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Work carried out on behalf of other Government, Departments. —I am pleased to report that the work we are carrying out for other Government Departments in New Zealand has grown very materially during the year. We have continued to arrange for the transportation of New Zealand returned soldiers to the Dominion, advancing money to same, paying accounts, and attending to other matters required by the Defence. Department. We have also continued to obtain quotations for goods wanted by the Public Works Department and the Department of Munitions and Supplies. In very many cases quotations have been accepted, and we have then placed orders and arranged for shipping and payment of goods. The work of examining the books of firms for specific information for the Customs Department has also been continued, and any special duties wanted by other Departments have been carried out. At the request of the Munitions and Supplies Department I have assisted the Union and HuddaitParker Steamship Companies, since early in September last, in the allocation of cargo-space on their steamers trading between Sydney and the Dominion. This special work was undertaken to ensure that the cargo most urgently wanted in the Dominion received preference. 'I he work has taken up a lot of my time, but 1 am pleased to say it has given satisfaction to all concerned. General. During the year advantage was taken of every opportunity of advertising the Dominion and persuading people to visit or settle in the country. A number of prospective settlers visited the Dominion as a result of information received from this office, and in some eases we have had letters stating that they had settled there. The general work that we are now doing for all Departments of the New Zealand Government has conclusively shown that the offices are too small, and consequently the question of securing larger and more up-to-date accommodation should be given consideration as soon as possible. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent.

Approximate Cost of 'Paper. —Preparation, not. Riven ; printing (750 copies), £12 108

Ry Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—1919.

Price 6d.\