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Land Transfer. —During the year 110 plans, having 519 lots, comprising 12,852 acres, were approved. Two hundred and forty-six traverse sheets examined and filed, 784 transfers; and other instruments examined and approved or reported on to the District Land Registrar, 8 pre-earthquake plans reproduced. Grown Statutory and Nat>ive Plans.—Twenty-five Crown plans, 14 statutory, and 4 Native plans have been approved. Lithographs.—No work under this heading has been completed during the year, but the redrawing of Taradale Town District is 90 per cent, completed. Aerial Photos. —During the year a complete photo index has been prepared, and the photographs filed in a special cabinet. Of the work done in the draughting-room, the sum of £1,573, 14s. Bd. was collected from other Departments by quarterly voucher and £BO 10s. 6d. from private surveyors and the public debit note. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the manner in which all members of the staff have carried out their duties during the past year.

TARANAKI LAND DISTRICT (N. J. Till,. Chief Surveyor) Field Work Settlement Surveys: Rehabilitation.—One topographical survey of an area of 2,425 acres at Manutahi was carried put by Mr. J. C. Meale, and sketch topographical plans of other areas have been prepared from photos and other topographical information in this Office. Seven blocks of 21 sections and a total area of 2,824 acres have been surveyed for settlement, and 2 blocks of 8 sections and a total area of 740 acres are in hand. It has been possible to handle these surveys without handing any over to private surveyors. Other Surveys.—Several town and investigational surveys were also carried out during the year and two housing subdivisions and one periphery survey were given out to private surveyors. Office Work Ninety-nine plans, 130 traverse sheets, and 37 tracings were examined and approved. Of the above plans, 59 were land transfer, 4 Native, 18 road and statutory, 4 town schemes, 2 compiled of Crown lands, and 7 surveys of Crown land. Eight hundred and sixty-two tracings and 282 sun-prints were prepared, 270 plans, tracings, &c., were mounted, 73 record maps revised and 20 new record maps were drawn. The work has been steadily increasing during the year, and I to record my appreciation of the manner in which all members of the staff have carried out their duties.

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