H.—22.

1940. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1940.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, Ist June, 1940. Sir, — I have tlie honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1940. I have, &c., J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs.

CONTENTS.

PAGE PAGE 1. Death of the Prime Minister, the Right B, Deer, Thar, Chamois, and Goat DestrucHon. M. J. Savage .. .. 2 tion Operations, Year 1939-40 — IT. New Zealand Centennial, 1940 2 (1) Numerical Results and GeographA. General Organization— ical Analysis for Financial Year (1) National Centennial Council 2 Ist April, 1939, to 31st March, (2) Centennial Memorials .. .. 2 1940 .. .. 9 (3) Centennial Celebrations 2 (2) Numerical Results and Geograph(4) New Zealand Centennial News .. 2 ical Analysis for Season, Ist (5) National Exhibition of New Zea- June, 1938, to 31st May, 1939 9 land Art .. .. 2 (3) Sphere of Operations, Tactics em(6) National Centennial Music and ployed, and General Progress 9 Drama Festivals .. 2 (4) Skins .. .. 10 (7) Literary Competitions 3 (5) Personnel .. .. 10 B. National Centennial Historical Com- XIII. Rotokua Acclimatization Disteict— mittee • • • • • ■ .. 3 A. The Fishing Season .. .. 10 111. Constitutional Questions .. 3 3 General — IV. Local Government— (1) Fry and Ova .. ..11 10n 3 (2) Inspections of Waters and Culling t> . " " 4 of Fish .. .. ..11 (3) Land U Drainage Districts' " 4 (3) Tagging of Trout .. ..11 (4) Local Elections and Polls .. 4 (4) Facilities for Anglers .. .. 11 (5) Public Bodies' Leases .. ..5 (5) Food-supplies for Trout .. 11 B. Legislation— ( 6 ) Blaok Shags, Hawks, &c. .. 11 (1) Municipal Association Act, 1939 .. 5 (7) Scientific Operations .. ..12 (2) Statutes Amendment Act, 1939 5 (8) Game Farm .. .. 12 (3) Finance Act (No. 2), 1939 .. 5 (9) Game Liberations .. .. 12 (4) Local Legislation Act, 1939 .. 5 (10) Bird-life generally .. .. 12 (5) Local Acts .. .. ..5 (11) Opossums .. .. ..12 C. Matakaoa County .. .. .. 5 (12) Ranging .. .. 12 D. Thames Borough .. .. .. 5 XIV. War Graves .. .. .. .. 12 V. TOWN-PI,ANNING . . . . . . . . XV. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS ... . . . . 13 VI. Land-agents .. .. .. o VII Auctioneers .. •• •• ..6 XVI. Raffles and Art-unions .. .. 13 VIII. Emergency Precautions .. .. 6 XVII. Fire Brigades Act, 1926 . , .. 13 IX. Dogs Registration : Prevention of Hyda- XVIII. Chartered Clubs .. .. 13 X. Phy™alTelfare and Recreation 7 XIX. Maorx Antiquities Act, 1908 .. ..14 XI. Cinematograph-theatres— XX. Passports and Permits .. .. 14 A. Film Censorship .. .. .. 7 XXI. Foreign Consuls .. .. 14 B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators .. 8 xxn Chanqe of Name u C. Exhibitors' and other Licenses 8 XII. Animals Protection and Game .. .. 8 XXIII. Naturalization 14 A. General— XXIV. Racing .. .. .. .. 14 (1) Bird Life .. .. ..8 XXV. War Funds .. .. .. ..14 (2) Shooting Seasons .. .. 8 XXVI. Advertising Office .. .. .. 15 (4) Sanctuaries 8 XXVII. Explosives and Dangerous Goods(s) Royal Albatross Colony 8 A. Explosives • ■ • ■ ■ • (6) North Island Vermin - control B - Dangerous Goods 15 Scheme .. .. .. 8 XXVIII. Turnbull Library .. .. .. 15

1— H. 22.

H.—22.

REPORT.

