DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1932 Session I-II, H-22

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1932. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932.

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

Sib, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, Ist August, 1932. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1932. I have, &c., Malcolm Fraser, Under-Secretary. The Hon. Adam Hamilton, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT.

Local Government. Local government played a prominent part in the Department's activities, and it has been noted that the existing economic conditions has brought many local authorities into close contact with the Department. Counties. —The boundaries of four counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another ; and county and riding boundaries were also affected by borough boundary alterations. Four County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and, where necessary, adjusting representation. The Waitomo County Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. The holding of the annual meeting of three County Councils on a date other than that prescribed by law was validated. Six County Councils availed themselves of the legislation contained in the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, authorizing the abolition of the system of separate riding finance in counties. Boroughs.—Five alterations of city and borough boundaries were made. The Gore Borough Council passed a special order abolishing the division of that borough into Wards. The Mount Albert Borough Council passed a special order altering the boundaries of wards in the borough, and adjusting representation. Minor irregular steps in connection with the preparation of the district electors roll for the Borough of Hawera were validated. Town Districts.—Four alterations of town district boundaries were made. Road Districts. —The Mount Wellington Road Board was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. River Districts. —Two river districts were abolished — namely, Mangawara in the Waikato, and Lochiel in Southland. Three petitions for the alteration of river-district boundaries were considered, and lands included in two cases. A petition for the exclusion of lands from the South Wairarapa River District is under consideration.

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Land-drainage Districts.—The Hillside Drainage District in the Waikato was abolished. Four alterations of boundaries of drainage districts were made. The Elstow, Hungaliunga, Tahuna, and Waitoa Drainage Districts in the Piako and Matamata Counties were united under the name of the Thames Valley Drainage District. The acceptance by the drainage districts concerned of the policy of the Department to encourage amalgamations of districts which are contiguous to one another, in order that one comprehensive scheme may be adopted for the whole area, is very satisfactory. Taupiri Swamp.—ln the last report reference was made to the continued efforts on the part of the Department to bring about one control of the Taupiri Swamp. The Taupiri Drainage and River District Act, 1929, was duly amended so as to provide for rating in the Taupiri District to be on an acreage basis. Following on this legislation, and in accordance with the decision referred to in the last report, the district was constituted under the name of the Taupiri Drainage and River District, and the necessary arrangements made for the first election and first meeting of the Board. The Department also gave what assistance it could in other questions which arose relating to the preliminary activities of the Board. Following on the constitution of the district, some of the existing drainage and river authorities in the area have been abolished, and the question of abolishing others is under consideration. Here again the efforts of the Department to effect amalgamation were successful, notwithstanding the existence of problems of a complex and controversial nature. It is to be hoped that the example shown in this case and in the other recent case of the Thames Valley Drainage District will induce similar localities to aim at obtaining unity of control instead of multiplicity of control. By-laws of Local Bodies.—By-laws of two County Councils were approved in terms of section 109 of the Counties Act, 1920. Four sets of by-laws were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. Public Bodies' Leases Act.—Three leasing authorities were declared under this Act. Rating Act.—Polls relative to unimproved-value rating were taken in four districts. A proposal to adopt the system of rating on the unimproved value was carried in the Wanganui City and defeated in Dunedin City. A proposal that the system of rating on the unimproved value should apply to all rates was defeated in Petone Borough. A proposal to rescind the system of rating on the unimproved value was defeated in the Henderson Town District. Local Elections and Polls Act.—The time for closing a poll in the Auckland Transport District was extended. Irregular proceedings in connection with the election of certain members of the Teviot Electric-power Board were validated. Designation of Districts.—The name of a locality known as White Hills was changed to Pine Valley, and that of Little Murray's Bay to Mairangi Bay. Both these localities are in the Waitemata County. The residents of a locality in the Waitomo County requested that the name Kokako be assigned to their district. After investigation of the request the name Pukemoe was suggested and adopted. Chartered Associations (Protection of Names and Uniforms) Act, 1930.—This Act provides for the protection of the name, uniforms, badges, &c., of any association incorporated by Royal Charter and not being an association representative of any profession or business. An application for such protection was received from the Girl Guides Association for the protection of the name of that association and names, badges, &c., associated with it. After certain essential inquiries had been made, the association was granted the protection it desired. Local Government Reform.—The Government made further references during the year to a proposal to set up a Commission to inquire into local-government control, and the Department has engaged in work incidental thereto. Although a Commission has not been set up, it has been announced that the Minister of Internal Affairs will investigate the matter to determine what reforms are deemed necessary, and the best method to give effect thereto. It is not necessary to quote particulars herein of the local authorities in this Dominion as such information is contained in various publications, including the Local Authorities Handbook. It is, however, appropriate to mention that the number of local bodies actively functioning at 31st December, 1930, was 689, in addition to which there are other authorities intimately connected with certain aspects of local government, and it is reasonable to assert that this number is much in excess of the requirements of a Dominion with a population of a million and a half. Legislation. Counties Amendment' Act.—This Act empowers County Councils, if they so desire, to abolish the system of separate riding finance in counties. This system has operated in counties for a long time past, and in its day played an important part in the development of country areas. The changed conditions of recent times have removed the necessity for such a rigid method of operating accounts, and the passing of the Act provides a means of enabling County Councils to meet these changed conditions. Sections 26 and 27, Finance Act, 1931 (No. 4). —These sections authorized local authorities, with the concurrence of the Unemployment Board, to undertake work for the benefit of private property and for the cost of such work to be recovered as a rate from the owner or occupier of any lands benefited thereby. Local Legislation Act.—The usual Local Legislation Act contained 55 clauses affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts.—Fifteen local Bills were examined by the Department, and reports thereon submitted to the Local Bills Committee. In several cases a representative of the Department appeared before the Committee and gave evidence,

