9

H.—22

Inland Fisheries. The netting of trout in Lake Rotorua between the years 1914 and 1917 for the purpose of reducing their number and restoring them to their normal condition was so effective that no netting has been necessary for the last two seasons. Similar operations commenced on Lake Taupo have had to be abandoned for the time being owing to the high cost of labour and the difficulty in transporting the fish to market. The arrangement whereby tourists and others at Taupo may have their catches cured at a cost of 10s. per dozen fish is again in operation this season. From|present indications the number of fish so treated will exceed twelve hundred. Hatchery. During the season 880,000 ova and 491,000 fry were distributed. The ova and fry were disposed of to various acclimatization societies and to the Governments of New South Wales and Fiji. With the object of improving the fish in the lakes a consignment of 250,000 rainbow-trout ova, from Lake Hawea, was hatched and liberated. It is proposed to obtain a further consignment during the coming season. Cinematograph-film Censorship. For some time past films have been classified into " adult " and " universal " films, but, unfortunately, full information regarding this is not always advertised by the proprietors of picture-theatres. "A" certificates — i.e., certificates recommending the picture as being more suitable for adults than for children —were issued in 105 cases. As from the Ist May, 1921, any film or portion thereof in which thieving, robbery, murder, or suicide is made the feature of such film shall not be passed for exhibition ; but this does not apply to classical works. Several complaints in respect to posters and other advertising-matter have been received. In each case the matter complained of was found to be a breach of good taste and calculated to have a pernicious effect on certain types of mind, but no effective legal remedy is open. The question of legislation prohibiting tin; display of any such matter is receiving attention. During the year 3,146 films, amounting to 4,920,000 ft., were examined, and fees amounting to £1,584 received. Approval was refused in thirty-eight cases, while 240 films were approved only after excisions had been made to the satisfaction of the Censor. No appeals were made against the Censor's decision. Turnbull Library. The library was formally opened on the 28th June, 1920, in the presence of a number of prominent citizens. Rules for admission to and use of the library have been drawn up, and found to meet the requirements of those interested. The hours of admission have been fixed at from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday inclusive, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Thursday. The report of the Advisory Director and Librarian gives details of valuable donations received during the year, and it is gratifying to record the liberality displayed. New Zealand History Section. The " History of the Wars in New Zealand," embracing the three decades of the Dominion's pioneering period, is now being completed by Mr. James Cowan, and it is expected that the first volume will be published early next year. The author's research work throughout the Dominion has resulted in the collection of a very large amount of original material which otherwise would have been lost; and the exploration of battle-grounds and other historical places has been fruitful in topographical notes and in field sketches and photographs to illustrate the work. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Under the provisions of this Act the Governor-General may acquire on behalf of New Zealand such Maori antiquities as he deems expedient. " Maori antiquities " include Maori relics, articles manufactured with ancient Maori tools and according to Maori methods, and all other articles or things of historical or scientific value or interest and relating to New Zealand. The late Major Broun, who was for many years the sole authority on Coleoptera (beetles) in New Zealand, bequeathed his collection of over two thousand type specimens to the British Museum, to be held for reference by students. The question of the export of the collection is at present the subject of correspondence with the British Museum. Race Meetings Act, 1909. The Race Meetings Act, 1909, which does not apply to horse-racing conducted under the authority and control of a racing club authorized to use the totalizator, provides that no horse-racing shall take place except under the authority and control of a racing club holding a license under this Act. While 117 licenses were issued for the racing-year 1911-12, only fifty-five were issued for the racing-year ending 31st July, 1921. Staff. The relieving staff of this Department, which was instituted by the Public Service Commissioner prior to the outbreak of the war, for the purpose of furnishing a staff of officers who would be available for emergency work in all Departments as occasion required, was found to be of great value during the period of the war. During the year a gradual process of transfer to Departments has taken place, and the relieving staff is now down to a bare minimum. All vacancies in the General Division of the Department have been filled by the appointment of returned soldiers. It is with pleasure I acknowledge the loyal and efficient services of the executive officers and members of the staff during the past year. I have, &c, J. Hislop, Under-Secretary.

2—H. 22.