I. DEATH OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE RIGHT HON. M. J. SAVAGE. Following on the death of the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, on 27th March, 1940, the duty of making arrangements for the funeral devolved on the Department. The body lay in state in Parliament House from the afternoon of Thursday, 28th March, until the morning of Saturday, 30th March, when the State funeral commenced. The funeral procession proceeded from Parliament House steps, through the streets of the city to the railway-station, where the casket was placed on the funeral train, which left Wellington at 10.20 a.m. for Auckland. Upon arrival in Auckland at 2.15 p.m. on Sunday, 31st March, the cortege continued to Bastion Point, where the burial took place. 11. NEW ZEALAND CENTENNIAL, 1940. A. General Organization. References have been made in previous annual reports to the nature of the organization of the Centennial celebrations in New Zealand. The test of its value came early in 1940 when the celebrations opened, and the system has proved smooth and efficient. (1) National Centennial Council. When war broke out on 3rd September, 1939, it was recognized that some modification of the original programme would be necessary, and a meeting of members and associate members was held on 12th September, 1939. The Council resolved that, with such modifications only as the necessities of the present war demanded, the Centennial of one hundred years of organized government and settlement of New Zealand and of national development and achievement should be fittingly and adequately celebrated, and urged all Centennial organizations to carry on with their plans. (2) Centennial Memorials. Owing to the war, a number of committees decided either to abandon or postpone proposals for memorials. After the first period of uncertainty, some organizations decided to continue, but it is not possible to indicate how many memorials will be proceeded with. Up to 31st March, approval had been given to 235 separate projects. These comprise mainly the provision of parks and tree-planting. Other proposals include rest and Plunket rooms, swimming-baths, historical publications, public halls, libraries, pavilions, and lookouts. (3) Centennial Celebrations. The following National celebrations were observed during 1940 (up to end of March) :— Sunday, 7th January .. National Thanksgiving Day. Monday, 22nd January .. Landing at Wellington of first settlers of the New Zealand Company (Wellington). Monday, 29th January .. Celebration of Hobson's arrival in New Zealand. Tuesday, 6th February . . Affixing of first signatures to Treaty of Waitangi. On account of the death of the late Prime Minister, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, the National celebration which was to have been held at Akaroa on 30th March was postponed till 20th April. (4) New Zealand Centennial News. The New Zealand Centennial News has been widely appreciated. In its earlier stages it featured historical subjects. Its main function now is to record Centennial activities. (5) National Exhibition of New Zealand Art. During the year a National Centennial Art Committee was appointed, and the Government approved its recommendation to exhibit a collection of New Zealand works of art in sixteen centres in the Dominion. The exhibition consists of the works of the earliest artists to visit this country, and of those New-Zealanders who, during the past century, have contributed to the development of this branch of our cultural activities. It was officially opened in Dunedin on 19th February, 1940, and subject to general conditions permitting of the carrying-out of the itinerary it will close in Wellington on 30th March, 1941. (6) National Centennial Music and Drama Festivals. During the year a National Centennial Music Committee was appointed, and the Government approved its recommendations of the conduct, in collaboration with provincial and local Centennial organizations, of music and drama festivals during the winter months of 1940, and of obtaining from overseas the services of a distinguished musical adviser and conductor and four principal singers to assist in such festivals. Through the agency of the National Broadcasting Services contracts have been arranged with Mr. Andersen Tyrer, a noted English pianist and conductor, Miss Isobel Baillie, soprano, Miss Gladys Ripley, contralto, Mr. Heddle Nash, tenor, and Mr. Oscar Natzke, bass. On 31st March the organization was complete for the presentation of musical festivals in each of the four main centres, commencing in Dunedin on 11th May, and later in the year to conduct competitions for choirs and string quartettes and for the production of one-act plays. During the year the National Committee also invited entries for a competition for the composition of a choral work, orchestral work, one-act play, and radio play. A large number of entries have been received, and the results will be announced early in the present year.

2

H.—22.

