to provincial Historical Committees, and to private persons undertaking research work. The series of historical articles sent out each month to newspapers was continued until the final issue in November, 1940. The typing of original unpublished manuscripts of historical interest was continued, and copies will be placed in the main libraries of the Dominion. 11. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS. Among the responsibilities of the Department in the constitutional field were the following : — (а) The arrangements for the swearing-in of His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Louis Norton Newall, on his assumption of office on the 22nd February, 1941 : (б) The promulgation of the emergency regulations and orders following on the declaration of war on Italy : (c) Action by the Under-Secretary, as Clerk of the Writs, in connection with the issue and return of the writs for the by-elections in Auckland West and Waipawa Electoral Districts. The elections were held on the 18th May and 16th November, 1940, respectively : (d) The issue of regulations postponing the date for the observance of the King's Birthday holiday and the promulgation of the Order in Council for its subsequent observance. 111. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A. General Organization. (1) Counties. The Ashley, Mount Herbert, and Mangonui. County Councils passed special orders under the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, abolishing the system of separate riding finance in their respective districts. This made a total of sixty-nine County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation. The boundaries between the Awatere and Kaikoura Counties were altered. The boundaries of six counties were redefined in accordance with law. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to the supply of water were conferred on the Waipa County Council. The Manawatu County Council passed a special order dissolving the Rongotea Town Board and merging the town district in the county. I3y special orders made by the Akaroa County Council, the Okain's Bay and the Le Bon's Bay Road Districts were abolished and merged in the County of Akaroa. The Makara County Council passed a special order altering riding boundaries and fixing representation therefor. An irregularity in making the general rate by the Mackenzie County Council was validated by Order in Council. The Bay of Islands County Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity used.

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