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Land-agents. Eight hundred and eleven licenses were issued and nine transfers granted, as compared with 956 licenses and nine transfers last year. Three cases of alleged default on the part of land-agents were investigated, but no action in respect of any of the relative bonds was necessary. Atictioneers. Four hundred and seventy-eight licenses were issued and sixteen transfers granted, as compared with 483 licenses and no transfers last year. Two hundred and eighty-nine changes of endorsement of seller were made. Four cases of defaulting auctioneers were dealt with and the bond enforced in each case. Fire Brigades Act. There are at present fifty-five Fire Boards in operation, and no fresh districts were declared to be fire districts during the year. Several plans and specifications for the erection of or additions to fire-stations in the various districts were submitted and approved. Legislation was promoted enabling the Auckland Fire Board to undertake fire-prevention in the Newmarket district. The Birkenhead Fire Board was empowered to make an agreement for protection by the Northcote Borough Council's equipment pending the erection of the Birkenhead Fire-station. The Dominion's economic loss through fires was prominently brought under public attention by means of addresses from the wireless broadcasting stations, and by way of a " Fire-prevention Week " organized in December last in all the principal centres. Cinematograph-film Censorship. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three films of all classes, of a total length of 4,870,820 ft., were examined. Of this number forty-three were rejected in the first instance and 190 were passed subject to excisions, while 123 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. Six appeals were lodged against the Censor's decisions. In three cases the. Censor's decision was reversed, and in three cases it was upheld. An analysis of the work shows :—

The countries of origin of the quota films were as follow : Great Britain, 90 ; United States of America, 373 ; Germany, 8 ; France, 1 : total, 472. Rejections.—Of the rejected films thirty-two were quota and eleven were non-quota. One of the quota films rejected was of British origin, one was from Germany, one from France, while the remaining 29 were from the United States of America. One British non-quota film was rejected while the remaining ten non-quota films rejected originated in the United States of America. Silent Films.—The year under review has witnessed the passing of the silent films, only two quota films of the silent variety being presented for examination, and thirty non-quota. Posters.—The examination of posters during the past year has evidently met public requirements, for complaints and correspondence in reference thereto have been negligible. Distinguished Visitors. Distinguished visitors included General Ē. J. Higgins, the head of the Salvation Army ; the Hon. H. F. Walker, Minister for Agriculture and Stock, Queensland ; the Hon. J. P. Jones, Minister for Public Works, Victoria; and Major-General the Hon. Sir Newton Moore, a member of the House of Commons. Representatives of foreign countries included an official visit of the Chilian training-ship " General Baquedano," under the command of Captain Luis Alvarez.

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Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. . J . Number. Length. Number. , Length. British .. .. 90 590,420 276 289,620 Foreign .. .. .. 382 2,860,700 1,085 1,130,080 472 3,451,120 1,361 | 1,419,700