(7) Literary Competitions. The results of the literary competition were announced'in February. The report of the Literary Committee, and a personal letter from the Chairman (Professor G. W. von Zedlitz), were distributed to each competitor, and the Chairman also supplied many competitors with detailed criticism of their work. The results of the competition for schools were announced in February. Prizes were awarded, to forty-eight schools, ranging from secondary schools to the smallest primary school, and the very high standard achieved by the schools deeply impressed the judge, Mr. W. B. Harris, and others who inspected the entries. The prizes will take the form of books to be placed in school libraries. B. National Centennial Histobical Committee. During the year 1939-40 satisfactory progress was made with the Committee's programme of work as described in the two previous annual reports. Publication of the two series of surveys was begun, and by the 31st March, 1940, the following had been issued : — New Zealand Centennial Surveys — " The Discovery of New Zealand," by J. C. Beaglehole. " Settlers and Pioneers," by James Cowan. " The Women of New Zealand," by Helen M. Simpson. " The Exploration of New Zealand," by W. G. McClymont. " Making New Zealand " : Pictorial Surveys of a Century— 1. " The Beginning." 2. " The Maori." 3. " Navigators and Explorers." 4. " Whalers and Sealers." 5. " Missionaries and Settlers." 6. " The Voyage Out." 7. " The Squatters." 8. "Gold." 9. " The Forest." 10. " The Mountains." 11. " Pasture Land." 12. " Refrigeration." 13. " Power." The remaining numbers of the two series, and a " Dictionary of New Zealand Biography " by G. H. Scholefield, will appear before the end of 1940. Owing to the outbreak of war, difficulties have arisen in connection with the production of the Centennial Atlas, but considerable progress has been made in compiling the necessary data. In addition to these activities, historical articles were circulated to the press, reference and research work was continued, and unpublished manuscripts and other material were collected. The most important of the collections made available to the Committee are as under : — Selwyn manuscripts (presented by Mrs. W. Spens). Colonel T. W. McDonnell letters (Mrs. C. C. Moffett). Prendergast and others—letters (Mr. D. 0. W. Hall and Dr. C. Prendergast Knight). It is intended to distribute typed copies of all manuscripts to the main reference libraries in New Zealand, and, in cases where donors have consented to this course, to deposit the originals in libraries, which will carefully preserve them and make them accessible to students. For use at the Centennial celebrations at Waitangi on the 6th February, assistance was given in the preparation of a booklet containing a programme of the celebrations and short historical articles. Similar assistance will be given for other celebrations held during the Centennial year, but the Committee's chief work will be in connection with its series of publications. 111. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS. A by-election to fill a vacancy in the Christchurch South Electoral District was held on 3rd June, 1939, and the necessary statutory action was taken by the Clerk of the Writs (being Under-Secretary of the Department) in connection with the issue of the writ. Following on the declaration of war on Germany on 3rd September the functions of the Department included the work of issuing in Gazette form all the emergency regulations and orders promulgated in connection therewith. IV. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A. General Organization. (1) Counties. The Councils of the Grey, Inangahua, and Akaroa Counties passed special orders under the authority of the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, abolishing the system of separate riding finance in their respective districts. This made a total of sixty-six County Councils to avail themselves of that legislation. The boundaries of Waitomo and Clifton Counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another, and the boundaries of five counties were redefined. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply, drainage, and sanitation were conferred on the Southland

3

H.—22.

