DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1930.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930 Session I, H-22

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1930. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1930.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 9th June, 1930. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1930. I have, &c., G. P. Newton, Under-Secretary. The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT. Local Government. Local government was again prominent in the Department's activities during the year. Counties. —No new counties were constituted. The boundaries of eight counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another, and areas under the control of counties were also affected by borough-boundary alterations. The Cook County Council passed a special order altering riding boundaries and adjusting representation, its former special order having been quashed by the Court. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply were conferred on three County Councils. An extension of time was granted for the lodging of petitions for inquiry with respect to the general election of members of the Chatham Islands County Council. The Counties Act, inter alia, is not in force in the Sounds County, and representations to have it brought into force in that county, in a modified form, were made. The proposal was not agreed to, but legislation was passed providing for the constitution of road districts in that county. This form of local government should in the meantime be sufficient for the small requirements of the settlers in the way of local government, and will enable development to take place after which the establishment of a more advanced form of local government can be gone into. Boroughs. —One new borough —namely, One Tree Hill —was constituted, and the usual action taken for the election of a Borough Council. The petition for the constitution of the Borough of Mount Roskill, referred to in last year's report, was not granted, the report of the Commission being unfavourable. The Borough of Invercargill was proclaimed a city, the population of the borough having reached 20,000. Invercargill is the seventh city proclaimed in the Dominion, the others being Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Wanganui, and Wellington. Twelve petitions for the alteration of borough boundaries were considered. Seven of these petitions were granted, and the boundaries of the borough concerned and the adjoining district altered accordingly ; two were not granted, the report of the Commission appointed in each case being unfavourable ; and three were still under consideration at the close of the year. Five Borough Councils passed special orders altering the number of members of their respective Councils: these-special orders were duly gazetted. Boards

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were appointed in two cases for the purpose of hearing appeals against the decisions of Borough Councils with respect to applications under section 335, Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, for approval to the subdivision of certain land. The New Lynn Borough Council was authorized to make by-laws fixing water charges according to the quantity consumed. A financial adjustment respecting the Te Kuiti Borough and the Waitomo County, following on certain alterations of boundaries of those districts, involved several important questions. The regulations formerly issued authorizing the investment of Renewal Funds and Reserve Funds in certain securities were revoked. The biennial general election of members of Borough Councils throughout the Dominion was held during the year. The Municipal Conference again met, this time in Invercargill, the holding of the Conference coinciding with the proclaiming of Invercargill to be a city. The Conference was of more than usual importance, several proposals of a far-reaching nature being discussed. An officer of this Department attended the Conference and remained throughout the whole of the proceedings, thus enabling the Department to have a better knowledge of the proposals discussed. As usual, the report of the proceedings of the Conference is being printed by the Municipal Association, and will be submitted to the Government for consideration of the several remits and resolutions passed. Town Districts. —Petitions for the constitution of the Paihia Town District, in the Bay of Islands County, and of the Mount Maunganui Town District, in the County of Tauranga, were received during the year, and are under consideration. A petition for the alteration of the boundaries of the Papatoetoe Town District was not granted. The Papatoetoe Town Board was authorized to make by-laws fixing water charges according to the quantity consumed. Road Boards. —As the number of Road Boards throughout the Dominion has rapidly decreased within recent years, the Department is not now called upon to consider many questions relative to this phase of local government. Following on the legislation passed ifi regard to the Sounds County, the Croixelles Road District was constituted in that county and arrangements made for holding the first election of members of the Board. The new borough of One Tree Hill was formerly a road district. River Districts. —A petition for the constitution of the Motueka River District, in the Waimea County, is under consideration. The boundaries of three river districts were altered. The powers of a Drainage Board were conferred on the Mangawara River Board. The triennial general election of members of River Boards was held during the year, and the results duly gazetted in accordance with law. The time for holding the election was extended in four cases. Certain appointments of members of River Boards were made by the Governor-General. Land-drainage Districts.—The boundaries of three land-drainage districts were altered, and petitions for the alteration of boundaries of two other districts were under consideration. A proposal to abolish the Kimihia Drainage District, in the Waikato County, was also under consideration. Special orders were passed by two Drainage Boards relative to subdivisions and representation. The general election of trustees for several districts was held during the year, and the results duly gazetted in accordance with law. The time for holding the election was extended in four cases, and an irregularity in the holding of it validated in one case. Certain appointments by the Governor-General were also made. Taupiri Swamp. —The Department was particularly concerned with a matter of local interest to several River and Drainage Boards in the Waikato district —viz., the control of the area of approximately 100,000 acres known as the Taupiri Swamp. Several Boards are at present operating over this area, but it is realized that united control is necessary before the land can be adequately drained and protected. The Lands and Survey Department has prepared a suggested scheme of land-drainage and river protection for the area, and officers of that Department and of this Department met in Hamilton the representatives of the Boards with a view to bringing about a united control of the district. Legislation was found to be necessary. This legislation was prepared by this Department in conjunction with the Boards concerned and then submitted to the Law Drafting Office to draft the necessary Bill. It was subsequently introduced into Parliament, and became law under the title of the Taupiri Drainage and River District Act, 1929. The Act makes provision for the formation of one Board to control the whole of the area, makes it incumbent on that Board to prepare a comprehensive scheme of drainage and river works for the district, and confers on the Board sufficiently wide powers to enable the scheme to be adequately carried out and for the cost thereof to be apportioned equitably over the district. The Department is in close touch with those concerned, with a view to putting into operation the provisions of the Act. By-laws of Local Bodies. —Three sets of by-laws were confirmed by the Minister under the By-laws Act, 1910. Rating Act.—The system of rating on the unimproved value was adopted in the Ohinemuri County. Proposals to adopt that system in the Mount Eden Borough and the Makara County were rejected. Local Elections and Polls Act. —Extensions of time were granted for the taking of certain steps in connection with the election of certain members of the Cambridge Electric-power Board and for the hour of closing of a. poll in the Waitemata Electric-power District. Legislation. Reference has already been made to the legislation passed relative to the Taupiri Swamp and to local government in the Sounds County. The following other legislation affecting this Department was brought down last session :— Counties Amendment Act. —This is a short Act simplifying the procedure for the making of separate and special works rates by County Councils. Under the Counties Act these rates may be made so that funds may be obtained for carrying out special undertakings, but the procedure was too costly and cumbersome, as a petition and a special order were necessary each year ; furthermore, ratepayers

