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to meet the needs of the factories in those districts. There are, however, one or two districts where the acreage forthcoming is not quite sufficient to meet the needs of the factories in the locality, and an effort is being made to encourage the growing of a greater acreage in such districts. On the other hand, owing to the good growing seasons experienced and the splendid efforts of farmers, a good stock of straw has been built up at certain factories, thus providing a valuable reserve against less favourable seasons. The possibility of extending the capacity of certain factories is being given attention. The Linen Flax Management Committee has arranged that in the coming season contracts will only be made for crops intended to be sown in the most suitable types of soil. This may mean a slight limitation of area in some districts, but it is felt that any reduction likely to take place will be offset so far as the farmer is concerned by increased average crop yields giving higher returns. This will also result in the lessening of crop failures and unsatisfactory crops resulting from disease or low fibre content. MOTION-PICTURE INDUSTRY During the year the investigations carried out by the Department in connection with the motion-picture industry concerned the question of the closing of theatres on account of war conditions rather than the opening of new theatres. A few smaller theatres have been closed where the proprietors on being called to the armed Services have been unable to obtain some one to carry on during their absence. The Film Industry Board has met on a number of occasions and much useful work is being done in respect of all aspects of the industry. Questions such as the opening of theatres on Sunday afternoon and evening for the purpose of entertaining troops on leave in the main centres has formed the subject of discussion, and suitable arrangements were made to bring this about. The question of the operators for the machines formed the subject of discussions also, and as a result of suggestions made amending regulations were introduced relaxing certain existing regulations so that the machines could be operated by those who had undergone an intensive period of training rather than the customary apprenticeship necessary under ordinary peacetime conditions. STANDARDS INSTITUTE The activities of this section of the Department are covered in a separate report, parliamentary paper H.-44a. LIBRARY AND PUBLICATIONS The outstanding feature of the work of the departmental library during the year has been the creation of a closer liaison with manufacturers. The facilities in the. library for dissemination of information relative to new industrial developments overseas have been made available in greater measure than hitherto was the case to individual manufacturers and to industrial groups through the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation and its constituent associations. The library has also acted as a clearing-house for other State Departments in the procurement of publications and information through the New Zealand Supply Liaison Officers overseas. Full co-operation has been received from, and has been extended to, the American Legation, the Department of Commerce and Foreign Trade, and the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Close touch is also maintained with all Consuls and representatives of overseas countries to our mutual advantage. Using the resources of the library as a basis for the collection of information, all overseas officers are kept posted on developments in the Dominion, and comment furnished by these officers indicates the great help and value of the newsletters forwarded. The newsletters provide a comprehensive background of industrial, social, economic, and general information. Industrial publicity has been well maintained within the Dominion, and much information, within the confines of the national security censorship, has been supplied to overseas journals and papers.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (791 copies), £10.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 943 Price 6d.~\

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