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Passports. The total number of passports issued was 3,412, which number is 718 less than the total for the previous year; 811 passports were renewed for varying periods, as compared with 824 last year. For the year 1929-30 the relative figures were : Issued, 4,909 ; renewed, 817. War Graves. War Graves in New Zealand.—The number of notifications of deaths of returned soldiers received by the Department was 438, of which ninety were accepted as war graves —i.e., that the cause of death in these cases was attributable to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service. The total number of war graves in New Zealand at the close of the year was 2,672. Temporary crosses to mark the graves until such time as the soldiers' headstones are erected were placed on 142 graves, and headstones to the number of 127 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the Soldiers' Blocks of the following cemeteries: Karori, Wellington ; Omaka, Blenheim ; Bromley, Christ-church ; and Eastern Necropolis, Dunedin. On the 25th April (Anzac Day) the Cross of Sacrifice erected by the Government in the Featherston Military Cemetery, where 182 members of the N.Z.E.F. are buried, was unveiled in the presence of a large assemblage of residents of the district, a simple and impressive memorial service having been arranged for the occasion by the Mayor and local civic authorities. The Memorial Arch in the Karori Soldiers' Cemetery, on which are inscribed the names of those members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force belonging to the Wellington District who clied and were buried at sea between New Zealand, and the overseas bases, was completed during the year. Cemetery Registers.—Arrangements have been finalized with the Imperial War Graves Commission for the publication of cemetery registers covering war graves in New Zealand. These registers will contain the names and regimental and family particulars of all those buried in New Zealand who died from war disabilities up to and including the 31st August, 1921, the official date of the termination of the war. The cost of the registers will be borne by the Imperial War Graves Commission. The cemetery registers, containing the names of those who clied subsequent to the 31st August, 1921, from the effects of their war service, will be published at a later date as at present the number of such names still continue to be added to each year. Veterans' Graves. —In addition to the usual maintenance of these graves, further work was carried out in the following cemeteries and churchyards : Te Henui Cemetery and St. Mary's Churchyard, New Plymouth ; Opepe and Taupo Cemeteries ; old military cemeteries at Opotiki and Pokeno ; Ivydale Cemetery, Hokianga, and on Maori War Graves at Huirangi near Waitara. War Graves abroad.—New Zealand's proportion of the cost of maintenance of war graves, memorials, and cemeteries overseas will, in common with that of the other dominions, now be met from the income derived from the Endowment Fund of £5,000,000 established by the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1925. To this fund the Imperial and dominion Governments agreed to contribute in proportion to the number of graves of their dead. The capital sum of £5,000,000 was decided upon, as it was estimated that this would produce an annual income sufficient to maintain in perpetuity, up to their present standard, the last resting-places of the Empire's dead. The contributions of the various dominions to this Endowment Fund were spread over a period of six years and a half from Ist April, 1925, to 30th September, 1931. The replacement of a number of the stones in the top courses of the New Zealand Battle Exploit Memorial at Chunak Bair, Gallipoli, rendered necessary through deterioration of the original stones caused by the very severe weather experienced during certain seasons of the year in the exposed position occupied by the memorial, was undertaken by the Imperial War Graves Commission. The number of sets of photographs of graves of New-Zealanders in cemeteries in the various theatres of war distributed free of charge to next-of-kin was 129. This completes the supply to next-of-kin of photographs of overseas graves, except for a few isolated graves which will be photographed as opportunity offers. Naturalization. Certificates of naturalization were issued to ninety-four persons, which total includes one issued to a minor and two to residents in the mandated territory of Western Samoa. Seven persons who had been naturalized in New Zealand under earlier statutes were granted certificates under the provisions of the 1928 Act, and thereby extended the scope of their national status to practically the whole of the British Empire. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Seven warrants were issued authorizing the exportation of Maori antiquities. Permission was also granted ill twenty-one cases to export articles of modern manufacture, which articles do not come within the provisions of the Act. Town-planning. The activities of the Town-planning Section have been severely restricted during the past year owing to the paramount need for economy. Three meetings of the Town-planning Board were held, and provision was made for routine matters to be dealt with by a recess committee, comprising members resident in the Wellington District.

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It is satisfactory to record that the activities of the Town-planning Institute have been greatly increased and much valuable educational work has been done, in the form of public lectures by members, and the regular publication of Community Planning, the official journal of the Institute. The outstanding event of the year was the completion and approval of the Napier Business-area Town-planning Scheme, 1931, the first statutory scheme to be put into operation in the Dominion. Special regulations were enacted under the Hawke's Bay Earthquake Act, 1931, to facilitate the preparation of the scheme, and, in particular, to minimize the claims for compensation and strengthen the hands of the local authority in negotiating for the acquisition of land for street-improvements. The working of these regulations will be watched with great interest throughout the Dominion, in view of the opinion of the municipal authorities and the Town-planning Board that no real progress can be made with the preparation of town-planning schemes until the financial provisions of the Town-planning Act of 1926 have been amended. Two members of the Board, Mr. G. A. Troup and Mr. G. P. Newton, resigned, and Mr. T. C. A. Hislop and Mr. A. G. Harper were appointed in their stead. Dominion Museum. The necessity to economize has had a marked effect on the activities of the Museum, and only routine work, involving little expenditure, has been carried out. Death of Mr. Elsdon Best. —Mr. Elsdon Best, who for a period of twenty-four years was a member of the staff engaged on writing the ethnology of the Maori race, died on the 9th September, 1931. Mr. Best's publications include ten Bulletins of the Dominion Museum, several books, and numerous smaller papers, and constitute a comprehensive and entirely reliable account of the ethnology of the Maori race. They treat especially of mythology which is always a difficult subject for study. Altogether Mr. Best's work placed him in the front rank of the world's ethnologists and his loss to the Museum is especially severe. Maori Ethnology. —Considerable progress has been made with the fitting-up of the second war canoe, the top strakes for both sides having been completed. Other work included the carving of certain portions of the two patakas, which are being prepared for exhibition. The Maori workshop has been thrown open to the public one day each week and has created a lot of interest. It is also used regularly by art students. The most important addition to the collections is a large series of Maori artifacts collected by the late Captain J. Bollons in all parts of New Zealand. These are especially valuable for research purposes as all are localized. A very old and valuable carved pataka doorway from Whakatane was presented by Mr. H. J. S. Johnson. Other Collections. —Work has been carried out in each department in classifying and recording. Details of all accessions are now entered on cards while all that is known of the main collections is being collected on similar cards bearing the registered numbers of the specimens. Collecting has been done on Little Barrier Island, the Tararua Mountains, Tauranga, and Taumarunui. From Mount Hector, in the Tararuas, a good series of specimens of the North Island " vegetable sheep " was obtained. An important donation is the herbarium built up by Dr. L. Cockayne, C.M.G., F.R.S., during his many botanical explorations. The labels are being carefully looked over by Dr. Cockayne before the specimens are transferred to the Museum. International Exchange Service. —Thirty cases of publications from the Smithsonian Institution and a few publications from European Exchange Services have been received and distributed to various recipients throughout the Dominion. Work for publication.—At the time of his death, Mr. Elsdon Best had completed the manuscript for Bulletins on Maori Forest Lore and Maori Mythology, Part 2. These still remain to be published. Papers have been published by the Director on " Ancient Maori Oven on Mount Egmont," " National Botanic Gardens," and " The New Zealand Double-crested Shags." Mr. Phillipps has published four papers on fishes and two on Maori ethnology. A paper on New Zealand seaweeds, by Miss Heine, is in the press. War Funds. Of the numerous patriotic funds that were raised in connection with the Great War fifty-seven are still on the active list, two having exhausted and one having transferred their funds during the year. The latest records of the value of assets held show — £ s. d. Twenty-eight incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 620,842 16 10 Seven Bed Cross organizations .. .. .. .. 113,586 19 3 Three Blind Soldiers and Veterans Homes Funds .. .. 76,395 19 II Twelve unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. 3,682 17 0 One Navy League Fund .. .. .. .. .. 4,917 10 9 Five Returned Soldiers' Clubs .. .. .. .. 20,490 7 2 One Social Fund .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,704 17 8 841.621 8 7 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. .. 157,345 14 2 £998,967 2 9