and Rodney County Councils. The by-laws of the Hokianga County Council fixing the fees for the licensing of vehicles plying for hire were approved. The Waipa County Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity supplied to consumers. The Chatham Islands Dues Regulations 1927 were amended by altering the dues payable in respect of sheep and wool. The Ellesmere County Council was authorized to make and levy drainage rates in the Taumutu Special Drainage Area on a uniform scale, and a similar authority was granted to the Rangitikei County Council in respect of the Wangaehu Valley Drainage District. The Counties Conference was held in Wellington on 27th and 28th July, 1939, and was opened by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs. The Conference dealt with a variety of subjects, and the remits passed were later transmitted to the Government for consideration. Decisions on the majority of the remits were subsequently conveyed to the Association. The Department was represented throughout the whole proceedings of the Conference. The question of local government in the Sounds County was again prominent during the year. It was decided to include in the Kenepuru Road District the properties of several settlers in an area known as the Manaroa area, and an Order in Council to this effect was issued. Owing to the fact that the existing legislation relating to the formation of road districts in the Sounds County was not wide enough to permit of the alteration of boundaries of road districts, section 28 of the Local Legislation Act, 1939, was passed to overcome this difficulty. (2) Boroughs. The boundaries of the City of Christchurch were altered on four occasions by the inclusion of lands previously under County Council control. The boundaries between the Borough of One Tree Hill on the one hand and the Borough of Ellerslie and Mount Wellington Road District on the other hand were altered by excluding from the first-mentioned borough certain lands in respect of which there were no electors and including the areas in the two second-mentioned districts respectively. The boundaries of the Borough of Bluff were altered by the inclusion of reclaimed lands. The boundaries of the Boroughs of Motueka and Huntly were altered by the exclusion of certain lands. Consequent on these alterations the boundaries of the local government districts affected were redefined as required by law. The Waitara Borough Council was authorized by Order in Council made under section 194 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, to lease certain land to the Taranaki Education Board. In order to assist certain Borough Councils, particularly those with limited resources, to play the part expected of them in connection with the Centennial celebrations, legislation was passed authorizing a Borough Council, with the prior consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs, to levy a separate rate for Centennial purposes. This authority will continue in force for the present and succeeding financial year. Pursuant to that authority, the Akaroa Borough Council was authorized to levy a separate rate for those purposes during the two years in question. The annual Municipal Conference was held in Wellington and was attended by representatives of City and Borough Councils and Town Boards from every part of New Zealand. The Conference was opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry), and this Department was represented throughout the proceedings. The effect of the system previously instituted of advising the Association each year as to the Government's decisions on remits was reflected this year in the comparatively small number of remits brought before the Conference for consideration. A case of an adjustment of assets and liabilities arising out of an alteration of boundaries between the Borough of Ashburton and the County of Ashburton presented some unusual and important features. An area known as Allenton was excluded from the Ashburton County and included in the Ashburton Borough upon the recommendation of a Commission of inquiry. In consequence, it became necessary for a financial adjustment to be made between the two local authorities. The parties were able to arrive at sxibstantial agreement as to the terms of such an adjustment, but a contentious point arose in regard to reserves vested in or under the control of the County Council for various public and local purposes. The Borough Council contended that it was entitled to an apportionment in respect of county reserves, whilst the County Council held an opposite view. As the total value of the reserves in question is approximately £104,000, it will be seen that the point in dispute was a matter of major importance to the local authorities. A Commission of inquiry made certain recommendations on the disputed point, which will be given effect to by an award. The important conclusion arising from the Commission's report is that real property owned by a local authority constitutes apportionable assets in the making of a financial adjustment arising out of an alteration of boundaries, and in this case the Commission recommended certain adjustments in relation to the county reserves. (3) Land Drainage Districts. The Steward Settlement Water-race District and the Reporoa Drainage District were abolished. The boundaries of the Auckland and Suburban Drainage District were altered on two occasions by the inclusion of certain areas of land, and on four occasions similar alterations were made to the boundaries of the Christchurch Drainage District. The result of the election of a trustee of the Ellesmere Lands Drainage District was gazetted in accordance with law. (4) Local Elections and Polls. Legislative provision was made, available only for a temporary period ending on the 31st December, 1940, enabling any local body election to be j)ostponed for a period not exceeding one year. This provision was enacted shortly after the outbreak of war, and its purpose was to avoid holding any election not considered necessary if it were thought that the holding of same might divide the people on political issues at a time when all energies should be concentrated on efforts towards winning the war.

4

H.—22.