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who had received the benefit of the works would not sign the petition afterwards. The Amendment Act overcomes these difficulties by providing that the rate may be an annually recurring one for any stated number of years if the original petition so requests. The Act also provides for a poll of ratepayers being taken on the proposal, in lieu of a petition. This provision was inserted with a view to saving expense, as a poll may be taken concurrently with some other poll at little additional cost. Local Legislation Act.—The usual Local Legislation Act was passed, containing sixty-one clauses, affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. This Act entailed a good deal of work for the Department, as every proposal submitted for inclusion was very carefully examined, and quite a number were not agreed to. Local Acts. —As usual, a large number of local Acts were passed by Parliament, and, in accordance with practice, the Local Bills Committee submitted to this Department for examination and report the majority of the local Bills introduced. Rating of Farm Lands in Boroughs. —In last year's report reference is made to the Commissions which held inquiries relative to this subject. Following on the decision of the Government to bring down legislation giving effect to the reports of those Commissions, two Bills were prepared and introduced last session. These Bills were the Urban Farm Lands Bating Bill, which dealt with the general question, and the Otaki Borough Adjustment and Farm Lands Bating Bill, which dealt with the question in so far as the Borough of Otaki was concerned. Both Bills were referred to the Local Bills Committee to take evidence and report. This Department was represented before that Committee and gave evidence. The Committee recommended that, in view of the numerous objections received from local bodies and of the undertaking by the Municipal Association that the subject of the rating of urban farm lands would be fully considered at its next Conference, the Urban Farm Lands Bating Bill be not allowed to proceed. It also recommended that the Otaki Borough Adjustment and Farm Lands Bating Bill be not allowed to proceed. The Bills were accordingly not passed into law. The Municipal Conference gave consideration to this question, and recommended the adoption of an alternative scheme submitted by it for giving relief. This is being considered. Land Drainage and River Protection Bill. —This Bill, which contains a consolidation and revision of the existing law relating to land-drainage and river protection, was also introduced towards the close of the session. As it proposed a drastic remodelling of the existing law 011 these subjects, the Bill was not proceeded with, but was held over in order that Boards and others interested would have a full opportunity of examining the proposals carefully and making representation. Land-agents. Nine hundred and ninety licenses were issued and six transfers granted, as compared with 999 licenses and ten transfers last year. Three further cases of defalcation were considered, in one case the bond being enforced. Auctioneers. The licensing of auctioneers pursuant to the new legislation passed in 1928 was undertaken for the first time in respect of last year. With few exceptions, the procedure worked well, the precedent of the land-agents legislation being closely followed. Four hundred and eighty licenses were issued and six transfers granted. The Auctioneers Act makes provision for an endorsement on the license of the name of the person whom it is intended shall do the actual selling of goods by auction, and provision is made for changing the name of the seller. This provision was availed of to a considerable extent, 350 changes being made. The special districts formerly in existence were redeclared for the purposes of the new Act. 111 those districts, which comprise sparsely populated parts of the Dominion, licenses may be issued, available for the district affected only, at a reduced fee of £10, in lieu of £40 in other districts. It is of interest to note that during the year, the first year of the actual operation of the new legislation, two cases of defalcation were brought under notice, and were being investigated at the close of the year. Town-planning. The outstanding event of the year has been the enactment of the Town-planning Amendment Act, containing provisions to enable local authorities to co-operate in the preparation of non-obligatory regional planning schemes, designed, by means of a master plan, to secure the co-ordination of those public works and services which are not confined within the boundaries of the district of any one local authority or do not relate exclusively to the development of any one such district. It is the intention of the Act that regional schemes, based upon a thorough survey of the natural resources and existing conditions, shall be prepared for each self-contained social and economic land unit, embracing both urban and rural districts, so that a balance can be struck between urban and rural populations, and urban and rural activities, which will provide a basis 011 which urban developments call be controlled by means of the statutory town-planning schemes provided for in the principal Act. There can be 110 doubt that the preparation of such surveys and schemes will make for greater efficiency and economy in local government. To bring the Act into operation at the earliest possible date, the Town-planning Board inaugurated a series of public inquiries or conferences in the principal centres, commencing in Invercargill 011 the 18th March, with the object of bringing together representatives of local bodies, Government Departments, and other interests to secure evidence on which to determine the boundaries of the region of planning-areas. It is confidently hoped that the regional boundaries for the whole Dominion will have been finally determined and gazetted by the end of August, 1930.

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The preparation of regional planning schemes, as a precedent to the completion of statutory town-planning schemes for urban areas, necessitated an extension of the time within which such schemes have to be finally submitted for the approval of the Town-planning Board, and wider powers to enable the town-planning authorities to control interim developments. With this in view, the time for the submission of schemes has been extended until the 31st January, 1932, and section 34 of the principal Act amended to permit either an urban or rural authority to prohibit the carrying-out of any work or the erection of any building which would be likely to contravene its town-planning scheme if completed and approved. It was not found to be possible to deal with the question of compensation and betterment at the same time, but the Board has continued to give very serious study to the matter and is now in a position to make definite recommendations for the amendment of the compensation and betterment provisions of the principal Act. Six meetings of the Board have been held during the year, and many important questions dealt with in addition to the further amendment of the Town-planning Act, including four appeals by property-owners, under section 34. One of these appeals raised the question of adequate light and air space around habitable buildings, and the Board, in collaboration with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, is attempting to define minimum standards for the future guidance of local authorities. The first Board, which was appointed in 1927 for a period of three years, went out of office in January, and a new Board was appointed on the 13th March, 1930. There were two changes only in the personnel, Mr. G. A. Troup and Mr. T. Jordan taking the place of Mr. F. J. Nathan and Mr. C. J. B. Norwood as representatives of the executive committee of the Municipal Association, An event of considerable interest and importance during the year was the establishment of a Town-planning Institute for the Dominion, on similar lines to the English and Canadian Institutes. Although not in any sense a Government or departmental activity, it is believed that the work of this institute will be of great value in educating and formulating public opinion throughout the Dominion on all matters relating to town-planning, and will greatly facilitate the work of the Board and the Director of Town-planning. Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. Importations.—Cases have arisen where the requirements as laid down by the Act and regulations in regard to the importation of birds and animals (other than domestic) have not been complied with. Persons desirous of importing such birds or animals are required to make application, giving particulars as to the birds or animals, number, the country of origin, the reasons for importation, and such other particulars as may be required to enable the Department to make inquiries before recommending the granting or otherwise of permission for importation. Where necessary, this Department consults the Department of Agriculture, and the views of that Department are a valuable guide in matters of this nature. It has happened that persons have failed to comply with the necessary provisions, and birds or animals have arrived without the prior authority having been obtained. This fact cannot influence the Department in recommending the granting of authority for landing, as it is necessary to consider the interests of the country, and in a number of cases the consignments have had to be taken back. It has been decided, owing to outbreaks of parrot-fever in other countries, not to grant any further authorities under the Act for the importation of birds for a period of twelve months from March, 1930, when the matter will be again reviewed. Prior to this decision, in view of the damage caused to crops by Californian quail, it had been decided not to grant any further permissions to import these birds, and a number of requests to transfer from one locality to another were not agreed to. Deer. —The question of dealing with the increase in deer has been the subject of much discussion. Protection was removed from deer in the Grey District Acclimatization District. The policy of issuing authority to acclimatization societies and the State Forest Service to destroy deer has been continued, and, in addition, similar authorities have been granted to the Tongariro and Arthur's Pass National Park Boards in respect to the areas under their jurisdiction. The payment of the bonus on deer-tails in certain South Island districts has been continued, and payment on 16,423 tails was made during the year. Where stalking seasons were declared no limit was placed on the number of deer which could be taken under a license, and there was no restriction as to points on a head or to sex. Some acclimatization societies have sent out special parties to assist landholders in deer-destruction, and free ammunition has been supplied in other cases. Numbers of persons have been operating in localities where the deer are most plentiful, and selling the hides. The Department, after giving the matter very serious consideration, is of opinion that the marketing of hides, and possibly other deer-products, will go a long way towards rendering an avenue of dealing with the deer, in the same way as has happened with rabbits. It is understood that the ruling rate of good deer-hides is about ss. 3d. at railway, and that persons are able to make a financial success of deer-destruction on this basis. It is realized that the rights of property-holders as to persons going on their properties have to be respected, and the endeavour of the Department has been to create a spirit of co-operation between acclimatization societies and the property-owners, so that as far as possible only accredited persons will enter properties to destroy deer, otherwise it is realized that damage to stock may result. A conference to fully consider the question of dealing with the deer problem was convened, but, as the date does not come within the year under review, it is not necessary to further refer to the matter in this report. Birds. —An Inspector for the purposes of the Animals Protection and Game Act has been attached to the Head Office staff. He has visited various localities, and has furnished valuable reports on deer and other animal life and also birds. In addition to his reports, the Department is receiving reports

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from other sources as to the bird-life in the various parts of the Dominion. It is pleasing to be able to report that the interest in our bird-life has been maintained, and the Department is indebted to acclimatization societies for their co-operation in this respect. A large number of prosecutions have been initiated by societies in connection with the taking of absolutely protected birds. The reports received in regard to bird-life in sanctuaries are very satisfactory. A number of reported cases of native-pigeon shooting have been investigated, but unfortunately it is very difficult to trace offenders. The Department is always ready to institute the fullest possible inquiry into reports of shooting of native pigeons or other absolutely protected birds, and any person who has any knowledge of such happenings will be obliging the Department if particulars are supplied. A large number of notices soliciting the co-operation of the public in preserving our native birds have been printed, and it is proposed to arrange to have them exhibited in domains and other suitable places throughout the Dominion. Notices showing the names of absolutely protected birds are supplied to holders of game-shooting and opossum-trapping licenses, and copies are displayed at post-offices. Attention is drawn in all cases to the penalties provided for breaches of the Act in regard to absolutely protected birds. Opossums.—Open seasons were again declared in a number of districts for the taking of opossums. The number of trappers' licenses issued was 1,250, and the number of skins taken amounted to 159,878. Pukeko.—The result of an investigation as to the feeding-habits of pukeko is as follows : —

