c.—u

The preparation and assembly of data for the regional planning is to be undertaken by the Department in collaboration with the regional councils. The task is stupendous and cannot be put in hand until staff in excess of normal requirements is made available. Some experimental work in the methods of presentation of the data has been carried out, the results of which will be passed 011 to the various districts to assure of uniformity in the methods of assembly and representation. Some of the features and factors that will have to be dealt with in this survey are land slopes, vegetation, population, geology, soil fertility, utilities and amenities, climate, valuation, land uses, production, and any other features that may have a bearing 011 the planning of a region. A considerable portion of this data is available from various governmental and private sources, while some features will necessitate the employment of field officers. Honorary Geographic Board The ninteenth annual meeting of the Board was held in Wellington on 29th June, 1944, when 129 place-names were approved. This Board is comprif-ed of leading authorities in nomenclature in the Dominion and is responsible for the correct spelling of place-names appearing on departmental maps. Survey Board The examinations for the qualification of surveyors was held by the Survey Board during the year, the results of these examinations being as follows : — September, 1944. —Fourteen candidates, all obtaining credits in various subjects : March, 1945.—Seventeen candidates, one passing the final examination, while twelve obtained credits in various subjects. The number of students registered during the year were as follows":— Lands and Survey Department .. . . . . 6 To private surveyors .. .. .. .. 13 Total.. .. .. .. .. ..19 General In January, at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, I attended at Canberra a conference of representatives of all State and Commonwealth authorities to consider the setting-up of a central authority for the co-ordination of the mapping policy for the whole of Australia. The Australian authorities were anxious to obtain first-hand information of the methods adopted by the Dominion in the production of topographical maps for the Now Zealand Army. The work carried out by New Zealand was very favourably commented on by the Australian authorities, some of the methods being adopted as a basis for the mapping of Australia. While in Australia I took the opportunity of visiting and inspecting the Service mapping establishments and Departments in Sydney and Melbourne. I wish to express my thanks and appreciation of the loyal co-operation of the staff during the past year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (725 copies, including maps,) £17 10s.

Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94s

Price Gd.]

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