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to slightly conflict with the amending Act, the question of the powers of special licenses and their issue to British subjects only has to be submitted to the Crown Law Officers for an opinion thereon. (F.) Miscellaneous. (1.) Old Soldiers' Claims. During the session of L9lO the Government promised that a final revision would be made "I claims by old soldiers and naval and military settlers for grants of land in consideration for their services. In accordance with this promise the Stipendiary Magistrates throughout the Dominion were instructed to inquire into and report upon all claims submitted to them under this heading. It was soon manifest that the statements of applicants needed careful investigation, and that much information was required before the Magistrates could make a recommendation. The Department therefore issued a statement of the various statutes and regulations under which such grants were authorized, giving particulars of the services required to be performed by applicants before they were eligible for grants of land, obtained copies of discharges, searched for and supplied details of services of claimants, and thoroughly checked every claim submitted to the Magistrates. A separate report to Parliament under this heading is now being submitted, and will give full information as to tin , claims made and recommended. Not only were the records of the Lands Department searched and placed at the disposal of the Magistrates, but also the records of the Defence authorities and old Provincial and General Government Gazettes, &c. (2.) Settlers' H&ndbook mid other Publications. Owing to the numerous inquiries from all parts of the world, and particularly from farmers and others in the United Kingdom, it is necessary thai a comprehensive and reliable publication dealing with the various aspects of life in New Zealand as they affect an intending settler should be available for distribution. In 1902 the first Settlers' Handbook was published, and a second and enlarged edition in 1906. The third edition has been issued recently, and copies supplied to the High Commissioner for distribution at the Exhibition in London, which opened on the Ist May. The present edition has been thoroughly revised, and practically rewritten, and contains all possible information regarding the agricultural, dairying, and pastoral industries, the hind legislation of the Dominion, the various laws that effect a settler's operations and property, and the other details that interest an immigrant. A quarterly issue of the " Crown Lands Guide," which contains a full list of all Crown lands available for settlement, also numerous land-sale posters and pamphlets arc published by the Department. Special articles arc written for the " New Zealand Official Year-book" on the land system, and descriptions of the land districts. In addition to these, it often happens that special publications arc desired by the Government for some particular purpose, and in such cases the Department endeavours to supply what is required. (3.) Wanganui River Protection-works. Although these works are carried out by the Wanganui River Trust, yet the Department provides the subsidy for the operations, and exercises a general supervision over the works, so as to insure that they are carried out in conformity with the wishes of the Government, and that the expenditure is reasonable. To that end the Chairman submits a monthly report of works performed, and also a schedule of the works proposed to be carried out. A special report is also laid before Parliament. Here it may be added that the members of the Trust have carried out most valuable works, and given very careful attention to the clearing of the Wanganui Kiver of obstructions to navigation. The fact that it has been possible to carry on the river service during the past extraordinary dry summer, with the river some 4 ft. below its hitherto lowest known summer level, speaks volumes for the work of the Trust, (I.) Grass-seed supplied to Settlers. The total amount repaid during the year in connection with the above matter amounted to £8,269. It is considered that the balance still owing will be repaid as the promissory notes fall due. (5.) Medical Assistance in Sparsely Settled Districts. During the past year payments in aid of maintaining a resident medical practitioner have been paid to the following medical clubs, as set forth in the annexed table : —