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Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing.—The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves is now 36,700. Part of the Pacific collection has been rearranged and more fully catalogued. Very little binding has been possible. Additions. —About three hundred and fifty volumes, including three hundred donated, were added to the library ; those added by purchase being continuations of sets. Donations. —The chief of these are the following : 160 volumes from the executors of the estate of the Pvight Hon. Sir Robert Stout, being works dealing with the Shetland Islands and general literature ; the Shetland books should have gone to the Shetland Society in Wellington, but that society preferred they should come direct to this library ; over fifty volumes from the Swedish International Press Bureau, being works of Swedish literature, and descriptive works partly dealing with Swedes abroad ; about one hundred letters of literary men (including MS. of Thomas Carlyle), statesmen, journalists, and military men, from Hon. W. H. Triggs, M.L.C. ; eighteen enlarged coloured photos of the Western Front, &c., from Mrs. M. Ross ; four typescript volumes relating to Dumas and his works, from Mr. Reed, of Whangarei ; nine volumes of their descriptive catalogues bound in half-morocco from Maggs Bros., London ; eighteen volumes of voyages and general literature from M. Crompton Smith, of Wellington; sixteen volumes of their Year-books from the New Zealand Society of Accountants ; seventeen volumes, essays 011 philosophy, from J. McNaught, of Masterton ; six volumes of MS. journal of John 11. Baker, formerly Commissioner of Crown Lands, &c., from his daughter, Miss N. Baker ; autograph diary of Hon. Sir W. J. Steward during his voyage to NewZealand from Mr. D. Coutts, of Paremata. Special reference is made to the four typescript volumes presented by Mr. Reed, of Whangarei, who is an enthusiastic Dumas collector, and whose collection is considered to be the most complete collection outside of France. Two of the volumes presented comprise a bibliography of the Dumas writings, and in addition to incorporating all that there is in the printed Dumas bibliographies, adds much MS. poetry and other matter, a good deal of which is unpublished. The other two volumes are translations by Mr. Reed of " The Whalers," and " The Journal of Madame Giovanni." The former deals with whaling in the South Seas and the latter is a journal of a French woman's sojourn in New Zealand. Neither of these have been translated before.. The Department is gratefully indebted to the above-named donors and to many others for valuable donations. Readers and Students. —Fifty-one 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, aspects of Maori life and history, provincial and district histories, and biographies of various New Zealand statesmen. The classics and English literature, including drama and poetry, have also been much used. Visitors. —There were about six hundred and thirty visitors, as compared with about six hundred and sixty in the preceding year. Correspondence. —Many inquiries have been received regarding books and pictures and their values, historical subjects, &e. Inward and outward communications number about 1,600. Rotorua Acclimatization District. Bird Life. —Native pigeon, tui, bell-bird, kiwi, whitehead, grey warbler, and white-breasted tit are to be found in parts of the district in fair numbers. Pukeko is plentiful and the bittern fairly numerous in some of the swamp areas. The fern-bird is to be heard in fair numbers around Tokaanu. There are small lots of paradise duck on some lakes. Hamurana appears to be the only place where black teal are plentiful. California!] quail increased during the year, but Australian quail and Virginian quail have not shown any increase. Pheasants are fairly numerous throughout the district and grey duck are holding their own in the Wairoa, Taupo, and Bay of Plenty localities, and are found in fair numbers in other suitable places. One hundred and seventy-two pheasants were liberated. Opossums. —Twenty-one licenses and two permits were issued, while 1,950 skins were stamped. Thermal Fisheries. Ova.—The number of rainbow-trout eggs stripped at the Tongariro Hatchery Creek was 6,035,400 ; from. Waiotaka, 91,000 ; and 35,000 from the Waiohira. In addition, 20,000 brown-trout eggs were collected from fish trapped in the Waiotaka. Eyed Ova. —Of the eggs collected at the Waiotaka and Hatchery Creeks and eyed at Tongariro Hatchery, 1,790,000 were sold to acclimatization societies. Fry.—Liberations were as follows : Taupo district, 1,164,000 ; Rotorua and Bay of Plenty, 2,486,000 ; Waikaremoana and Wairoa, 407,000. In each case the figures are in excess of last year. Sales to acclimatization societies accounted for 149,000. Growth of Fry. —The 2,500 marked fingerlings liberated in Lake Okaro in March, 1931, have done very well. Specimens were taken during December last which produced a condition factor of 66. These fish were over the tegulation size, and were in splendid condition as is shown by the condition factor.

