H. —15.

1938. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1937-38.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Marine Department, Wellington, Ist August, 1938. Your Excellency,— I do myself the honour to transmit for Your Excellency's information the report of the Marine Department for the financial year ended the 31st March last. ' I have, &c., P. Eraser, His Excellency the Governor-General of the Minister of Marine. Dominion of New Zealand.

REPORT.

The Secretary, Marine Department, to the Hon. the Minister op Marine. Sir, — Marine Department, Wellington, 7th July, 1938. I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Marine Department for the financial year ended 31st March, 1938. The year has been one of sustained briskness in shipping and in trade, reflected in an increase both in departmental revenue and in expenditure. The notable event of the year has been the flight of the Imperial Airways flying-boat " Centaurus " from England via Australia and the trans-Pacific trial flights of the Pan-American Clipper from the United States of America to Auckland. These pioneer flights point to an extension of the existing activities of Harbour Boards in the direction of providing suitable water areas with mooring and landing facilities for the use of such craft when engaged in regular services. His Majesty's Surveying Ship " Endeavour," working under the direction of the Hydrographer and the Admiralty, arrived in New Zealand on the 15th June to survey the coast, starting work on the 15th July in Tamaki Strait, in the vicinity of Auckland. Since then the vessel has completed the survey of Tamaki Strait, Firth of Thames, and Hauraki Gulf, and commenced on the general coastal survey near Mercury Bay, working northward from where the H.M.S. " Penguin " ceased work many years ago. At the end of the year the vessel was working round Mercury Islands and Cuvier Island towards Great Barrier Island. The Royal Research Ship " Discovery II," engaged in deep-sea biological and hydrological work and in the study of whales, called at New Zealand during the year. At the generous invitation of the London Committee, under whose direction the ship is operated, a biologist of this Department joined the scientific staff for a three months' cruise in the Antarctic, calling at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and South Africa. The opportunity given this officer to take part in the work of this up-to-date ship in association with her highly competent and scientific staff is much appreciated. The programme of electrification of selected lights, commenced with the construction of radio beacons, has been continued, but delivery of the special plant from overseas is still very slow. The radio beacon at Baring Head was officially opened on the 14th October, 1937. The plant has operated smoothly, and the service has given entire satisfaction to shipping. At Cape Campbell the buildings have been erected. The whole of the plant is on the ground and in process of assembling. At Stephens

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