H.—22.

It was noticed that a marked feature in the production of American films is the tendency to make entertainment out of some of the sociaJ problems peculiar to the States. Another feature is the production of " typed " films or pictures similar in theme and story treatment to that of an initial production which has turned out to be a success at the box-office. It is interesting to note that a comparison between the operations of the censorship in Canada and Australia during the year shows that the amendments made in these countries are very similar to those made here. In general, it may be conceded that the improvement in films is being maintained. Nevertheless, constant vigilance is necessary to see that the standard set is conformed to, as evidenced by the large number (112) requiring amendment during the year. B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators. The Cinematograph Operators Licensing Regulations 1938 (issued in pursuance of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, and amendments) came into force on the Ist June, 1938. These regulations were issued consequent on representations made by cinematograph operators in New Zealand. The primary object of the regulations is to improve the standard of projection technique and to ensure a greater degree of public safety. In accordance with the provisions of the regulations a Cinematograph Film Operators' Licensing Board was set up. The main duties of the Board are to arrange for the examination and licensing of all cinematograph operators. An officer of the Department has been appointed Secretary to the Board, and is responsible for the general administrative work in connection with the scheme. All operators and assistant operators, seven hundred and six (706) in all, at present in employment have been granted provisional licenses. Within a reasonable time all holders of provisional licenses will be required to qualify by examination for a definitive license. Ultimately there will be five grades of definitive licenses, named respectively A, B, C, D, and E Grade license. The general purpose is that as the responsibility of the operator increases he shall be required to have additional qualifications. A person holding an A Grade license, for instance, can operate in any theatre and with any equipment; a person holding a D grade license, only in a theatre operating not more than two nights per week. For the higher grades of license a more extensive examination is prescribed. The examination is divided into two parts —(a) written, and (b) oral and practical. The written examination, which consists of a questionnaire containing several hundred questions, covers all phases of an operator's work and duties, and has been designed with the dual purpose of educating the candidate in and ascertaining his knowledge of projection work. Two copies of the completed questionnaire are forwarded for examination ; one corrected copy is returned to the examinee for his information and future guidance. The scheme, which has the full support of the motion-picture operators, should do much to improve the standard of work and minimize the dangers from fire. C. Exhibitors' and other Licenses. The following licenses under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, were issued during the year ended 30th September, 1938, corresponding figures for the previous year being given in parentheses : Exhibitors', 426 (427) ; circuit exhibitors', 42 (42) ; renters', 20 (18) ; storage, 5 (12) ; miscellaneous, 29 (36). D. Accidents. The number of fires which occurred during the projection of film was seven, as against a figure of eight for the previous year. Two only of these fires resulted in the destruction of more than one spool of film, and in both, instances the cause was traceable to breaches of the regulations. Inquiries made subsequently showed that spools previously removed from the machine had not been placed immediately in the special fire-resisting programme box, but had been left on the rewinding-bench. The majority of the seven fires originated from breaking of film whilst passing through the machine, but one case is reported of a fire occurring when the leader from the upper magazine curled and touched the cooling-plate of the projector. XII. ANIMALS PROTECTION AND GAME. A. General. (1) Bird-life. Reports continue to indicate that some species of birds, particularly bell-birds and tuis, are on the increase. Persons who have in earlier years planted suitable trees have had their hopes of attracting these birds realized. Concern is being expressed at the reduced numbers of wild ducks in many localities, and it is evident that, with the disappearance of natural feeding-grounds and other causes, the question of periodical close seasons for ducks will have to be seriously considered. (2) Shooting Seasons. Open seasons have been declared in all acclimatization districts. In all North Island acclimatization districts the license fee for native and imported game has been fixed at £1 10s. Provision has, however, been made that the fee for a license issued to a person receiving an age benefit or a miner's benefit under the Social Security Act, 1938, shall be £1. The conditions for the 1939 shooting seasons include a new provision by which the feeding of waters with grain so as to lure ducks into positions convenient for shooting is prohibited.

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