Number of Approximate District. ! Birds Bate of Where taken from. Stomach contents. j taken. Capture. Manawatu. Manawatu .. I 2 .. j Swamp .. .. .. Macerated green material, mostly grass. „ .. : 2 6/1/29 | ,, .. .. .. Macerated green vegetation, and seeds of Lolium perenne and buttercup. Kairanga ,. 4 10/2/29 From swamp with crop of part- Macerated vegetation, and seeds of Lolium ridge peas in near vicinity ; perenne, Poa annua, Eleocharis ovata, I Garex sp., and Glycerin fluitans. Karcre .. 2 21/5/29 Taken on crop of rape .. I Macerated vegetation, fat-hen, and sedgeweed. ,, .. 2 29/5/29 From swamp area with crop of j Macerated vegetation (grass) and duckrape in near vicinity i weed. Otago. Ranfurly .. 2 5/11/28 From vicinity of cropping-areas Small roots and little macerated green material; also remains of insect-larva 5 , and spider. ,, .. j 2 11/12/28 ,, Macerated green material and seeds of Poa pratensis. ,, .. | 2 14/1/29 „ Macerated grass and part of an insect. Waihola .. 2 12/12/28 ,, Macerated vegetation and clover-leaves; also seeds of Eleocharis ovata. Ranfurly .. i 2 9/2/29 „ Chewed up vegetation, and seeds of Eleocharis ovata, Alopecurus geniculates, and Poa annua, ,, .. 2 6/3/29 Swamp .. .. .. Macerated vegetation. ... 2 4/4/29 Waihola .. 2 18/3/29 ,, . . .. Few rush-seeds and some rye. Ranfurly .. 2 1/5/29 Two miles from cropping-area.. Vegetation, few clover-leaves, and rushseeds. Lake Waihola .. 2 10/5/29 Berwick .. .. .. Macerated vegetation and large number of rush-seeds. Waipori .. 2 13/6/29 At Lake Waipori .. .. Macerated vegetation and rushes; also rush-seeds. Ranfurly .. 2 11/6/29 From vicinity of cropping-area Macerated vegetation only. ,, .. 2 6/7/29 Near cropping-area .. .. Macerated vegetation and oats. „ 2 5/8/29 From cropping-area .. (a) Macerated vegetation and crop halffull of wheat; (b) macerated vegetation and one barley-grain. Waipori .. 1 6/7/29 Waipori .. .. .. Macerated swamp vegetation and rushseeds. „ .. 2 I 16/8/29 ,, .. .. .. Macerated black-swamp vegetation. Southland. Waimea Plains ..I 4 Dec. and From vicinity of cultivated lands Macerated vegetation (grass). .fan, Oporo .. .. I 2 Ditto .. Shot in oat-paddock .. No oats found ; stalks and heads of weeds and other vegetation. Waimea Plains .. 2 ,, Twenty-five chains from nearest Macerated vegetation (mostly marshcrop foxtail) ; Alopecurus geniculatus. J; .. 2 18/4/29 From cultivated areas on plains Macerated vegetation (grass) and oatseeds. „ .. 2 14/5/29 ,, Macerated vegetation (grass). tl .. 2 25/6/29 Taken beside an oat-stack .. Macerated vegetation ; oat and rush seeds. ;J .. 2 25/6/29 From swamp, half a mile from Macerated vegetation ; oat and toad-rush cultivation seeds. North Canterbury. Cheviot .. 2 23/4/29 1 Alleged to be causing damage to Macerated vegetation (grass); few cloverstacks leaves. , .. i 2 20/7/29 .. ! Macerated grass and other vegetation. j _J I i

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No open season was declared for the shooting of these birds, and where it was found that landholders were suffering damage they were granted authority for a limited period to destroy the birds. As usual, open seasons for game-shooting were declared in various acclimatization districts. Fire Brigades Act. The Borough of Taihape was constituted a fire district in January last, making a total of fifty-one Fire Boards now operating. The estimates of expenditure of each Fire Board have been approved by the Minister. Plans and specifications for the erection of a number of proposed fire-stations, including those for a new central fire-station in Dunedin, have been submitted for approval. Model by-laws in a very comprehensive form regarding the provision of fire-escapes have been drafted and issued by the Department to all Fire Boards and local bodies as a guide for local enactment. A Conference of chief officers of the principal fire brigades, for the purpose of considering matters in connection with safe storage of bulk petrol, fighting of oil-fires, &c., was authorized, and held at Christchurch during the progress of the big oil-fire which occurred in that city in August last. The usual inspections of fire brigades operating in the fire districts have been made by the Inspector of Fire Brigades and, in compliance with requests received from various Government Departments and local bodies, special inspections and reports have been made. Public addresses in regard to fireprevention matters have also been given. Distinguished Visitors. His Excellency General Sir Alexander Hore Ruthven, Governor of South Australia, together with Lady Hore Ruthven, spent a few weeks in New Zealand. His Excellency devoted practically the whole of the period of his visit to trout-fishing in the thermal district, while Her Excellency visited a number of tourist resorts. The Viscount Craigavon, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and the Viscountess Craigavon spent three months in the Dominion and extensively covered the North and South Islands. A visit of much interest and enthusiasm was that of Rear-Admiral Byrd and the members of his expedition on their return from the Antarctic. Organized parties included the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian bowling team, and the Empire farmers. Foreign warships to visit Auckland and Wellington were the French cruiser " Tourville " and the German cruiser " Emden." Nationality. The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1928, which applies to the Cook Islands and Western Samoa, came into force on the Ist July, 1929. It adopts Part II of the Imperial Act, thereby bringing New Zealand into line with the other four self-governing Dominions, all of which had previously adopted that part of the Imperial Act. The effect of this legislation is twofold, namely : (1) Certificates heretofore granted or that may hereafter be granted in the United Kingdom or in any of the self-governing Dominions will operate in New Zealand, and the holders will continue in New Zealand to have the status of British subjects ; (2) certificates of naturalization granted in New Zealand under the Act will confer on the holders the complete status of British subjects both in and beyond the Dominion. It prescribes that persons previously naturalized in New Zealand may apply for and receive certificates under the new Act, and unless and until new certificates are granted to them they shall be deemed to be British subjects in New Zealand, but not elsewhere. One of the essential conditions to the issue of a certificate is that the applicant shall have an adequate knowledge of the English language, and in this connection special provisions are made for the naturalization of Samoans as defined in the Samoa Act, 1921. Fifty-three certificates have been issued under the new Act. Passports. The possession of passports by British subjects travelling from New Zealand, which became essential during the war period of 1914-18, is equally necessary to-day to facilitate entry into other parts of the British Empire (not including the Commonwealth of Australia) and foreign countries. The issue of 4,909 passports during the year under review establishes a record for the Dominion ; 817 passports were renewed for varying periods. It is considered that in times of peace passport visas are unnecessary, and reciprocal agreements for the abolition thereof have been concluded between the Government of New Zealand and that of the countries of Austria, Belgium, Czecho-Slovakia, Denmark, France (and French colonies), Germany, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Similar agreements are in the preliminary stages with Greece, Albania, Yugo-Slavia, and Hungary. Lotteries. In accordance with the authority contained in section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, a total of 354 licenses were issued to dispose of works of art, &c., by raffle or chance. Two prosecutions were successfully made for failure to observe the conditions under which the licenses were granted. The statute referred to above also provides for a similar disposal of mineral specimens, and the Government has decided that a limited number of lotteries with alluvial gold as prizes may be permitted. The conditions under which such licenses are issued are most stringent, and it is a sine qua non that they shall be for the benefit of community objects only.

