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GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. During the 1927-28 field season the Geological Survey continued the detailed examination of the Taupo-Rotorua volcanic region ; the Wairoa district, north of Hawke's Bay ; and the Murchison district, in. central Nelson. The soil survey of parts of Central Otago, begun at the instance of the Public Works Department three years ago, was completed about Easter. Reports concerning all these areas are now being prepared. Much palseontological work was done, chiefly on shells collected from the oilbearing strata of the Cisborne - East Cape district. The report now in preparation should be of material help in solving some of the problems of the rather complex structure of this district. As in past years, the Survey has had the assistance of specialists in some paheontological determinations, and, as far as possible, has helped other workers in this branch of science. During the year ended 31st March last Bulletins No. 29 (Egmont Subdivision), No. 31 (Tongaporutu-Ohura Subdivision), and No. 32 (Minerals of New Zealand), as well as the twenty-first annual report of the Geological Survey, were published. In addition, several papers by members of the staff have appeared in the " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute " and elsewhere. Bulletin No. 30 (Waiapu Subdivision) is in the press, and the preparation of several others is well forward. It is with regret that I have to record the death of Mr. P. G. Morgan, who had been Director of the Geological Survey since 1911. Mr. Morgan's devotion to duty and his high ideals of service are known to all with whom he came in contact, and his death in the full vigour of his mental prime was unfortunate. MINING PRIVILEGES. During the year ended 31st March, 1928, 6,52 licenses for mining privileges were granted under the provisions of the Mining Act, 1926. Out of this number 110 were licenses for claims authorizing the holders to mine for gold. Eor the same period 280 mining privileges, including 25 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 7,194 ft. was drilled. Eor the year a total of £13,860 Bs. 4d. was expended in subsidies for prospecting, and 146 persons were employed in connection therewith. £3,841 7s. sd. was expended by way of direct grants and subsidies for roads and tracks. The expenditure on schools of mines amounted to £3,516 17s. Id., aga'nst £3,885 16s. sd. during the previous year. SCHOOL OF MINES SCHOLARSHIPS. Eight 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. Two candidates from the Thames School were successful in gaining scholarships, which are tenable for three years at the University of Otago. MINERS PHTHISIS ACT, 1915. (Now in Pensions Act, 1926.) The benefits under this Act are administered by the Pensions Department, and the following is a statement supplied, by the Commissioner of Pensions showing the amount and the number of pensions payable, in force, and granted to the 31st March, 1928 :— _ • Amounts paid since inception until 31st March, 1928 — Payments from Ist November, 1915, to 31st March, £ 1927 .. .. .. .. .. 301,178 Payments for year ended 31st March, 1928 . . 45,096 £346,274