H—2l

Since the reopening Miss Norman has experimented successfully with new plastics and processes. Mr. Lindsay prepared a number of casts and mounts, and Mr. McCann prepared backgrounds for four habitat groups. Miss Turnbull has been engaged in arrears of labelling and refitting of school cases and aquarium tanks. Publication: " The Use of Beeswax," by Y. M. Norman. Dominion Museum Handbook, No. 2. Photographic Section The vacancy caused by the death of Mr. B. W. Hall was filled by the appointment of Mr. C. Hale. Much of the work is routine photography of specimens, and the supply of prints for use in any related activity beyond the Museum. The photographer also is responsible for the cataloguing and filing of all negatives, including collections acquired. Lantern slides also are made as required, and 16 mm. cine-films in colour were made during field trips by the Director to Takahe Yalley (Notornis), Okarito Sanctuary (white herons), and the White Rocks (king shag). Education Section From the date of reopening full instructional work with visiting school classes was resumed under the direction of the Education Officer, Mr. L. Stannard, and his assistant Miss M. Stephenson. The range of lessons offered was based on the new displays and in the short period under review, about sixteen working-weeks, 8,500 pupils of urban schools, primary and secondary, public and private, attended for whole afternoon or whole morning sessions. In addition, groups from country schools were taken, and special use was made of the lecture hall for twelve or more Wednesday afternoons by the dispersed South Wellington Intermediate School. This was for the purpose of general assembly and film screenings. Groups of loan cases still are available in the Nelson, Hawke's Bay, and Pahiatua districts. Although no new cases have been prepared, the demand still is keen. The further development of such work calls for the appointment of an arts and crafts specialist teacher. Good use was made of cases illustrating New Zealand subjects by the staff of the Reception Training Centre at Pahiatua, where displaced persons spend the first few weeks of their residence in this country. Four groups of student teachers were given training in school-service work, and a new natural history club commenced for secondary school pupils, of whom about thirty have been attending regularly. Identification of specimens for pupils and teachers has been undertaken regularly. Library Most of the additions during the year have been of current periodicals and back numbers, and only a few books have been purchased. Main expense has again been for binding. The increased demands of inter-library loan and of overseas requests for exchanges have added greatly to the routine work. Public Attendances In the quarter ending 31st December, 1949, about 32,000 visitors were recorded, •and throughout the summer holiday period daily attendance was about 500. A satisfactory rota of attendance for supervision of the exhibition halls has been arranged by the Custodian, Mr. G. J. Butcher, whose co-operation in other ways also is acknowledged. W. H. Price, Chairman. R. A. Falla, Director.

9