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Messrs. F. Carson and W. Parsonage, whose terms as members of the Board expired during 1947, were each reappointed by His Excellency the Governor-General for a further term of three years. Mr. J. Makinson, who, for some years past, has rendered excellent service as an examiner in the North Auckland District for Underviewers' and Firemendeputies' Examinations, relinquished his appointment in October, 1947. During the last few years the Board has been deeply concerned at the low standard of training of candidates presenting themselves for examination for Mine-managers' and Mine Surveyors' Certificates and the low percentage of passes obtained. At the last annual meeting of the Board the matter was discussed at length, and members were unanimous that the time was opportune for steps to be taken to find means for improving the technical education of intending mine-managers and mine surveyors. A report has been prepared setting out the Board's views on what should be done to remedy the position, and this report has been submitted to the Hon. Minister of Mines for his consideration. The only legislation passed affecting the Board was contained in the Coal-mines Regulations 1939, Amendment No. 3, which came into force in June, 1947, and which revoked subclause (1) of clause 11 of the principal regulations and substituted a new subclause therefor. This new subclause contains the syllabus for the Mine Surveyors' Examination, wherein is incorporated certain minor amendments suggested by the Board in 1944. In April, 1947, advice was received from the Secretary, Board for Appointing Examiners, Sydney, that his Board had resolved—(a) That First- and Second-class Mine Managers' Certificates granted under the New Zealand Coal-Mines Act, 1925, be accepted for registration in New South Wales, subject to the holder of a certificate applying for registration of his certificate satisfying the Board's examiners that he had a proper knowledge of the Coal-mines Regulation Act, 1921-1941. (b) That Mine Surveyors' Certificates be accepted for registration in New South Wales. Mining Act.—The annual examinations for candidates for First-class Mine-managers' Certificates were held at Greymouth on 7th, Bth, and 9th October, 1947. No examinations for Battery Superintendents' or Dredgemasters' Certificates were held. It is recorded with deep regret that John Francis Downey, a member of the Board for twelve years, passed away at Wellington in July, 1947, barely two weeks after his retirement from the Board. His death is felt keenly by the Board and by the mining industry, to which he has made so many valuable contributions and rendered such eminent service. The vacancy so caused on the Board was filled by the appointment of Mr. R. A. Rutherfurd, A.O.S.M. Messrs. T. B. Gillooly, A. F. Lowrie, and J. R. Noble, whose terms as members expired during 1947, were each reappointed for a further term of three years. General.—The Boards dealt with a considerable number of minor matters arising out of applications for and issue of certificates, none of which, however, calls for special mention.

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