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Hastings Apples and Pears. —Although, the district crop was lighter than the previous year, nevertheless it turned out larger than anticipated, the receipts of these fruits at the assembly depot amounting to 767,783 cases. Full use was made of the district's cool stores, a total of 403,453 cases passing through them during the season. Out of this total, the losses through repacking or deterioration amounted to only 163 cases, representing less than half a case out of each 1,000 cases handled. Eggs. —The quantity of eggs passing through the local egg floor, which is under the supervision of this Branch, showed a substantial increase, 660,421 dozen being handled, an increase of 90,793 dozen over the previous year. Agar Agar Seaweed. —Due to the unfavourable weather conditions that prevailed along the coast for a considerable period, the total quantity of agar received showed a reduction, 59 tons being handled as against the previous year's total of 89 tons 18 cwt. Milk.—ln addition to the supervision of the clerical and accounting work of the Napier Milk Treatment Station, the Branch now supervises the accounts for the Palmerston North Treatment Station. Dry Storage. —In accordance with the usual practice, the storage floor was used for storing goods on behalf of local merchants as space became available. A total of 1,102 tons was stored during the year, consisting mainly of potatoes 345 tons and cardboard 746 tons. Gisborne Apples and Pears. —As was the case with other branches, the total number of cases of apples and pears received by Gisborne showed a reduction, 30,000 cases being received as against 47,422. cases for the last period. Lemons.—3,l2l cases of lemons were received by the local packing-house which is under the supervision of this Branch. Eggs.—During the year the local egg floor handled 490,181 dozen eggs as against 375,401 dozen for the previous year, an increase of 114,780 dozen. Maize.—The Manager of the Branch continued to be Secretary of the Maize Marketing Committee and was constantly in touch with grower, consumer, and merchant interests in this regard. Numerous inquiries and problems relating to agar agar seaweed, honey, potatoes, grain, citrus fruits, and milk were also dealt with as necessary. Nelson Apples and Pears.—Due to inadequate facilities at Mapua and Motueka, no fruit could be accepted at these assembly points for a few days in the middle of May, when the receipts of apples and pears were at their peak. It is hoped to have additional assembly facilities available before next season. The receipts for the year were 910,384 cases of apples and 69,123 cases of pears, giving a total of 979,507 cases. Eggs.—The receipts of eggs at the local egg floor showed a very substantial increase, 154,921 dozen being received during the year as against 61,158 for the previous year, an increase of 93,763 dozen. Milk.—During the year this Branch became responsible for the accounting work of the Blenheim Milk Treatment Station. Christchurch Apples and Pears.—No difficulty was experienced by this Branch in handling the local crop of 75,522 cases of apples and pears on account of the excellent assembly facilities available. Consideration is at present being given to the erection of a cool

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