H.—2

9

REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, MELBOURNE. Melbourne, 11th June, 1919. I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report on the working of these offices for the year ending 31st March, 1919. The tourist traffic from Australia to New Zealand has suffered this year owing to the lack of shipping facilities, strikes, and the unfortunate influenza epidemic. The disabilities under which the, traffic has been carried on during tho last live years have been so numerous and persistent that it is remarkable, under the circumstances, any. success whatever has been achieved. Nevertheless, in spite of existing difficulties, particularly at the Melbourne end, with inadequate shipping connections and the attendant war restrictions, such as securing permits, &c, a steady stream of visitors found their way to the Dominion. Immediately, however, on the outbreak of the influenza epidemic in New Zealand a cessation of the traffic took place, and from that time practically no tourists have left Australia for the Dominion. When peace is finally signed I am confident that a great forward movement in the tourist traffic to New Zealand from these shores will take place. Many people who have been prevented through the war, and for other reasons, from visiting New Zealand will then be able to give vent to their long-pent-up desire to visit the Dominion. To encourage these visits, active propaganda work has been carried out by seizing every opportunity to keep our scenic attractions in the forefront. The broadcasting of literature, the use of lantern-slides, and the display of kinemacolor films, as well as other means at our disposal, have been most helpful in stimulating interest in the. Dominion generally. On the 24th May, with the co-operation of resident New-Zealanders, much publicity was given to New Zealand. The occasion was taken to celebrate in gala form Empire Day, and funds were raised for patriotic purposes. Another suitable opportunity for New Zealand's representation was given when the Allied pageant was held in connection with an appeal under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. These two events are mentioned as an indication of what I mean by taking every opportunity to keep the affairs of the Dominion before the people of this State. Tn spite of the disabilities that have existed, a constant flow of oral and written inquiries has reached us regarding our tourist resorts, the conditions of land-settlement, and the prospects offered for business undertakings. As illustrating the usefulness of these offices and the scope of our operations, I might point out that inquiries come not only from all parts of the Commonwealth, but from further afield ; letters have been received even from China. The additional duties carried out at these offices on behalf of the Defence Department have been particularly onerous during the year, and these, together with the other commissions attended to for the Board of Trade, Munitions and Supplies, the Imperial Government Supplies, the Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce, and the Customs Departments, have meant a most strenuous year- for myself and staff. H. J. Manson, Agent for the New Zealand Government.

REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT AGENT, SYDNEY. Sydney, N.SW., 10th April, 1919. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1919. Passenger-booking.— On the 7th September, 1918, the work of issuing tickets to persons touring the Dominion was suspended owing to the small use that was being made by the general public of this convenience. Since that date tourists who have called at the offices have been supplied with full itineraries of tours they contemplated making, and have been advised to purchase tickets for same from our offices in New Zealand. The tourist traffic to the Dominion during the year has been less than usual, principally because of the outbreaks of pneumonic influenza in Australia and New Zealand. The fear of contracting this disease, the necessity of complying with regulations issued, by the Dominion and Commonwealth Governments to combat the epidemic, the uncertainty of the departure of steamers, and the increase in fares made by the shipping companies, have all been, causes why the tourist traffic from Australia to New Zealand has fallen off. Immigration. —Ninety foreigners were examined during the year with a view to seeing if they could pass the education test as prescribed by the Immigration Restriction Act, and as sixty-seven applicants were able to do this certificates were consequently issued to them. Advertising. —The Department obtained four very good advertisements free of charge, particulars of which are as follows : (1) Articles on Rotorua appearing in four issues of a paper entitled The Voice of the North ; (2) cinematographic views and magic-lantern slides of New Zealand scenery which were shown at the Town-planning Conference held at Brisbane, Queensland, and which lasted from 30th July to 6th August, 1918 ; (3) large photographs of New Zealand scenery which have been placed in a permanent position in the lounge of the Hotel Sydney ; (4) a short illustrated article which appeared in the October issue of the. Mutual Provident Messenger, a publication issued and distributed free of cost by the Australian Mutual Provident Society. New-Zealanders visiting Sydney.—l am pleased to report that has again been greatly availed of by New-Zealanders who have, passed through Sydney during the year. These visitors have found the office exceedingly useful in giving unbiased information concerning Sydney's business houses, New South Wales tourist resorts, &c, and in arranging for New Zealand permits to be extended where necessary.

2—H. 2.