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Housing and Town Section Survey's.—None of these surveys have been undertaken by staff surveyors, but contract surveyors have again carried out the Housing Department's subdivisions. They have completed the survey of 1,043 lots and have in hand 2,182 lots, which represent in the main, large subdivision in the Tamaki and Mount Roskill areas. Native Surveys.—The work carried out by the staff consisted of the definition of two small Orown interests in Native blocks. Under eighteen authorities, 911 acres were surveyed by contract surveyors. Road Surveys.—Staff surveyors carried out 16 7 miles of road surveys, and of this 11-7 miles was in connection with rehabilitation work. The remainder 5-5 miles was for other Departments, and contract surveyors completed 2-76 miles for the Public Works Department. Maintenam.ce of Survey Marks.—The only work of this nature has been the offsetting of standard blocks which may be moved in new street formation, and the renewing of standard block covers which have become worn by pedestrian traffic. Several trig signals have been repainted as opportunities occurred. and Investigational Surveys.—Shortage of staff has not permitted more inspectional surveys, but it was necessary that two be undertaken. Eleven investigational surveys were carried out for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness or otherwise of boundary definition of plans under examination. Topographical Mapping Surveys.—Apart from the topographical surveys in connection with rehabilitation, one surveyor has been wholly engaged and two partly engaged in the topographical surveys of 1,626 square miles for the 1 : 63360 series of, maps. Much of this was in the rough and rugged portions of the Coromandel Peninsula. Triangulatkm Surveys: ■Standard Surveys.—lt has not been possible to undertake any of this class of work. Other Work.—This embraces repegging and redefinition surveys, police surveys for Supreme and Magistrates' Courts, reports on town scheme subdivision, miscellaneous reports, &c., and field-work for regional planning areas. Office Work.—The present staff, excluding servicemen still with the Forces or on leave without pay, consists of 58 officers at district office and 14 at the Land Transfer Office, and I have to report that there is a marked increase in the volume of work carried out by each of the several branches. Land Transfer Branch.—Through increase of work this branch is considerably in arrears, and with the additional number of private subdivisions — both town and rural—it would appear that it will be some time before this can be overcome. During the year 818 plans have been received, and 683 examined and approved, leaving 200 awaiting examination. In addition to plan examination, 10,174 diagrams have been endorsed on titles and 186 miscellaneous documents checked. Road Legalization and Plan Checking Branch.—ln this branch the work is still increasing, 485 plans have been received, 365 examined and approved, and 84 are Waiting to be examined. Investigations resulting from the discrepancies in former surveys have occupied the usual amount of time; these investigations arise out of the routine issue of warrant titles, leases, and plan examination. It is to be noted that 222 town schemes were received and dealt with. One hundred and nine contract surveyors' accounts, amounting to £4,963 12s. 6d., have been examined and certified correct, and 914 plans have been placed on instrument of title.

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