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Inland Fisheries. Collection of Ova.-—The number of ova stripped from rainbow trout established a record, the total being 6,604,000, an increase of 1,175,000 over the previous season. The ova collected again proved to be of excellent quality, and confirms the policy of the Department in confining the collection of ova to the tributaries of the Tongariro River. The results achieved reflect much credit to those concerned, as in at least one stream considerable difficulty was experienced in keeping the traps and racks intact, owing to abnormal floods. Yields from the various streams are as follows : Hatchery stream, 4,927,000 ; Whitikau Stream, 1,351,000 ; a tributary of the Poutu River, 282,000 ; Kowhai Flat Stream, 44,000. The greatest number of eggs obtained in one day was on the 9th August, when 375,000 were secured in the hatchery stream and 16,000 in the Kowhai Plat Stream. Eyed Ova. —Of the 6,604,000 eggs collected in the Tongariro tributaries, 2,673,000 were eyed at the Rotorua hatchery, of which 300,000 were planted in the Rotorua district, 25,000 were sold, and 2,348,000 were hatched into fry. The remaining 3,931,000 eggs were eyed at the Tongariro hatchery, of which 3,375,000 were sold, 18,000 were planted in the hatchery creek, and 538,000 were hatched into fry. In addition to the foregoing, 163,000 eyed ova were obtained from the Otago Acclimatization Society and hatched into fry at the Rotorua hatchery. This parcel produced 152,000 fry. Fry. —The hatching into fry of 2,348,000 eggs from Tongariro and 163,000 from Otago at the Rotorua hatchery and 538,000 at the Tongariro hatchery is considerably in excess of any former effort. From the total of 3,049,000 eggs 3,018,000 fry were hatched, which result establishes the excellent quality of the eggs and denotes first-class work by the hatchery staff. The distribution of the fry reared is as follows : 503,000 were supplied to the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, 190,000 sold to acclimatization societies, 1,635,000 liberated in the Rotorua district, and 690,000 liberated at Lake Taupo (including the 152,000 hatched from Otago ova). The liberation of the fry in the Rotorua and Taupo districts was carried out by officers of the Department, special care having been exercised in the selection of the several localities chosen. Food-supply for Trout. —During the past year much has been heard of the question of food for the trout in Lake Taupo. In most instances a wrong impression has been given to the public. There is no shortage of any particular food, with the exception of the koura, which apparently is disappearing from certain parts of the lake. This crustacean is plentiful in other localities, and it is proposed to transfer supplies to Lake Taupo. The indigenous fishes are very plentiful, particularly the kokopu and the toitoi. The latter has multiplied in the waters on the western side of the lake. There is no shortage of mollusca, insects, and flies. Scientific Operations. —Investigations into the life-history of the Nematode worm found in the trout have been carried out by Dr. Armstrong, of Taupo, and the officers of this Department, from which most important information has been gained. No epidemic occurred among the toitoi in Lake Taupo last season. Statistical Records. —Weekly and monthly records were compiled by the officers stationed at Taupo and Tokaanu, and much valuable data has been collected. The Department is building up records of observations, which will be invaluable as a basis for arriving at definite conclusions. Destruction of Shags. —The policy of paying for shags' heads was continued, and 1,492 were paid for in the Rotorua and Taupo districts. Culling.—lt was not deemed necessary to carry out heavy culling operations. Any poor fish that were trapped during stripping operations were destroyed. Facilities for Anglers. —All tracks leading to the different fishing-waters have been kept in order and further places cleared on the Waikato River to allow of fishing. Owing to high and continuous floods in the early part of the season, considerable trouble has been experienced in keeping open the car-road on the western bank of the Tongariro River, where considerable erosion has occurred. A foot-track has been made along the eastern bank of the Waikato from the Huka Falls to the Spa Hotel. The southern end of this track is on the property owned by the Spa Hotel proprietor, who formed a track to connect with the one maintained by this Department. As a result anglers can now obtain fishing over a distance of three miles and a half on the eastern bank of the Waikato, in addition to the many places on the western bank. The Tongariro hatchery camp has proved very popular. The four huts were booked up practically for the whole period from the Christmas holidays onwards. A weekly bulletin is displayed at the Information Bureau, Taupo, and the hotels in the district. This bulletin contains information such as weather conditions, state of rivers, names of most popular flies and lures, class of fish caught, and general information that is of interest to all anglers. The Information Bureau has been well patronized by visitors to Taupo. A publicity pamphlet was issued and has been largely sought after. In addition to the general information contained in the pamphlet, a map was included, and this shows the names of the various pools on the Tongariro River. Supplies of the pamphlet were sent overseas. Smoking of Trout. —The smoking of trout at Taupo and Tokaanu has again been carried out, and has proved a great convenience to anglers. Prosecutions for Breaches of Regulations. —During the year four convictions were recorded against persons for breaches of the Taupo Trout-fishing Regulations.

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Tagging of Trout. —A total of 221 trout were tagged at Lake Taupo, and some very interesting data has been secured. The following table gives particulars of rainbow fish tagged and retaken.

War Funds. Of the numerous patriotic societies established as a result of the Great War, sixty-two are still on the register of war funds. This is a decrease of one since last report, due to the transfer of one society's funds to another. The value of the assets held, as taken from the latest returns received, are as follows :— £ s. d. Thirty incorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 722,322 16 3 Seven Red Cross organizations .. .. .. .. 141,722 12 7 Three Blind Soldiers'and Veterans' Homes Funds .. .. 59,318 12 5 Thirteen unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. 3,655 13 5 One Navy League Fund .. .. .. .. .. 5,510 8 0 Five Returned Soldiers' Clubs .. .. .. .. 22,767 1 2 Three Social Funds .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,184 0 8 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. .. 167,848 10 3 £1,125,329 14 9 The balances held represent loans to soldiers, land and buildings, and liquid assets, the latter being estimated to comprise 60 per cent, of the total. Census and Statistics Office. The steady progress of the Census and Statistics Office has been well maintained during* the last twelve months. Few new lines of inquiry have been entered on, however, the energies of the Statistician having rather been directed towards improving and perfecting existing branches of work. Employment and Unemployment. —Probably the greatest expansion of activities has been occasioned by the unsatisfactory employment situation and the resultant demand for fuller statistical information on the question of employment and unemployment. The Office has initiated new series of tabulations covering such aspects as the seasonal nature of employment in various industries and the type of labour particularly affected by trade depression; and the recently published results of the 1926 Census inquiry as to unemployment from sickness, accident, or injury, or from lack of employment shed light on still another aspect of the matter. In addition, the Office has co-operated with the Committee set up by the Government to investigate and report on the subject of unemployment, Mr. Malcolm Fraser, the Government Statistician, being a member of this Committee. Wage Statistics. —The system of tabulation of index numbers of wage-rates has been revised with a view to compiling separate index numbers for male and female wage-earners, instead of for both sexes in conjunction as formerly. Advantage was taken of the opportunity afforded by the revision to adopt a more scientific system of weighting than had been employed hitherto. The new index numbers were incorporated in the 1930 issue of the " New Zealand Official Year-book." Household Budgets. —The International Labour Office of the League of Nations some time ago communicated with all countries adhering to the League, urging them to prepare for the revision of their statistics of retail prices, with a view to adopting a new and uniform base year —viz., 1930. The suggestion for a revision on these lines met with the full support and co-operation of the New Zealand Government, and some months ago the Statistician was authorized to proceed with the preparation of a household-budget book for distribution as widely as possible early in 1930, the inquiry to cover the three months March, April, and May. A large number of books was printed, and with the willing co-operation of such bodies as trades-unions, School Committees, &c., a successful distribution into

