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Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936 There is still a heavy volume of work in connection with applications for licences for the wholesale and retail distribution of petrol, which are dealt with by the Branch on behalf of the Bureau of Industry. Cinematograph Theatres For some time past, deficiencies have been apparent in the existing legislation for control of the licensing of cinematograph theatres. Recently, Parliament set up a Committee to inquire into various phases of the motion-picture industry, and representations as to the necessity for amendment of the licensing regulations will be made to this Committee. A new phase in this ever-changing industry was introduced with the decision of certain of the major distributors of films to make available copies of feature films on sub-standard (16 mm.) film. So far as this Branch is concerned, the effect of this policy was to bring forth a spate of applications for exhibitors' licences authorizing the screening of sub-standard-width film. The possibilities of utilization of sub-standard film for commercial entertainment purposes is still a factor which cannot be accurately assessed as to its effect on existing theatres. XIV. RAFFLES AND ART-UNIONS Five hundred and seven licences under section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued. Of these, 248 were for works of art, 228 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 31 for amounts ranging from £5O to £lOO. In addition, 13 licences were issued in respect of the regular £5,000 alluvial gold art-unions, the aggregate results of these being as follows: — £ Gross sales .. .. .. .. .. 273,867 Commission.. .. .. .. .. 41,080 Expenses .. .. .. .. .. 32,912 Frizes .. .. .. .. .. 65,000 Lottery duty .. .. .. .. 27,386 Net profit .. .. .. .. .. 107,489 Of the net profits, £39,133 was distributed to the various Mayoral and other recognized central relief of distress funds, £30,020 to charitable and philanthropic organizations, £10,850 to Patriotic Funds, and £10,349 to children's health camps. XV. PASSPORTS AND EXIT PERMITS New passports totalling 6,027 were issued, and 296 renewals were granted where the traveller was already in possession of a passport. The issue of exit permits was discontinued after the revocation of the Oversea Passengers Emergency Regulations 1939 on the 21st November, 1947. XVI. NATURALIZATION During the year, 330 certificates of naturalization were issued under the 1928 Act. Eleven alien friends who had served with the New Zealand Forces during the 1939-45 war were granted naturalization under the special 1943 Act. Under the provisions of the 1946 Amendment Act, separate certificates are now issued to alien wives when their husbands are granted naturalization, and a total of 223 certificates were granted in this category.

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