H.—l4.

an opportunity was afforded officers in that town to interview the Commissioner. In this way, "officers stationed at Auckland, Hamilton, Wanganui, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Blenheim, and Nelson have had the opportunity of making personal representations if they so desired. Appointment op Veterinarians. It has always been, a difficult task to secure qualified men of the required type to fill vacancies for veterinarians on' the staff of the Agriculture Department. Usually such vacancies have been advertised in Australia and Great Britain, as there are no educational facilities in New Zealand which would enable people in this country to qualify as Veterinary Surgeons. Government decided to grant for 1936 five scholarships, each of £100 per annum, with the addition, in the case of students entering the Sydney University Veterinary School, of an annual return fare between New Zealand and Australia. The scholarship extends to students desiring to train at a veterinary college in the United Kingdom, but in such case no transport allowance will be granted. Applicants are required to have passed the University Entrance Examination, and preference will be given to those who have passed the Medical Intermediate Examination (or its equivalent in the required subjects —zoology, bofcany, physics, and organic and inorganic chemistry), as the possession of this certificate could reasonably be expected to be considered by the Sydney school as equivalent to the first year's course in veterinary science. The scholarships are tenable for four years for students entering the Sydney University Veterinary School, with a reduction to three years in the case of those students whose qualifications in. certain subjects entitle them to remission of the first year's course. The duration of the scholarship for students training in the United Kingdom is five years, with a reduction to four in circumstances as stated. Students attending the Sydney school will be required to undertake practical training in veterinary work in New Zealand, to the satisfaction of the Department of Agriculture, during the three months' annual vacation. Successful applicants will be required to enter into an agreement with the Government that they will undertake veterinary work within the Dominion for a period of at least five years after qualifying, either in the service of the Department of Agriculture, if required, or otherwise in some capacity approved by the Department of Agriculture. In the selection of candidates, in addition to the necessary educational qualifications, experience in connection with live-stock will be regarded as important. The granting of these scholarships will, it is hoped, enable vacancies on the veterinary staff to be filled without the difficulties previously experienced. Administrative Changes. Since the last report was issued the following administrative changes have taken place : — Agriculture Department: Dr. C. J. Reakes, C.8.E., M.R.C.V.S., D.V.Sc, Director-General of Agriculture, retired on 30th April, 1936. Mr. A. H. Cockayne, formerly Assistant Director-General, was appointed to succeed Dr. Reakes. Labour Department: Mr. H. E. Moston, formerly Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, &c, was appointed on Ist April, 1936, to the position of Assistant Secretary of Labour, Chief Inspector of Factories, and Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures. National Provident, Friendly Societies, and Government Actuary's Department: Mr. C. Gostelow, F.1.A., on his appointment to the position of Registrar of Friendly Societies and Superintendent of the National Provident Fund, retained the position of Government Actuary. The position of Registrar of Friendly Societies and Superintendent of the National Provident Fund was previously held by the late Mr. R. Witheford.

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