T ! j. . I Length Length jweight Weight iS? j Sex. Date tagged. vJf.fi™ Locality tagged. I Locality retaken. | when when I when when llemarks. JN0, retaKen. j j tagged, retaken.] tagged, retaken. Inches. Inches, lb. oz. lb. oz. 10 | F. 15/6/28 4/3/29 Whitikau Stream Blue Pool, Tongariro 26 .. 6 0 9 4 River 25 M. 20/6/28 18/6/29 „ .. Hatchery stream .. 26 26 6 0 I 5 8 Fair condition; gaffmarks on left side. 32 ; F. 25/6/28 27/4/29 „ .. Hut Pool, Tongariro 26 .. 7 4 10 0 River 402 M. 2/8/28 4/6/29 Hatchery stream Hatchery stream .. 21J 24 3 12 ! 5 8 Good condition. 406 M. 2/8/28 15/6/29 „ „ 20 24 4 0 i 6 0 432 M. 18/8/28 16/5/29 „ Bottom Boat - pool, 23 26 5 8 1 6 0 Tongariro River 470 F. 18/9/28 18/7/29 Kowhai Flat .. Hatchery stream .. 22 23£ 4 12 5 8 Fair condition. 495 F. 21/9/28 I 18/6/29 Hatchery stream ,, ..19 21£ 2 12 4 0 Unripe, fair condition. 663 F. 10/9/29 j 16/2/30 Waiotaka Stream Delta .. 22£ 22 4 0 4 4 779 M. 15/8/29 14/3/30 Hatepe River .. Waikato intake .. 25| . . 6 12 8 4 1025 M. 3/10/28 29/7/29 Hatchery stream Hatchery stream .. 18 19 3 0 4 12 Fair condition. 1037 F. 16/10/28 19/9/29 „ „ 25J 26 7 4 j 7 12 1040 M. 10/10/28 19/9/29 ,, „ .. 22 23J 4 12 5 8 1044 F. 16/10/28 1/11/29 ,, Two chains above 24 24J 7 8^68 Hatchery stream 1305 F. 1/11/28 21/8/29 ,, Hatchery stream . . 24 25 5 4 j 6 0 Half-spent. I 1

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the hands of representative housewives throughout the country has been made. As an inducement towards filling in the books and thus enabling the Census and Statistics Office to have a sufficient number of completed budgets on which to base weights corresponding to the present-day consumption of commodities, the Government is offering prizes for the best properly-completed books received. Mortgage Statistics.—The past year saw the inauguration of a simple, inexpensive, but informative series of statistics on a subject—viz., mortgages—in regard to which only the barest statistical information had hitherto been available in New Zealand. The new statistics, while not covering the whole subject, deal with what is undoubtedly the most important aspect of the question —viz., the amount of mortgages owing on farm lands and business premises. The machinery for the new statistics, the results of the first tabulation of which were published in the " Miscellaneous " Statistical Report, 1928, and summarized in the 1930 Year-book, lies in the annual returns of land furnished to the Commissioner of Taxes, particulars as to mortgages outstanding at the 31st March now being added to those re unimproved value, &c., entered on the cards from which the land-tax statistics are compiled. In addition, the value of both the mortgage and land-tax statistics was enhanced by the addition of particulars of area to the factors covered, and by a distinction being made between urban and rural lands. World Agricultural Census.—The International Institute of Agriculture being desirous of a general agricultural census being taken in 1930 on a uniform plan and in all countries, the New Zealand Government agreed to co-operate, and the Statistician was authorized to make such changes in the usual form of inquiry as will permit of the requirements of the Institute being met as far as New Zealand is concerned. As a matter of fact, the draft scheme, when received, was found not to vary greatly from that employed annually in New Zealand. International Classification of Causes of Death. —The decennial revision of the International Classification of Causes of Death was carried out by an international Congress held at Paris in October last. New Zealand, unfortunately, could not be represented at this Congress, but recognition of the high standing of the Dominion's vital statistics was evidenced by the views of the Census and Statistics Office of New Zealand being sought in regard to points involved, both by the International Institute of Statistics and by the Health Organization of the League of Nations. Two proposals which were included in the draft scheme drawn up for submission to the Congress, but were strongly opposed by the New Zealand Statistical Office, are found to have been dropped, and the revised classification as finally adopted is entirely acceptable to New Zealand. Publicity Office. Production of Literature.—A feature of the publicity activities has been the production of a special book, in colour, designed to provide some indication of the natural charm of the Dominion's attractions. This has been found doubly necessary in view of the highly attractive literature now being produced by other countries with scenic attractions. The success of this book has been immediate, and a heavy demand has set in from the various overseas agents. The following advertising-material was dispatched to distributing agencies in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Africa, India, the Malay States, Japan, France, and Australia : books, 25,600 ; folders, 85,000 ; posters, 1,548. In addition to this bulk distribution, a large quantity of publicity literature, amounting to approximately 7,900 books and 17,000 folders, was dispatched to a very wide circle of business heads throughout the world, from addresses supplied by leading firms and prominent people of the Dominion. The manuscript and illustrations for three further publications specially designed for a similar purpose are now ready for the printer. Cinema-film Production.—Film matters have been somewhat overshadowed by the advent of " sound " production, which has very largely displaced the silent picture, and future policy in this connection must receive careful consideration. Every available avenue of release for silent film will continue to be exploited. A " kodascope " colour machine has been imported in order that films might be taken in natural colours. This machine takes the small, or 16 mm., film designed for showing in private homes or small halls, and is specially valuable in that its comparative cheapness of production brings it within the reach of people of moderate means who are able to tour abroad. At the present time a number of our standard films, copies of which are in stock, are being reduced to the 16 mm. size in order that they may be placed in America, Australia, and England before the commencement of the next tourist season. A number of requests have been received for these films. Films are being regularly screened on a number of the leading ocean liners bound for America, Australia, and New Zealand, while an inquiry for a special set of educative films has been received from London, and extra supplies have been asked for by some South African theatres. Photographic Department. —Whole-plate photographs produced by the Office are becoming increasingly popular, and sets are often procured by overseas tourists before departure. A valuable feature of this side of the activities is that the pictures are also used for presentation albums for distinguished visitors, and thus come directly before the attention of hundreds of interested potential travellers. Enlarged and coloured photographs are also produced in considerable quantity for display purposes overseas. A readv sale exists for the whole-plate pictures printed by the Office. Local Film-screenings. —For the benefit of visitors films are screened each morning during the summer months between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., in the Office theatre, which accommodates fifty people. These exhibitions have been the means of inducing many people whose tour had been arranged for certain localities to prolong their visits and include the places shown. The theatre is also made use of by members of the medical profession when viewing special films relatingfto their work, while screenings are frequently made for the benefit of college and school students. Interviewing Visitors. —Large numbers ofoverseas visitors called at the Office throughout the year in order to obtain literature and photographs as a record of their tour. Thus a great dealfof interviewing is necessary, and endeavour is made to see that visitors receive every courtesy and consideration. In addition, numerous written inquiries regarding living-conditions, prices of property, investment of capital, &c., are answered in detail.