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Food-supply for Trout. Investigations concerning the food-supply were continued throughout the year, and it is found that there is no shortage either in lakes or rivers. Smelts (commonly called inanga ) have multiplied to such an extent in Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti that tliev are to be seen m countless numbers. Efforts to transplant this fish to Lake Rotokakahi eventually proved successful, and they are now well established there. Smelts have not been discovered in either Lake Tarawera or Lake Okareka, where it is intended to try and establish them. It has been discovered that a small fresh-water shrimp belonging to the species Paracorophium excavatum abounds in Lake Rotorua, and that this crustacean forms a considerable portion of the trout's diet at certain times of the year. Another interesting discovery made in Lake Rotokakahi and Lake Tarawera during the latter part of December and throughout January was that Daphnia Thomsoni were in large numbers in both the lakes mentioned. While it was not proved that they formed part of the trout's food, it was definitely established that the toitoi were feeding on them. Scientific Operations, lhe mortality amongst the toitoi in Lake Rotorua was more noticeable than during the previous year. These fish were found washed upon the shores and were infested by the Nematode worm found in trout and also with the external parasite Ichthyphthiuius multifiliis. With the exception of Lake Rotoiti, where the mortality was small, observations show that the toitoi was seriously affected in Lake Rotorua only. Statistical Records— Records were again compiled by officers of this Department, and much valuable information,was obtained concerning conditions pertaining to pisciculture throughout the whole district. Culling of Trout. The only work undertaken of this nature was done at the barriers in the Hatchery Creek, where 304 fish were destroyed. Destruction of Shags and Hawks— Bonus was paid on 449 shags' heads and 1,702 pairs of hawks' feet. In addition, ammunition was supplied to officers of the Department at Waikaremoana and Tokaanu, and they accounted for a number of these birds. Facilities for Anglers— The Information Bureau at Taupo has been kept open continuously, including holidays, and has been well patronized. The huts and camping-sites on the Tongariro River were again very popular with anglers. The tracks and roads giving access to various waters were kept in repair, and a new cattle-stop was built near Down's Pool at the Tongariro. Prosecutions for Breaches of Acts and Regulations.—Twenty-six informations were laid against persons for breaches of the Fisheries and Animals Protection and Game Acts and Regulations. In all cases convictions were recorded. The convictions under the Animals Protection and Game Act included cases of being in possession of absolutely protected birds without lawful authority and of resisting and obstructing a ranger while investigating reports as to native-pigeon shooting. Tagging of Trout.—The tagging of trout was again carried out at the Hatchery Creek and 193 fish were tagged. The attached table gives particulars of the tagged fish retaken.

Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Explosives Licenses.—lmportation licenses for the following explosives were issued during the year : Gelignite, 795,000 lb. ; blasting-gelatine, 5,000 lb. ; gelatine dynamite, 2,500 lb. ; A2 monobel, 238,100 lb. ; quarry-monobel, 11,250 lb. ; samsonite, 205,550 lb. ; blasting-powder, 61,250 lb. ; blastincpellets, 107,5001b. ; smokeless powder, 4,705 lb. ; detonators, 1,600,000 ; E.D fuses 802 000- fireworks, 1,172. Other licenses were issued during the license year ending the 30th June, 1931, as follows (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 249 (240) ; sale 622 (624) ■ storage, 388 (385). ' ' . Examination of Explosives.—ln the course of the usual examination of shipments of explosives arriving in the country, one consignment from England, shipped on the | Port Huon," was found to be in an unsatisfactory condition. The circumstances were similar to those of the " Port Hardy " consignment mentioned in last year's annual report and the affected explosives were dealt with in the same manner—viz., thorough overhaul, followed by reconditioning where necessary. Samples of reconditioned explosives are being kept under observation. Arrangements have since been made for most of the gelatinous explosives to be imported from Australia in future.

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No S and 68 I DatBtamied ' Date Locality , ... . . L ™S th Length ! Weight j Weight ! tagged. I retaken> tagged Locality retaken. when when when 1 when I I I tagged. retaken, j tagged. j retaken. 395 R. 1?. 24/10/30 27/9/31 Hatchery Hatoherv Stream.. 23J 24 4 8 e' °o' Stream 524 R. P. 10/6/29 28/6/31 Ditto .. Hut Pool .. 24 (?) 4 12 6 0 529 R. F. 12/6/29 16/8/31 „ .. Hatchery Stream.. 24 25 5 8 6 8 552 R. M. 22/7/31 16/2/32 „ .. Tauranga-Taupo 24J (?) 5 0 7 8 Outlet 589 R. P. 22/7/31 26/12/31 „ .. Hatepe River .. 26-J- (?) 5 12 4 0 948 R. M. 30/9/31 7/11/31 „ .. Jerusalem Bay .. 22 (?) 3 8 4 8 967 R. P. 23/7/30 20/5/31 ,, .. Gull Beach .. 25 25A 4 12 I 6 8 999 R. P. 24/10/30 | 20/11/31 ,, .. Whangamata Bay j 24 (?) 5 o ' 4 8 1103 R. M. 24/10/30 ' 20/7/31 ,, .. Hatchery Stream.. 18+ 201 2 8 ! 3 4 24 / 10 /30i 14/7/31 „ .. ,, .. 20 2 24 3 0 1 5 0 1326 R. P. 15/7/29 j 9/7/31 ,. .. „ .. 25 5 12. j 5 0

H.— 22.

