H.—44.

The exhibit was under the direction of Mr. W. W. Monks, late electrician, Government Court, New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, who subsequently superintended the screening of Government films at shows held in the South Island as follows : 7th November, Ashburton ; 14th to 15th November, Christchurch ; 22nd to 23rd November, Nelson ; 3rd to 4th December, Gore ; 10th to 11th December, Tnvercargill. STANDARDS INSTITUTE. The activities of this section of the Department are fully covered in a separate report, parliamentary paper H.-44a. LIBRARY AND PUBLICATIONS. The departmental library, which was completely reorganized during 1940 is proving very valuable to officers in the necessary research involved in their duties. The library is also used by outside inquirers who are seeking specialized information, and to this end is serving the purpose for which it was established. With the rapid changes taking place due to the war situation the valuable information received by, and disseminated from, the library serves to keep the Department in close touch with the position. Close touch with other libraries is maintained, and any research necessary is greatly expedited by the facilities instituted by the New Zealand Libraries Association in the Inter-library Loan Scheme. This exchange of technical and economic information is mutually advantageous. The addition of an office assistant in the library to compile statistical data has proved another worthwhile step, and, generally speaking, the fullest possible use is made of all the information available. DIRECTORY OF NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURERS. Arrangements are now in hand for a new issue of the directory based on information received and covering returns of all factories registered up to the 31st May, 1941. This new issue will be in a form similar to that in circulation at the present time and covering registrations up to the 30th June, 1939. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES. In addition to the major activities summarized in this report, certain additional features of the work of the Department may be outlined in brief. The Department has directed its attention to the promotion of trade, both internally and externally, and in this connection has dealt with a number of inquiries received from overseas and within the Dominion for New Zealand products. The conditions arising as the result of war have necessitated prompt action in securing other sources of supply when our main source has been cut off. The expansion of production of certain classes of goods for Service requirements, or of a kind formerly imported, has required attention in order to ensure that changes might be implemented to meet such conditions. Throughout the year close contact has been maintained with manufacturers in order to assist them in overcoming the various problems confronting them. It is appropriate to state at this juncture that the Department functions to promote the manufacturing industries of the Dominion, and to this end will assist manufacturers, traders, and consumers.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (915 copies), £37 109.

By Authority: J3, V, Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94l,

Price 9d.]

24