H.— 22.

XIX. MAORI ANTIQUITIES ACT, 1908. Four warrants were issued authorizing the export of Maori antiquities. One warrant was for the purpose of exchanging specimens with a British ethnographical museum. The other three warrants were in favour of private individuals. Authority was also granted in three cases where the specimens were of modern make and not subject therefore to the provisions of the Act. XX. PASSPORTS AND PERMITS. During the year 2,186 new passports were issued, compared with 5,010 last year ; and renewals were granted to 390 passports, compared with 563 last year. The war has restricted foreign travel and accounts for the decrease shown. Immediately on the outbreak of war regulations were issued compelling all persons over sixteen years of age to have a permit to leave New Zealand. This new system placed an enormous pressure of work on the Department, particularly in the early stages. Approximately 11,000 such permits have been issued. The Passport Emergency Regulations 1939 reimposed the requirement of passport visas on all aliens. This step was taken in concert with all other Governments of the British Commonwealth and has entailed considerable extra work. XXI. FOREIGN CONSULS. Twenty-five foreign countries have consuls in New Zealand. The interests of the German Consulate-General have been handed over to the Swiss Vice-Consul. Another consulate was closed. Two consuls-general de carriere left New Zealand, and one honorary consul died. The Government of Sweden appointed an officer as vice-consul de carriere. and trade agent in Wellington. Eight new appointments were gazetted. The duty devolved on the Department of making all the arrangements for the return to Germany of the German Consul-General and his entourage on the outbreak of war. XXII. CHANGE OF NAME. Since the outbreak of war there have been eighty-eight applications for exemption from the provisions of the Change of Name Emergency Regulations. Fifty-nine warrants of exemption have been issued. Careful inquiries have been made to ascertain whether the applicant is of enemy nationality or not and whether there is any ulterior motive prompting the applicant's change of name. Exemption from the regulations is not granted to enemy aliens. As a result of practical experience in administration it was found necessary to amend the principal regulations to facilitate further the change of name of infants. XXIII. NATURALIZATION. Certificates of naturalization were granted to 133 aliens. Naturalization was revoked in two cases of aliens who had been long resident in a foreign country. Other cases are under review. Naturalization of enemy aliens has been suspended during the war-time. Seventy-three wives of aliens becoming naturalized made declarations of desire to acquire British nationality. Thirty British-born women married to aliens made declarations to retain rights of a British subject. XXIV. RACING. Totalizator investments continue to show an increase. As in previous years, the Department had a representative at all totalizator race meetings to ensure that the law regarding the operation of the totalizator was complied with. The following statistics relative to the racing year ended 31st July, 1939, are of interest (figures for the racing year 1938 in parentheses): Number of racing days, 320 (320) ; number of races, 2,517 (2,506) ; amount of stakes, £550,054 (£527,545) ; totalizator investments, £7,981,441 (£7,201,820) ; amount paid in dividends, £6,589,628 (£5,945,365) ; Government taxes, £673,856 (£608,340). For the eight months ended 31st March, 1940, of the current racing year, totalizator investments have increased by £677,076. XXV. WAR FUNDS. From the latest annual statements of war funds registered under the War Funds Act, 1915, the following information as to their present assets has been extracted : — Summary. £ a. d. 26 incorporated societies .. . . . . .. .. 400,296 5 6 7 Red Cross organizations .. .. .. .. .. 85,837 310 2 blind soldiers' and veterans' homes funds . . . . . . 60,465 13 10 J1 unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 5,746 9 9 6 returned soldiers'clubs .. .. .. .. .. 23,811 3 6 1 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 84,260 16 0 53 £660,417 12 5 The Wellington Hostel for Returned Men ceased activities, transferring the balance of its funds to the National War Funds Council. Advances to soldiers represent approximately 15 per cent, of the funds in hand, land and buildings 20 per cent., and the remaining 65 per cent, consists of assets of a more or less liquid form.

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