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7. Miscellaneous Durmg the year a visit to New Zealand was made by Brigadier A. E. Brown, Secretary-General, Imperial War Graves Commission, Anzac Agency, Melbourne, lor the purpose of discussing war-graves problems with the Department. During his brief stay in New Zealand, Brigadier Brown visited a number of servicemen's cemeteries. At the various centres which he visited, Brigadier Brown stated to representatives of the New Zealand Returned Services Association that New Zealand, in connection with its servicemen's cemeteries, was doing something unique in the British Empire. He commented, too, that perhaps in some cemeteries there was yet insufficient " colour " —that is, the cemeteries required more shrubs and ornamental trees. He realized, however, that many of the cemeteries were of recent construction and that ultimately, no doubt, the cemeteries would be properly beautified. Brigadier Brown mentioned that the Commission, in dealing with war cemeteries under its jurisdiction, always endeavoured to create the maximum garden-like effect so that such places would be seen in perpetuity as splendid Gardens of Remembrance. He thought that excellent progress had been made to create such cemeteries in New Zealand. XIII. HISTORICAL BRANCH Staff The staff of the Branch now numbers five, but will be reduced to four almost immediately with the loss of one research officer working on economic maps. Historical Atlas The research is proceeding steadily. The Economic Section has been reorganized, and most of the distribution maps are being revised to incorporate post-war statistics. The preliminary missionary map has been photostated, and copies circulated among authorities on Maori nomenclature for their comments. Research on the Maori Wars maps is nearing completion, the early settlement map of the South Island is being ■overhauled, and the final selection made of early charts and maps for reproduction. The maps on Pacific exploration, post-Cook navigators, and inland exploration await draughting. It has been decided, particularly as it proves very difficult to get draughting work done, to produce the maps separately, with their accompanying texts, as they are finished. The next step is draughting, and further progress depends very much on the acquisition by the Branch of the services of a skilled draughtsman. Book-production During the year G. Leslie Adkin's " Horowhenua," produced by the Branch, was published by the Polynesian Society. Sir Peter Buck's " The Coming of the Maori" is almost ready for publication. Roger Duff's " Moa-hunters of Wairau "is approaching completion of printing-work. Historical Buildings At the end of 1948, Pompallier House, at the Bay of Islands, with the restoration of which the Branch has been intimately concerned, was opened to the public. Its restoration, as an example of early colonial architecture, has proved well worth while, and it has been visited since by a great number of people. General The Branch has continued to serve as a sort of historical clearing-house, and has been able to answer many queries and give advice on a large miscellany of matters.

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