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Direct Mailing List. —The direct mailing list, which includes prominent people in all parts of the world, has been largely added to. Articles for Publication Overseas.. —A considerable number of articles, with photographic illustrations, have been prepared and dispatched from the Office, and these have been published in magazines and papers in America, Australia, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. Descriptive articles for this purpose have been received from such well-known writers as Mr. James Cowan, Mr. L. Fanning, and Mr. Elsdon Best. Administration. —During the year a' decision was made to amalgamate the work of the Publicity Office with that of the Department of Industries and Commerce and the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. This decision will be given effect in April, and is expected to give improved results by a greater co-ordination of effort both within the Dominion and overseas. The appointment of a Trade and Tourist Commissioner to Canada (who will also, cover other North American territory) and the reorganization of New Zealand representation in Australia are similarly expected to give more effective publicity to the varied attractions and resources of the Dominion. Dominion Museum. Maori Ethnology.—The work of overhauling and renovating the large Maori carvings has been steadily carried on. The repainting of the designs on the rafters of the large Turanga house has been a long process. There are thirty-two rafters, painted in sixteen designs, which were almost obliterated during the time the house was erected in the old Museum. Presumably this was caused by fumes from the gas, with which the house was formerly lighted. The designs are now being carefully retraced, and painted in red, white, and black. The barge-boards of several houses and patakas have been assembled, repaired, painted, and suspended in the Sydney Street shed. The outstanding event of the year was the arrival of the hull of the war-canoe " Teremoe," received from Wanganui in exchange for two canoe-carvings. The hull has now been painted, and bow and stern pieces fitted. For the top-strakes four large pieces of totara timber have been procured and are awaiting an opportunity to fit them before the actual work of carving them is undertaken. The additions to the Maori collection include an ancient bone maripi (knife) handle, an uncommon type of greenstone adze, a unique bone mere from Otago, and a large example of a greenstone adze showing the process of cutting. Foreign Ethnology. —The whole of the foreign ethnological collections have been assembled and classified in the old Maori house, and are gradually being registered. Mr. W. W. Thorpe, of the Australian Museum, Sydney, was employed for five days, and gave valuable assistance by naming and stating the localities of all unnamed material. Mammals.—Several mammals, including a sea-leopard, have been received from the Newtown Zoo, and have been mounted by the taxidermist. Birds.—The mounting of new specimens received from the Zoo and other sources, together with the renovation of the main collection, has occupied a considerable portion of the taxidermist's time. Fishes. —The principal addition to the fish collection was the mould taken from a large sunfish caught off Palliser Bay. The mould has been safely stored in the Museum shed. There being no space in the Museum large enough and no door sufficiently large to admit it, the actual cast will not be taken until a new Museum is provided. Insects.—The rearrangement of the New Zealand Lepidoptera, involving the use of the new cabinet, is still proceeding. A descriptive exhibit illustrating the life-history of the puriri-moth has been placed on exhibition. Additions to the collections' include a cabinet containing about three thousand specimens of foreign Lepidoptera presented by Mrs. B. Royle, and some local collections made by members of the staff on the Tararua Mountains. Herbarium.—The work of mounting the Petrie herbarium is proceeding. Some local collecting by the botanical assistant was done on the Tararua Mountains. Research work on the microscopic structure of New Zealand timbers is being carried out. New Zealand History. —Materials are gradually being accumulated for an exhibit illustrating the history of New Zealand from the time of Tasman and Cook. Besides smaller exhibits, a whaling try-pot and a gun from H.M.S. " Boyd " were added to the collections. Newtown Museum.—The whole of the collections in the Newtown Museum were handed over by the Wellington City Corporation to the care of the Dominion Museum in July, 1929. They will be kept in their present building until space is provided in a new museum. International Exchange Service. —Forty-five cases of publications have been received from the Smithsonian Institution, and the contents distributed to various recipients throughout the Dominion. Publications from European exchange services have also been dealt with. Work for Publication. —A general reference book on the birds of New Zealand by the Director is in course of publication. Mr. Phillipps is preparing a similar work on the sporting and edible fishes of New Zealand, and has published some further papers on fishes. Mr. Elsdon Best has continued his work on the Maori, and has published two Museum bulletins, one on fishing methods and the other on the whare kohanga (nest-house). A bulletin on Maori mythology is completed, and one on forest lore in course of preparation. Papers on botanical subjects by the Director include accounts of the genera Drachophyllum and Metrosideros, fossil flora of the Ormond district, and New Zealand epiphytes. Miss Heine is preparing microscope sections of New Zealand timbers for future study. The life-history of the moth Porina cervinata, whose larva is destructive to pasture-grasses, is being investigated by Miss Plank. Registrar-General's Office. Births.—The total birth registrations were 28,408, a slight decrease on the previous year's figures. Included in this number are correcting and legitimation entries, registrations under section 27 (after adoption), and under section 24 (special provision for unregistered births). Four hundred and eleven adoptions, 349 legitimations, and 109 registrations under section 24 were recorded. Deaths. — There were 12,375 death registrations (including correcting - entries). Maori death registrations numbered 1,002.

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Marriages.—ll,l32 marriage notices were received by Registrars on which certificates authorizing marriage were issued, and 11,097 marriages were solemnized. Of this number 2,194 (nearly 20 per cent.) were solemnized by Registrars of Marriages. Five hundred and sixty-six dissolutions of marriage were recorded. Three hundred and one marriages of Maoris were solemnized under the provisions of the Native Land Act. Officiating Ministers. —On the 31st December last there were 1,985 names on the list of officiating ministers authorized to solemnize marriage, of the following religious denominations : Church of England, 497 ; Presbyterian Church, 420 ; Roman Catholic Church, 320 ; Methodist Church, 265 ; Congregational Independents, 31 ; Baptists, 70; Church of Christ, 35 ; Salvation Army, 110; Ratana Church, 96 ; Ringatu Church, 32 ; other religious bodies, 109. Dentists. —Twenty-four dentists were registered, and eight names removed on account of death. Of those registered, the qualifications were : Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of New Zealand, 10 ; Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Surgery, University of New Zealand, 5 ; and L.D.S., F.P.S., Glasgow, 1. Eight were registered under the special provisions of section 2of the Dentists Amendment Act, 1926. Searches and Certificates. —The total number of searches made and certificates issued in the Head Office amounted to 34,354, made up as follows : For Pensions Department, 4,767 ; for National Provident Fund, 2,582 ; for Labour Department, 1,794 ; for Education Department, 1,038 ; miscellaneous, 844; other searches (for public), 12,584; certificates issued, 10,745. CINEMATOGRAPH-FILM CENSORSHIP. During the year 2,626 films of all classes, of a total length of 6,474,990 ft., were examined. Of this number, 102 were rejected in the first instance, 274 were passed subject to excisions, and 167 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. Eleven appeals were lodged against the Censor's decisions. In two cases the Censor's decisions were reversed, and the films were released with recommendation for adult audiences. In the other nine cases the Censor's decisions were upheld. An analysis of the work shows —

The countries of origin of the quota films were as follows : United States of America, 569 ; Great Britain, 58 ; Germany, 12 ; Italy, 2 ; Austria, 1 ; France, 1 ; Norway, 1 : total, 644. Of the British-quota films, fifty-one were silent and seven were synchronized for sound, while the foreign-quota films were 276 silent and 310 synchronized for sound. All the foreign sound films originated in the United States of America. Rejections.—Of the films rejected, fifty-five were quota and forty-seven were non-quota. All the quota films rejected were of foreign origin, while of the non-quota films rejected five were British and forty-two were foreign. Sound Films. —The year under review has seen the introduction of sound synchronized with the moving pictures, which has created many new problems for those engaged in the film industry. The work of the Censor is more exacting, and any alteration or amendment is most difficult, and in some cases impossible. When amendment is impossible the Censor has to decide whether an offending portion is sufficiently objectionable to justify the total rejection of what may otherwise be a good production. With the addition of sound to the films, the pictures now approximate and in some ways are superior to the legitimate stage. For instance, the breaks necessary for shifting scenery or for changing the apparel of the actors are obviated, and the mind follows the play without interruption. Again, great mass scenes with people, animals, trains, motors, also shipwrecks, can be presented with ease in the pictures in a manner that would be impossible on the stage. The addition of colour makes the presentation even more lifelike. Films recommended for Adult Audiences.—The regulations provide that where .a film is recommended as being more suitable for adult audiences, that fact must be advised to the public in every newspaper advertisement relating to the film. Unfortunately, a slackness in the observance of this regulation forced the Department to take action against an exhibitor. A conviction was obtained, and it is hoped that the regulations regarding this matter will be fully complied with in future by all exhibitors. The pictures of to-day frequently deal with present-day problems, and the more vivid presentation of life made possible by the addition of sound and colour has made it necessary to issue an increased number of certificates recommending films as being more suitable for adult audiences. It would not be proper to attempt to curtail cinema entertainment to the mental level of minors, and parents and guardians must accept the responsibility, which is a real one, of selecting the class of entertainment that their children may be permitted to attend. Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing.—The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves now exceeds thirty-three thousand. The greater part of the books classified deal with Pacific literature. About a thousand were sent for binding. Over three hundred engraved and other portraits were catalogued —these relating to people connected in some way with the history of the Dominion.