Dangerous Goods. —Local authority administration : No new licensing authorities were appointed under the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, during the year. Inspection work in licensing authority districts was maintained, but not to the same extent as in previous years. Department administration : Inspection of districts under departmental control was necessarily somewhat curtailed, but even so a considerable amount of ground was_covered, and all those districts more urgently requiring inspection were visited. 2,055 licenses were issued, as compared with 1,922 for the previous year. Accidents. —One fatal accident was reported during the year. The victim of this accident had been cleaning his clothes with benzine and afterwards struck a match to light a The fumes from the petrol-impregnated clothing caught fire and the man subsequently died in hospital from the burns received. The prevalence of these home dry-cleaning accidents is distressing, but it is impossible to legislate against them and the only remedy is a fuller understanding of the hazards arising from the use of benzine for cleaning purposes. Two interesting fires involving dangerous goods occurred during the year—one at Messrs. Dalgety and Co.'s drum compound at Hornbv, the other in the benzole and tar distilling plant of the Christchurch Gas Co. at Christchurch. The former fire was the result of incendiarism, and the latter was initiated by a rupture of the " light-oil " still. In both instances dangerous goods in 44 gal. drums were involved in the fire, and these containers exploded and were thrown either by explosion or " rocketting " distances up to 60 ft. from the fire. The fires farther emphasize the necessity for restricting storage of these containers to isolated depots. It is therefore proposed to amend the regulations to prohibit the storage of petrol in drums in any depot which is closer than 50 ft. to a " protected work." As usual, reports were received of a number of fires which occurred during refuelling of cars. iliese fires were directly traceable to omission of the precautions laid down by the regulations. No personal injury or serious fire damage was sustained in any of these accidents. The experience of similar over a number of years indicates that the fire hazard to the building is not as great as was anticipated, and it is proposed to amend the regulations to permit the installation of petrol-pumps inside buildings if protected by approved " sprinkler " installations. Cinematograph Films.—Administration : During the year ended 30th September, 1931, licenses were issued as follows (corresponding figures for the previous year in brackets) : Exhibitors, 404 (446) ; circuit exhibitors, 34 (51) ; renters, 16 (19) ; storage, 3 (6). A very satisfactory standard of projection-room now obtains in theatres throughout the country. It has been found necessary, however, to require the provision of improved exit facilities in the case of a number of picture-theatres in country districts. Examinations of " quota " record-books disclose that exhibitors are, practically without exception, screening a greater percentage of British film than is required by the Act. Accidents : Eight fires occurred during the projection of film, as against ten for the previous year. The outbreaks were confined to the spool of film in the magazine, except in one case in which the whole programme, together with an extra programme which should not have been in the projection room, was burnt. The fire did not spread beyond the projection-room, but had the requirements of the regulations been carried out, it would have been confined to the one spool. As a result of this fire, a prosecution was taken against the firm concerned. Prosecutions : Four prosecutions were taken during the year for breaches of the Act and regulations. The offences were : (1) Smoking in the projection-room ; (2) screening without license , (3) storage of exposed film in the projection-room ; (4) storage of film in projection-room other than the programme in use. Raffles. Three hundred and twenty-five licenses under the authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year, of which 279 were for works of art, thirty-nine for alluvial gold of the value of £100 or less, and seven for alluvial gold of the value of £4,000. The aggregate profit to the seven funds concerned was £93,722 18s. 7d„ and the lottery duty imposed under the Stamp Duties Amendment Act of November, 1931, realized £13,867 16s. 6d., as disclosed in the following table :—

