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Society and the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board successfully concluded these negotiations. Negotiations were also successfully concluded between the National War Funds Council and the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board for the amalgamation of the various patriotic and war funds of both world wars. The Department was represented at the various discussions that took place. Consequent upon the successful outcome of these negotiations, the organizations concerned approached the Government for legislation to give effect to the agreements reached, and the requisite legislation was enacted in the Patriotic and Canteen Funds Amendment Act, 1949. This Act constitutes a milestone in the history of the administration of patriotic and war funds in this country, envisaging, as it does, the ultimate control of all funds by the one organization, the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board. . Apart from the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society and the National War Funds Council which transferred their respective funds to the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board on the Ist December, 1949, and the Ist April, 1950, the trustees of a number of other war funds have already commenced to transfer their funds to the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board under the voluntary provision contained in the legislation. It is anticipated that numerous advantages will accrue to all the servicemen concerned as a result of the amalgamation of these funds, particularly as administration expenses will be reduced to a minimum and equal treatment will be given to all servicemen. During the year, also, the necessary action was taken in regard to the presentation to both Houses of the General Assembly of the annual reports and statements of accounts of the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board, the Canteen Fund Board, and the various Provincial Patriotic Councils. Approval was given to the constitution of a further two Provincial Patriotic Councils. All Provincial Patriotic Councils are now operating under ■constitutions drawn up and approved in terms of the Patriotic and Canteen Funds Act, 1947. The necessary legislation was also promoted for the purpose of validating an agreement between the Auckland Veterans' Home Board and the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board and the Canteen Fund Board for the purchase by the latter Boards of the Auckland Veterans' Home. This home will be used as a home for aged veterans of ■any war. A number of inquiries and requests of a varied nature were also dealt with during the course of the year. F. Miscellaneous The Spray, Waihaorunga, Hakataramea Valley, Conway, Kawarau, Pahau, Waitohi, Culverden, Cheviot, Amuri, Waitaki, Benmore, Earnscleugh, Cairnhill, Aria, Lilburne, Wairaki, Glenorchy, Lindis, Forks, and Hawea Rabbit Boards were authorized to borrow moneys by way of overdraft for the first year of their existence. The necessary arrangements were made for the appointment of members to fill vacancies occurring on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum. Land-agents and Auctioneers During the year, 694 (720) land-agents' licences were issued and 2 (9) transfers granted ; 510 (515) auctioneers' licences were issued and 1 (3) transfers granted. (Last year's figures in parentheses.) One case of a defaulting auctioneer came before the Department during the year, the fidelity bond being estreated and the amounts owing to creditors being paid therefrom.

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