C.—2

4

The other office-work of the Survey comprised the preparation of detailed reports, the drawing of geological maps, thejfgiving of general information to members of the public, the identification of mineral specimens submitted, &c. During the year ended 31st March last the following publications were issued: Bulletin No. 28 (" Geology of the Huntly-Kawhia Subdivision "), Paleeontological Bulletin No. 12 (" Cretaceous and Tertiary Foraminifera of New Zealand," by F. Chapman), and the Twentieth Annual Report. In addition several papers by members of the Survey were published in the " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute " and elsewhere. At the end of the period under review Bulletin No. 29 (" Geology of the Egmont Subdivision, Taranaki"), was ready for issue, and several other reports were in course of publication. An important change during the year was the transference of the Geological Survey Branch of the Mines Department, in accordance with a direction given by Cabinet, to the newly organized Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The Geological Survey was transferred from the Colonial Secretary's Department to the Mines Department on the Ist January, 1886, and therefore its connection with the latter lasted over forty years. During that time, and in earlier years, the Geological Survey, in addition to purely geological work, examined and reported upon practically all the known mineral deposits of this Dominion. As in past years, officers of the Geological Survey will continue to examine mineral areas and to make such reports as may be required for the Mines Department. In his letter of transmittal, dated 23rd September, 1926, submitting Bulletin No. 29 (New Series) on " The Geology of the Egmont Subdivision, Taranaki," Mr. P. G. Morgan, Director of Geological Survey, stated that such bulletin would be the last one of the Geological Survey issued under the auspices of the Mines Department, and that he thought it fitting to state also that he should acknowledge the many courtesies he had received from the Minister of Mines and the officers of the Mines Department, the assistance given on numerous occasions, and the keen desire evinced that the work of the Geological Survey should be carried out to the permanent benefit of the Dominion. MINING PRIVILEGES. During the year ended 31st March, 1927, 709 licenses for mining privileges were granted under the provisions of the Mining Act, 1926. Out of this number 102 were licenses for claims authorizing the holders to mine for gold. For the same period 407 mining privileges, including 48 licenses for claims, were struck off the registers under the provisions of section 188 of the said Act. STATE AID TO MINING. As in previous years, considerable use was made of the Government prospectingdrills. They were hired by seven parties, and a total of 3,726 ft. was drilled. For the year a total of £9,098 Bs. Bd. was expended in subsidies for prospecting, and 155 persons were employed in connection therewith. £3,612 9s. Id. was expended by way of direct grants and subsidies for roads and tracks. The expenditure on schools of mines amounted to £3,885 16s. 5d., against £4,004 during the previous year. SCHOOL OP MINES SCHOLARSHIPS. Ten scholarship candidates sat at the annual Schools of Mines Examinations, held in November and December of last year, for the six scholarships which are offered annually for competition by students attending the schools of mines within the Dominion. Four candidates (three from Otago School and one from Thames School) were successful in gaining scholarships, which are tenable for three years at the University of Otago.