8

Proceeds, Sale of . , _ , ]SI et profit to Art-union JSFo. and Name. Tickets (less j Expenses. Prizes. | Profit. Lottery Duty. Beneficiaries. Commission). I £ S. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. I Aero Club .. 125,217 0 5 8,313 10 9 4,000 0 0 1 12,903 9 8 Nil 12,903 9 8 2! Aviation .. .J 26,564 4 0 9,088 3 8 4,000 0 0 j 13,476 0 4 ., 13,476 0 4 3. Golden Wings .. 31,592 0 8 9,933 7 9 4,000 0 0 17,658 12 11 | 17,658 12 11 4 Rugby .. .. 19,899 3 4 8,963 2 10 4,000 0 0 6,936 0 6 „ 6,936 0 6 5. Free Ambulance .. 25,351 11 0 7,109 8 6 4,000 0 0 14,242 2 61 „ 14.242 2 6 6. Lucky Star .. 28,564 9 7 8,719 16 8 4,000 0 0 | 15,844 12 11 j „ 15,844 12 11 7 Black Cat . 32,261 8 0 9,406 17 9 4,000 0 0 1 18,8o4 10 3 ,, ! 18,8o4 10 3 8 Lucky Dog " 13 0 18 9 4,000 0 0 j 13,400 14 3| „ | 13,400 14 3 9 Golden Key .. 28,221 7 0 8,125 11 7 4,000 0 0 16,095 15 5 j ,, j 16,095 15 o 10 Bio-Windfall .. 25,142 5 8 8,058 15 0 4,000 0 0 13,083 10 8 „ | 10 8 II Lucky Bird .. 25,553 8 0 8,039 6 8 4,000 0 0 | 13,514 1 4 [ „ i 13,514 1 4 12 Cancer .. .. 28,103 14 1 7,393 16 6 4,000 0 0 16,709 17 7 „ 16,709 17 7 13 First Aid 24,745 10 6 7,605 18 2 4,000 0 0 j 13,139 12 4 3,105 2 3 10,034 10 1 u CT:: 28 365 3 0 7:7571? 7 4,000 0 0 ie.eo? 5 5 3,556 5 6 13,0501011 15 Lucky Strike 27,906 12 6 7,516 19 0 4.000 0 0 16,389 13 6 3,498 11 9 12,891 1 9 lei Happ y y™ I! 29,603 12 0 7i456 17 9 4,000 0 0 | 18,146 14 3 3,707 17 0 14,438 17 3

H—22.

The foregoing table covers the big alluvial-gold art-unions for which licenses were issued up to the close of the 1931-32 financial year. Accounts were not rendered in the earlier art-unions on the basis of the gross proceeds from sale of tickets, but in all cases the commission allowed on sale of tickets was 20 per cent., with certain special discounts on the sale of full books, &c. The large number of applications for these alluvial-gold art-unions, nearly all from deserving objects, and the impossibility of issuing licenses for all of them, led to a review of the whole conditions under which these art-unions were run. The policy of grouping a number of objects with fixed allocations to each was adopted, and the conditions attached to the license were also revised. The new conditions first came into operation for No. 17 " Another Black Cat," the license for which was issued on the 24th May, 1932. The new conditions reduced the commission payable to 15 per cent., and set limits to the advertising and other expenses. Comparison of the results of the first art-union under the new conditions, and of the results of the average of the four immediate preceding art-unions, is informative. The figures are as follows

It will be seen that, although the gross proceeds averaged by the immediate preceding four art-unions, were £5,588 17s. more than those of No. 17, "Another Black Cat," the net profit accruing to the beneficiaries in the latter case was £1,483 2s. Bd. in excess of the average of those first mentioned, which is accounted for by a considerable reduction in the cost of running the art-unions from an average of £14,485 10s. 6d. to £7,983 14s. lOd. The Government tax is 10 per cent, of the nominal value of all tickets represented in each drawing, and, with a substantial decrease in the gross proceeds, the tax in the case of No. 17 is £570 4s. less than that averaged in the four preceding art-unions. Deer. The problem of dealing with the deer menace, and the methods to be pursued, has been discussed in previous reports. It was realized that the rougher and inaccessible areas from which the great distributing groups of deer keep up the supply must be given special attention, and that this was practicable only by means of properly organized parties operating systematically with " drives," &c. r under close control and supervision. At the close of the financial year ended 31st March, 1931, the Department's field organization was in the middle of its first season's deer-destruction operations in the Otago (Hunter Valley), Waitaki (Morven Hills, and Hopkins and Dobson Valleys), North Canterbury and Ashburton (Rakaia Valley) Acclimatization Districts. These operations were terminated between the end of May and the middle of July by which time a total of 8,988 deer had been killed ; 5,380 skins being recovered. Except in the Waikaremoana area, referred to later, activities were suspended until the beginning of November. A comprehensive campaign was then embarked upon in the Nelson and Marlborough Districts with a view to finally getting the deer herds there under control and the infestation reduced to a degree where runholders and commercial hunters could deal with the position. As a result of a reconnaissance made, it was possible to formulate a scheme whereby scattered parties could so co-ordinate their operations that a systematic sweeping movement was possible. Having established that one of the main strongholds of the deer was in the country lying to the south of the Blenheim-Murchison Road, operations were launched simultaneously in (1) the valley of the Leatham River, (2) the Upper Wairau Valley (above Tophouse), (3) the valleys of the Sabine and D'XJrville Rivers (at the south end of Lake Rotoroa), and (4) the Upper Matakitaki Valley (south of Murchison). These parties, keeping contact and working together, and following the evident recent movement of the deer south and west, pushed steadily forward in that direction " cleaning up " as they went. Those on the Marlborough side pushed on via Rainbow Reserve, Tarndale, the Saxton, Severn, and Acheron Valleys, Molesworth, Lake Tennyson, and headwaters of the Clarence and Waiau Rivers to the Ada and St. James Stations, coming out at Hanmer Springs at the end of May. Those on the Nelson side, after dealing with the country to the south of Lake Rotoroa, were moved into the valley of the Glen Roy River, and thence to Maruia Springs in the Upper Maruia Valley. Joining in the general movement, they worked all the country towards the south, crossing the Spenser Range via the Lewis, Henry, and Ada Passes, and progressing via the Henry, Ada, Lewis Boyle, Hope, and Waiau Valleys, finishing at Hanmer also. Another party meantime worked continuously for six months in the great valley of the Matakitaki River which rises in the Faerie Queene Mountain, penetrated the Spenser Range, and made contact in the Waiau Valley with those starting from the Nelson side. It was originally intended to confine the season's operations to the Nelson-Marlborough area, but as the result of representations and appeals for assistance made by the runholders in the Makarora. Valley (at the head of Lake Wanaka) a party of six men commenced operations there on the 23rd January. Owing to starting so late in the season, it was necessary to commence in the upper reaches (above Haast Pass) and work down the valley.