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Quota, or Long Films. Non-quota, or Short Films. Origin. Number. Length, in Feet. Number. Length, in Feet. British .. .. .. .. 58 402,000 454 380,000 Foreign .. .. .. .. 586 4,116,600 1,528 1,576,390 Totals .. .. .. 644 4,518,600 1,982 I 1,956,390

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Additions. —1,301 volumes, including 1,219 donated, were added to the library. The additions embrace works in classic tongues (Latin and Greek), Dutch, Swedish, Italian, German, and French. Donations. —These comprise 250 volumes relating to politics (principally Italian) from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries, presented by Mr. M. Trimbell of Masterton ; an anonymous gift of 364 publications in Maori; 500 war-books from the British Government; and 135 volumes from various sources. Of the last-mentioned donations the principal were as follows : Messrs. Maggs Bros., seven volumes ; Mrs. E. J. Ashwell, Magazine of Art (Vols. 1-21), and Cowden Clarke's " Shakespeare " (3 vols.) ; anonymous, " Opfindelsernes Bog," a Danish cyclopedia of invention (7 vols.) ; Dr. Coombs, England, original MS. of Lee and Kendall's New Zealand Grammar ; Mr. Clement H. Eggleton, " New Zealand Illustrated, 1889 " ; Mr. Alex. Robertson, " Register of the Most Noble Order of the Garter " ; The Swedenborg Society, Diarium Spirituale (Vols. 2 and 3), Biblicus (Vols. 1 and 3) ; Rev. W. J. Durrad, " Sermons by G. A. Selwyn " ; Mrs. Parham, privately printed publications, mostly dealing with Fiji; Brother George, publications in connection with Solomon Islands Mission ; Captain R. C. C. Steele, " Wellington " (Duke of) ; Miss Margaret Hunter, " History of Lyttelton from a Social Aspect " (typescript) ; Mr. H. Lundius, " The Bible in Swedish " ; and Mr. C. R. Allen, " Three New Zealand Bird Songs." In addition to these, gifts of books, pamphlets, or pictures were made by Miss Isabella Rowbotham, Miss B. E. Chaytor, Mr. T. W. Brown, Miss Kate Gerard, the Librarian (Invercargill Library), Mr. A. G. Shrimpton, Messrs Angus and Robertson, Mr. John Castle, The Dominion Museum, Mr. F. J. Halse, Mr. P. J. Marks, Miss Ruth Phillips, Archives of Hawaii, the Hon. Sir George Fowlds, Mr. A. Eccles, Mr. J. A. Ferguson, Mr. G. A. Hurley, Mr. A. Pearson, Government Publicity Office, Sir Joseph Kinsey, Mr. E. W. Arnold, the Hon. W. H. Triggs, Mr. A. E. Hefford, Mr. H. E. Holland, Mr. J. Macdonald, Australian Ex Libris Society, Misses Ellison, Mr. A. Brettell, Mr. F. W. Reed, Mrs. A. C. Ewen, the Commonwealth Parliament Library. The Maori collection referred to above is especially valuable, as the books included fill gaps in the library collection, thereby making it as near complete as any in existence. The works on Italian politics, which are written in Latin, Italian, and German, as well as in English, are a good collection. They contain good examples of printing from many Italian presses, and included among them are some excellent Aldines. The set of twenty-five volumes of the Magazine of Art is in particularly good preservation, binding half-calf, the three large Shakespeares being half-morocco. The donation of greatest historical interest is that of the original MS. of Lee and Kendall's New Zealand Grammar, published in 1820 —the first Maori grammar and word-book compiled by Professor Lee, of Cambridge, from information supplied by the lay missionary Kendall and the two Maori chiefs Hongi and Waikato, all three of whom visited England in 1820. Words obtained from Tui and Titere, who visited London in 1818, also contributed to the making of this book. The MS. is in the writing of Professor Lee. The Swedenborg Society added four further folio volumes to their former donation of facsimile Swedenborg manuscript. Readers and Students. —Thirty-eight new readers' permits were issued, and students have been working regularly in the library through the year, day and evening. The principal subjects studied were New Zealand politics, New Zealand literature, provincial history, and biographies of various New Zealand statesmen, &c. The classics and English literature, including drama and poetry, have also been much used. Visitors. —There were about seven hundred visitors. Correspondence. —Many inquiries have been received regarding books and pictures and their values, historical subjects, &c. Inward and outward communications number about 1,500. Values. — The market value of the books, particularly in English literature, is increasing enormously. As an indication thereof, it will perhaps suffice to say that six publications for which the donor of the library paid about £1,650 are now worth about £25,000. When the number of rarities of the kind that are in the library are remembered it will be seen that the value of the library as a whole is becoming noteworthy. The increases in values are not solely on the books of early writers ; the moderns, such as Browning, Hardy Conrad, Stevenson, and Kipling, are also increasing fast, while there are indications of younger writers like Milne and Galsworthy joining the ranks of the collected. War Gbaves. Great War Graves in New Zealand.—Notifications of the death in New Zealand of 465 returned soldiers were received, of which 120 were accepted as war graves—i.e., that death in these cases was due to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service. This brings the total number of war graves in New Zealand to 2,456. The number of headstones ordered was 163, inclusive of forty-one for graves in the Cook Islands of members of the various Cook Islands contingents who have died since their return to their homes. Temporary wooden crosses to mark the graves until such time as the permanent headstones are prepared, were placed on 184 graves. A Cross of Sacrifice similar to those in overseas cemeteries was erected in the Featherston Military Cemetery, where 182 members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force are buried, and work on laying out the approach and surrounds to the cross is now in progress. The following additional work on soldiers' cemeteries has been undertaken during the year : — Wellington : An extension of the existing Soldiers' Block at Karori Cemetery has had to be provided, and this has already been brought into use. Christchurch : Arrangements were made with the Christchurch City Council for laying out in grass and planting in flowering and hedge plants that portion of Bromley Cemetery set aside for soldiers' burials. Timaru : The Cemetery Trustees having agreed to set aside a special block in their cemetery for the burial of returned soldiers, permanent work on a portion of this block sufficient for some years to come was carried out.

