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Takahe. —During the year four parties entered the Takahe Valley. All were led by an experienced field officer. Representatives of the National Film Unit and the National Publicity Studios were authorized entrance. The comprehensive films and stills obtained for public screening and reference met to a great extent the public interest in this bird. An exhaustive statement which described the official policy for preservation of the birds, their life history, and rediscovery, was released to the press. Plans were prepared before the breeding-season to control vermin in the valley. It is too early to assess whether these practical measures will help to preserve the takahe from extinction. Bird Protection on Otago Peninsula. —To encourage successful breeding of albatrosses at Taiaroa Head existing fences were repaired and a new fence erected in the sanctuary. The area was infested by rabbits and in order to discourage illegal shooting they were poisoned. One chick was killed by a ferret and action has been taken by the Department to destroy any such animals which may prove a danger to the birds. Additional honorary rangers have now been appointed. Reliable information has shown that interference and destruction of habitat is steadily reducing the number of protected shags and penguins on the peninsula. Interference by visitors and by dogs has accelerated the reduction. Flax planted the previous year in various bays has become established and further plantings have been carried out in two more localities in order to establish nesting cover for yellow-eyed penguins. North Island Weka. —Several birds have been taken from the restricted area where they still survive and placed in captivity for breeding in order to establish a stock. At a later date surplus birds will be released in a suitable environment. Kakapo.—Presence of the kakapo on Stewart Island has now been confirmed. Only the feathers of the parrot had previously been seen there. Parakeets. —The illegal retention of these birds has been widespread. It is realized that aviculture plays an important part in the preservation of rare species but it can also be harmful. An appeal was therefore made to holders of native parakeets to notify the Department and so legalize the retention of the birds. Permits to keep them will be issued where suitable conditions exist. Brown Duck.—As, a result of recommendations made by landowners in the Waipu district a habitat of brown duck was declared an excepted area from shooting in the game season. Small numbers were found on the Great Barrier Island. To assist with the survival of this interesting bird in this area four honorary rangers were appointed. King Shag.—lnspections were made of islands in the Cook Strait area where these birds breed. Four honorary rangers were appointed for the birds' protection. Ringing Schemes. —Members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand were authorized to ring several species of sea-birds under the supervision and control of the Society. (2) Sanctuaries Two new sanctuaries were declared : Portion of the G-isborne Borough Waterworks Reserves in the East Coast Acclimatization District and a portion of the Tore Paru Swamp in the Auckland Acclimatization District. (3) Revision of District Boundaries The headwaters of the Ruakituri River were transferred from the East Coast Acclimatization District to the Rotorua Acclimatization District for the more efficient fisheries management of certain waters. The new boundary lies on the upper watershed between the Ruakituri and Hangaroa Rivers.

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