2—H. 22.

9

Art-union No. and Name. | Gross Proceeds. Commission. | Expenses Prizes. Profit. Government to | £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. di £ s. d. £ s. d. 13, 14, 15, 16, average of .. 34,556 7 06,901 2 67,584 8 0 4,000 16,07» 16 63,466 19 012,603 17 6 17. Another Black Cat .. j28,967 10 04,345 2 63,638 12 4 4,000 16,983 15 2j2,896 15 014,087 0 2

H.—22.

The country lent itself admirably to the system of " drives" which were found so efficacious in the Hunter Valley the previous season. Small drives conducted by two men up to large ones by six men, resulted in kills of from thirty to two hundred deer. As the Makarora and Hunter Valleys run parallel and are separated by a range over which deer pass freely in summer and autumn, it was found desirable to extend the operations by having another party in the Hunter Valley co-operating with that in the Makarora. Two extra men were, therefore, engaged just before the close of the official year, making a total of eight; these were formed into two parties of four each, operating in each of these two valleys. 11l its capacity as the authority controlling the Rotorua Acclimatization District, the Department undertook operations in the Lake Waikaremoana area. A small party operated in this area for two and a half months ; the damage and spread was checked and the deer brought under control. Arrangements were made for future observation to be maintained and the work continued as found necessary. A system of issuing special authorities to accredited persons to destroy deer, wild pigs, and wild cattle has been followed ; and, as a result, 280 deer, twenty-one wild pigs, and two wild cattle have been destroyed. Quite a number of permits have not yet expired, and the results from these will doubtless considerably increase these numbers. The total results of the year's operations were : 11,300 cleer killed ; 277 goats killed ; 6,246 deerskins recovered. While, in addition, the tail bonus to private individuals in the South Island was paid in respect of 17,958 deer killed. The success attained is very largely attributable to the zeal and energy of the men employed : all were of- excellent stamina, enthusiasm, and prowess, and not one dismissal was necessary. The work throughout was of an extremely arduous nature. In the Marlborough-Nelson to Hanmer movement some men who left the Blenheim-Murchison Road near Tophouse on the 7th November did not again see civilization until they came into Hanmer on the 28th May. Ample evidence of the tremendous destruction caused by deer was apparent during the course of operations in the Makarora Valley. The area comprises a comparatively small strip of grassland on the valley " floor," a broad belt of forest lying between the " floor " and the " timber-line " below the " snowtops," and a vast area of tussock-covered tops " above the " timber-line." These " tops " provide abundant feed for deer during the summer and autumn, but during the winter are completely covered with snow, when the deer live entirely in the bush and, immediately the spring feed shows up, on the flats. The result of the whole stock of deer from this great area being concentrated in the bush for some months is that every green thing within reach is eaten and the ground is trampled like a stockyard. The inroads on our pasture lands, too, have been very real; that genuine relief has been afforded by the deer-killing operations of the Department is fully substantiated by advices received from pastoralists in the districts worked over. Runholders have not only sought the Department's assistance, but have whole-heartedly co-operated with the Department to the utmost of their ability. Many expressions of their appreciation and of their gratification at the results achieved have been received. As mentioned in previous reports, the Department was much concerned as to the expenditure involved in the methods adopted for deer-destruction from which no direct return was being received. It was realized that the most satisfactory solution would be the commercialization of the work of destruction ; hence the decision to save skins in all possible cases, so as to explore the possibility of markets for this commodity. Without detailing all the efforts made to find avenues for sale overseas, it is sufficient now to say that markets have been found at a price which should make deerdestruction attractive and remunerative as an avenue of employment. The tail bonus (first 25., and later Is. 6d.) payments have, therefore, been discontinued and a bonus for skins on basis of weight substituted. Should the present market demand be maintained, it is hoped that with the operation of organized parties' in the rougher and inaccessible breeding-areas, and that of private individuals and parties elsewhere, the deer menace to forest and pasture can soon be regarded as under effective control. GrOATS. Under a special arrangement with the runholders, during deer-destruction operations in Marlborough, a certain number of goats .were killed in areas infested with these animals with a view of investigating the best methods of dealing with them and of finding a market for the skins as in the case of deer. Personal. As indicated in the last report of the Department, Mr. G. P. Newton retired from the office of Under-Secretary on the 30t,h June, 1931. The vacancy thus caused was filled by the appointment of Mr. P. J. Kelleher, who in turn retired on the 29th April, 1932. Mr. Kelleher was associated with the Internal Affairs Department for twenty years, during which period he ably filled the positions of Clerk in Charge Advertising Office, Chief Clerk, Inspector of Totalizators, Assistant Under-Secretary, and Under-Secretary.

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