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Cemetery Registers.—Schedules of all war graves in New Zealand to date, giving particulars of each individual deceased soldier, were forwarded to the High Commissioner, London, for transmission to the Imperial War Graves Commission to permit of the relative cemetery registers being printed. Veterans' Graves, —Work in respect of veterans' graves was carried out as follows : — St. Mary's Churchyard, New Plymouth : A monument, in the form of a granite slab, was erected over the graves in this churchyard of Wetine Taiporutu and other Maori chiefs who fell in the action against the British troops at Mahoetahi, near Waitara, on the 6th March, 1860. Omahu Cemetery, Hastings : A memorial was placed in the Omahu Cemetery to commemorate Renata Kawepo and other loyal Maoris who fought alongside the British troops in quelling the Hauhau rising of 1868-69. Ngaruawahia Cemetery : Maori War veterans' graves in this cemetery were attended to, concrete kerbing and headstones being provided. Howick All Saints (Anglican) Cemetery : In this cemetery are buried sixty-five veterans of the Maori Wars of 1845-65, and arrangements have been made, in conjunction with the Cemetery Trustees, for the erection of a lych gate in which will be placed a tablet bearing the names of those buried there. A contract for the work has been let, and it is now being proceeded with. Sydney Street Cemetery, Wellington : The Wakefield graves were renovated and the inscriptions on the memorial stones releaded. Permanent work was also carried out on veterans' graves in Omata Churchyard, near New Plymouth ; Omaka Cemetery, Blenheim ; and Leamington Cemetery, Canterbury. Great War Graves Abroad.—The Imperial War Graves Commission hopes to complete all constructional work in cemeteries overseas during the year ending 31st March next, leaving thereafter only the matter of maintenance to be attended to. To ensure that the war cemeteries and memorials overseas shall be properly maintained for all time, an endowment fund of £5,000,000 is being established, to which the Imperial and Dominion Governments are all contributing in proportion to their dead. New Zealand's contribution to the Imperial War Graves Commission to cover capital expenditure and proportionate payment to the endowment fund is on the basis of £30,750 per annum for a period of six years and a half from the Ist April, 1925. As the marble in the steps and surrounds of the New Zealand Battle Exploit Memorial at Longueval, in Prance, appeared to be weathering badly, developing cracks and flaking, it was decided to replace the marble with a local stone considered more suitable for the purpose, and the Imperial War. Graves Commission arranged during the year to have this work carried out on behalf of the New Zealand Government. The report on the memorial itself shows that it is essentially sound, as are also the New Zealand Battle Exploit Memorials at Gravenstafel, Le Quesnoy, and Messines, although the surrounds of the latter may require attention later. 2,749 sets of photographs of graves of New-Zealanders in cemeteries in various theatres of war were distributed gratis to next-of-kin,- and 104 cemetery registers containing regimental and personal particulars of those buried in the various cemeteries were sold. Dominion Archives. Steady progress has been made with the sorting and indexing of the balance of the papers of the New Zealand Company and other records, chiefly provincial. All of the volumes of Governors' despatches, 1840 to 1855, have been indexed, and also the company's papers as far as they have been bound. The rest of the company's papers are now ready for binding, and during the present financial year it is hoped to have this interesting body of records bound and indexed. Meanwhile the Public Record Office in London has completed its list of papers of the New Zealand Company, a copy of which has been received here. Bulletin No. 1, " The Historical Sources and Archives of New Zealand," has been published. It gives an introductory sketch of the public records of the colony and Dominion in so far as they have been printed. Bulletin No. 2, which is now being prepared, will give the history and composition of the New Zealand Company's records both in Great Britain and in New Zealand. The relatives of Captain Hobson, R.N., the first Governor of New Zealand, have presented to the Dominion, through the High Commissioner, some more of Governor Hobson's letters and papers, as well as the manuscript of the life of Captain Hobson written by Dr. Scholefield some years ago and never published. These form a valuable addition to the Hobson papers now in possession of the Government. Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Explosives Licenses.—lmportation licenses for the following explosives were issued during the license year ending the 30th June, 1930 : Gelignite, 1,505,050 lb. ; blasting-gelatine, 45,000 lb. ; gelatine-dynamite, 25,0001b.; A 2 Monobel, 319,5501b.; quarry Monobel, 22,5001b.; Samsonite, 270,3001b.; blasting-powder, 161,2501b.; blasting-pellets, 151,250; detonators, 2,050,000; E.D. fuses, 885,000 ; fireworks, 2,290. Other licenses were issued during the same period as follows (corresponding figures for the previous year being given in parentheses) : Conveyance, 256 (272) ; sale, 641 (646) ; storage, 374 (388). Examination of Explosives. —As usual, all shipments of explosives were examined on arrival, and were found to be in good condition. A lajge number of samples of cordite were submitted to the silvered-vessel test for the Defence and Navy Departments. Dangerous Goods. —Legislation : No new legislation has been passed during the year. As a result of experience gained from fires in large petrol-stores during recent years an amendment of the Dangerous Goods Regulations has been prepared, which it is hoped will come into force during the coming year. The principal alterations proposed are (1) to provide for the escape of water under valvecontroi from the bottom of the well of the store should the fire superintendent consider the use of water advisable during a fire ; (2) a requirement that walls should be of reinforced concrete or adequately supported by piers; (3) the storage of petrol in cases and 40-gallon drums in the same store or compartment to be prohibited.

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Local-authority administration : During the year one licensing authority only undertook the administration of the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920—viz., the Kaikoura County Council. Inspection visits to all licensing-authority districts have been made by departmental officers, and the premises of licensees visited in company with the local-authority inspectors. Departmental administration : The Department administers the Act in districts other than those controlled by licensing authorities. 1,666 licenses were issued, as compared with 1,515 for the previous year. Inspection visits to most of the licensed premises were made. Accidents : Four accidents involving loss of life occurred with dangerous goods. In one case a woman was dry-cleaning clothes with petrol in a washhouse and after completing this work threw the rag she was using into the copper-fire, when the flame flashed back to petrol spilled during the cleaning operations and she was so badly burned that she died. The second fatality was caused by the use of a tin of methylated spirit for lighting a fire. The gas in the tin ignited from the fire and the tin burst, scattering burning spirit over the woman concerned. The third fatality was caused by a woman lighting a match in a shed in which a two-gallon can of petrol had been left with the screw-cap off. The petrol vapour which had escaped from the can was ignited, and the woman died from the burns received. The other fatal accident was caused by a workman engaged on car-repair work in an inspection-pit lighting a cigar-lighter, when petrol spilled in the pit ignited. In addition to the above, there were two accidents reported involving serious burns to persons engaged in home dry-cleaning, owing to the ignition of petrol-vapour at fires in the vicinity. Two accidents also involving bad burns were caused through bringing, in one case, a lighted match and, in the other, an acetylene-lamp close to the petrol-tank of a motor-vehicle which was being filled with petrol. As usual, a number of accidents were due to carelessness in filling motor-vehicle tanks from petrol-pumps, but in only one case did the fire-extinguishers required by the regulations to be kept at the pump fail to deal with the outbreak. In this case the fire, which was caused by an acetylenelamp on a motor-cycle, in volved the full contents of the cycle petrol-tank and also of the visible bowl (5 gallons) on the petrol-pump. Two pumps were destroyed and considerable damage was done to the service station, which was fortunately of the open type. Several of the accidents referred to involved more or less serious injuries to the persons concerned, but in no case did they cause loss of life. At Christchurch, on the Ist August, 1929, a fire occurred in the wholesale cased-petrol store of Messrs. D. H. Brown and Sons, Ltd. The building was at the time heavily overstored, the cases being stacked right up into the roof over the whole floor area. The fire was started by an incendiarist, and was particularly interesting from the fact that water was used in large quantities and about half the contents of the store (nearly 200,000 gallons) was salvaged after the fire. The cases were so tightly packed that the air-access to the cases was limited to the top, and after the fire had been burning for several hours the overlying burned-out debris, dampened down by water, choked the fire, and it was finally extinguished after about two days. During the progress of the fire a conference of the Fire Brigade Superintendents from the principal city brigades was held in Christchurch to discuss methods of handling petrol-fires, and also the construction and situation of these stores. (See note above regarding legislation.) Prosecutions : Two prosecutions were taken by departmental officers. Both cases were taken for publicity purposes, and small fines only were inflicted, but the dangerous goods which were the subject of the prosecutions were forfeited by the Court. In one case the forfeiture included all petrol tanks and pumps erected in a service station. Cinematograph Films. —Legislation : The regulations under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928 — Cinematograph Films (Storage, Exhibition, and Renting) Regulations, 1929 —which replace the regulations under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, were gazetted during the year and are now in operation. The regulations are similar to those previously in force, but have been brought into line with similar controlling regulations in Great Britain. Administration : 639 premises were licensed for the screening of film, as compared with 628 last year. The introduction of the sound picture has necessitated the enlargement of the projection-room at most of the theatres where the necessary equipment has been installed. Advantage has been taken of the opportunity to have the rooms brought up to standard. When the controlling regulations were first issued, in 1925, there were many theatres which had been converted for picture purposes and where the projection-room opened into the auditorium or otherwise did not comply with the regulations, but were of reasonably satisfactory construction. The Department licensed the premises, but advised the licensee that alterations would have to be made at a later date. The work can now be carried out, in conjunction with the installation of sound equipment, with little or no additional expense to the exhibitor concerned. Accidents : Eight fires occurred during the projection of films, a reduction of three as compared with last year. In two cases the fire involved more than one spool of film, but in no case was the building damaged by the fire, and in every case the safety equipment functioned satisfactorily. Reports of inspections made denote a considerable improvement in the installation and care of safety devices in projection-rooms, and a reduction in the number of fires and the quantity of film involved is evidence thereof. Conclusion. It is a pleasure to again express appreciation of the excellent services rendered by the controlling officers and their staffs. The willing co-operation of other Departments of State has been of valuable assistance.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (500 copies), £15 ss.

Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93o.

Price 6'<~.]