H.—3oa.

AUCKLAND BRANCH. Situated in the centre of the commercial lemon districts and in close proximity to the kauri-gum fields, the Auckland Branch takes the main responsibility for the marketing of these two products. Recent additions of the most modern plant in the Tauranga lemon-shed is proving of great value in the grading and curing of lemons produced in that district, and when the Division's new building is completed in Auckland the experience gained in Tauranga and other curing-sheds will be very useful in determining the type of plant to be used in the central depot. The kauri-gum industry continues to function smoothly, the Department maintaining a liaison between the diggers and merchants by means of occasional visits to the fields, as well as attention to individual inquiries. Auckland Port is the first point of discharge for many cargoes of imported fruit and other produce, and the Auckland office handles the inspection, storage, and distribution of these products ■ in accordance with instructions from the Head Office in Wellington. When, on the Ist January, 1940, the Government assumed the responsibility for the marketing of apples and pears within New Zealand and abroad, the Auckland office shared a large portion of this increased activity, which necessitated considerable effort under difficult circumstances in disposing of large quantities of fruit in both Auckland City and provincial districts. The Division's officers also supervise the assembly work in connection with apples and pears in the Auckland District. The Division originally started its activities by establishing a honey packing and blending depot in 1938, and this continues to give excellent service to the honey industry, as well as enabling the Division to maintain a satisfactory honey-export programme. With the establishment of canteens in the military camps, Auckland office was entrusted with the supervision of the Air Force, naval, and military canteens established in the Northern Command, and these canteens and associated services are now functioning very smoothly. Butter-patting for Auckland City and the supervision of local marketing of butter continues, as well as the interest in bobby-calf pools. A Fish Marketing Advisory Committee has now been established in Auckland under the chairmanship of the Manager of the Auckland Branch, which Committee has the responsibility of advising the Government regarding the supply and marketing of fish in the Auckland Province. CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH. In July, 1939, it was considered necessary to establish a Branch of the Division in Christchurch in order to supervise more effectively the distribution of imported citrus fruit and bananas in the South Island. Since that time the increase in the Division's activities has resulted in added responsibilities for this Branch, from which supervision is maintained over South Island canteens and the marketing of apples and pears in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. The Christchurch office is also a useful link in investigations on behalf of Head Office, and it is obvious that this branch will continue to grow in importance as the Division's functions are consolidated. Minister of Marketing.

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