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Other Work: Other Departments.—This consisted of compass traverses and the relocation of boundaries on Native land development schemes, inspection of proposed State forest boundaries, work for the Police Department, and the examination of Land transfer plans. Proposed Operations.—Work to be completed by Mr. H. M. Smith consists of 5,172 acres acquired for subdivision and settlement under the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Act, 6 miles of road deviation, 6 acres 1 rood 34 perches for the Housing Department, a school-site, and a domain block of a total area of 8-5 acres. Office Work Military Mapping.—The master sheets of S. 150, Mossburn, and S. 162, Lawrence, were prepared for the field parties. The topographical detail has been completed on S. 162 and. also S. 154, Middlemarch. The final drawing of S. 161 was completed, and that of S. 159, Morley, practically completed. Land Transfer Department.—Six members of the staff have been engaged part time on draughting and computing work for the Lands and Deeds Department. Of the 54 plans received and those in hand at the end of last year, 33 were examined and approved, containing a total area, of 1,230 acres 2 roods 19-14 perches, comprised in 62 lots, 9 plans are in process of examination and 17 are awaiting action. Eight hundred and sixty-six diagrams comprised in 422 dealings were examined and passed, and 7 plans were recorded on index record sheets. In addition, 9 diagrams on transfers and leases were examined and general computations carried out in connection with the preparation of certificates of title. Plan Examination: Crown, &c.—Twenty-four plans of surveys for local bodies, Housing and other Departments and of Crown land, containing a total of 1,172 acres 0 roods 11-7 perches, were examined and passed. Thirtyeight tracings, 42 schedules, and 26 traverse sheets accompanying the above were also examined. Fifty-one plans were received. Draughting.—Forty-nine diagrams were placed on various Crown leases. The following tracings were prepared and examined: Working data, 278; Miscellaneous, 211; Proclamation, 36; Poster, 4; Valuation, 18; total, 547. Seven survey plans were drawn from field notes, and 1 record map compiled. General. —Four hundred and forty-two lithos were mounted, 25 lease and Proclamation descriptions prepared, 669 lithos coloured, 239 sun-prints made, 389 searches made, 45 plans recorded, and 18 Gazette notices recorded. Conclusion.—The end of hostilities has brought with it increased activities in all branches, and particularly work in connection with the investigation, inspection, acquisition, and subdivision of land under the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Act, 1943. The return of personnel from the Services is slow, but it is pleasing to report that those who have returned are applying themselves to their work very well. Without exception, the co-operation of the staff has been splendid, and I wish to record my appreciation of their services.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (760 copies, £45)

By Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—1946,

Price 9d.]

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