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men have returned from military service, the shortage of trained draughtsmen and, computers is still a problem in this Office. An investigation into the map record system in the Valuation Department was carried out, and proposals formulated for the long-term work involved in the completion of an entirely new set of record maps for that Department. The work has been commenced by the draughting staff of this office, and is proceeding satisfactorily. Base maps have been prepared for Regional Planning Councils, and investigation into the formulation of standard methods carried out. The photostat machine is in constant use. Approximately two-thirds of the photostat prints produced are for other Deparments, local bodies, or private surveyors. The following is a summary of work carried out: 133 plans were received and 119 plans were approved; 5 Native plans were received and 6 were approved; 181 diagrams were drawn on warrant titles, 71 diagrams on leases, and 32 diagrams for Native Land Court orders; 37 plans of town schemes were examined and- subsequently approved by the Minister; 155 tracings were made, 11 record sheets were drawn. Maps of Wanganui and Palmerston North Cities were revised, and those of Wellington City and Upper Hutt are in hand. Six survey district maps were partly revised. Seventy-two survey plans and 20 topographical plans were drawn, and 10,749 photostats were made. Fourteen preliminary plots were made for a stadia survey of housing area at Porirua. Census maps of sub-enumerator's districts were mounted and coloured. Miscellaneous work included searches, preparation of survey data, colouring photostats and mounting, much of it in connection with rehabilitation. Lithos amounting to £292 7s. 3d. and plan forms, &c., valued at £B2 13s. 3d. have been disposed of. Sub-receiver's cash amounted to £224 ss. 9d. The sum of £3Bl os. 4d., plus £297 4s. 7d. interest, was received in payment of survey liens. Land Transfer Branch.—The work in this branch has increased considerably, both new plans, diagrams, and dealings show an increase of more than 50 per cent, during the last two years. Here again, owing to shortage of trained staff, the record maps are not up to date, and a considerable amount of redrawing of plans and maps is necessary. Two hundred and seventy-five plans were received, 274 were examined and approved, and 35 are awaiting examination. Three thousand, nine hundred and forty diagrams were drawn, 8 tracings made, 1 new plan drawn for office use, and 2,269 miscellaneous dealings checked. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the manner in which all members of the staff have carried out their duties under the capable supervision of the Land Transfer Draughtsman, Mr. F. S. Little, and the Senior Draughtsman, Mr. C. H. Wright.

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