The Christchurch Tramway Board election was due to be held oil the 25th November, 1939. As this would have involved a major local body election in which political issues may have been prominent, it was deemed advisable to postpone it. Accordingly, an Order in Council was issued postponing it until the 23rd November, 1940. The Westport Borough Council had certain by-elections pending, and the question of postponing them was considered, but no action was taken. These by-elections were for the purpose of filling vacancies which had arisen in regard to the Mayor and Council, and it was considered necessary and desirable to fill these vacancies. (5) Public Bodies' Leases. The Ractihi Borough Council and the Peninsula County Council were declared to be leasing authorities under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908. B. Legislation. (1) Municipal Association Act, 1939. The genera] purpose of this Act is to incorporate the Municipal Association of New Zealand and to make provision for the membership, rules, and internal organization of the Association. (2) Statutes Amendment Act, 1939. A number of matters affecting legislation administered by the Department were included in this Act, in particular those matters dealt with in sections 16, 32, 52, 65, and 66. (3) Finance Act (No. 2), 1939. Section 40 authorizes any local authority or public body to contribute to the Red Cross Centennial Fund sponsored by the New Zealand Red Cross Society, Incorporated. This section also validates payments already made as at the passing of the Act. Section 41 authorizes local authorities to grant leave of absence to employees for the purpose of serving in the Army, Navy, or Air Forces, and also to pay the whole or any part of the normal salary or wages of such employees. (4) Local Legislation Act, 1939. Seventy-eight applications were considered during the year, and of these fifty-eight were included in the Bill as finally passed. The Act dealt with a wide range of local government matters, and local authorities of practically every class availed themselves of the opportunity to apply for special legislation as affecting their individual activities. (5) Local Acts. Fourteen local Bills were submitted to the Department by the Local Bills Committee for examination and report. Representatives of the Department appeared before the Committee and gave evidence on several of these Bills. Twelve of the Bills were passed into law. C. Matakaoa County. In collaboration with the Matakaoa County Commissioner, further steps were taken during the year towards liquidating the remainder (£2,700) of the amount owing by way of overdraft in existence when Commissioner control of the County commenced, approximately £9,000. In discussions with the bank an agreement was reached whereby the bank would be prepared to capitalize this remaining amount. Provision to that end was made in section 3of the Local Legislation Act, 1939, and the necessary loan authorities have since been issued. The amount now stands as a loan commitment of the County repayable over a period of thirty years. During the year Mr. A. G. Harper, officer in charge of local government, furnished a comprehensive report, and as a result of his recommendations special financial arrangements were made for carrying on the essential works in the County. In addition, arrangements have been completed for a comprehensive scientific survey of the farming resources of the county to be undertaken so that future arrangements may be made on the basis of a definite plan. D. Thames Bokough. As usual, the Department kept in close contact with the Thames Borough Commissioner in regard to the administration of the Borough of Thames. Consideration is now being given to the question of a permanent settlement with debenture-holders. Legislation extending the existing arrangements respecting the payment of reduced interest and sinking fund on borough and harbour loans was enacted in the Local Legislation Act, 1939. The water-supply of the Thames Borough has been giving concern for some time owing to the antiquated nature of the system and the fact that limited revenues have prevented any considerable outlay being made in this direction. The whole matter has been under consideration during the year, and proposals were placed before the Department with the object of installing a more satisfactory and modern water-supply for the borough. The proposals advanced to the stage of being generally approved, both from a technical and financial point of view, and it is anticipated that the necessary steps will be put in hand shortly to commence the scheme. The Commissioner proposes to finance the scheme, which will be undertaken in successive stages on a long range basis, entirely out of revenue by the utilization of reserve funds as they become available, together with the saving in maintenance which will be effected by discarding the existing system.

5

H.—22.

V. TOWN-PLANNING. The term of office of the nominated members of the Town-planning Board expired during the year. Messrs. E. V. Blake, F. E. Greenish, W. Marshall, and Dr. L. S. Talbot were appointed for a period of three years. Thanks are due to the retiring members, Messrs. A. H. Bogle, W. M. Page, J. W. Beanland, and Dr. C. E. Hercus for their valuable service. Mr. F. C. Widdop, who had performed valued service for a period of six years, died during the year, his place being taken by Mr. F. W. Furkert, C.M.G. The progress in town-planning foreshadowed in the last annual report has been maintained, and the year has been one of marked activity. A number of local authorities have sought the assistance and advice of the Department in regard to the initiation and preparation of schemes for their districts, and indications are that local authorities generally are taking steps to fulfil their statutory obligations in this respect. Three meetings of the Board were held during the year, and four schemes came up for consideration. The Borough of Matamata Town-planning Scheme was provisionally approved, and the Christchurch, Auckland, and Invercargill Schemes were received for the consideration of the Board. Committees were set up to go into the latter three schemes and report back to the Board thereon. An important development from the point of view of combined rural and urban planning is the decision of the South Invercargill Borough Council and the Southland County Council to prepare a combined scheme for the Borough and an adjoining area of the County, which has developed to such an extent that orderly and planned development is necessary. The Hutt County Council has decided to prepare an extra-urban planning scheme in respect of the Epuni Riding of the county, and an Order in Council has been issued requiring the Council to prepare such a plan. Evidence of the increasing desire on the part of County Councils to control urban development in their areas was apparent during the year, particularly in areas adjacent to the City of Christchurch. The extra-urban planning scheme for the Lake Tekapo Township advanced to a satisfactory stage during the year. The Town-planning Board set up a Committee for the purpose of considering in detail the provisional model town-planning clauses issued by the New Zealand Standards Institute. That Committee duly reported to the Board, and the considered comments of the Board thereon have been forwarded to the Institute in connection with the issue of the clauses as a standard code. The Department circularized local authorities for the purpose of ascertaining what progress had been made in the preparation of town-planning schemes, and when replies have been received it will be possible to indicate the extent to which local authorities are co-operating in the preparation of schemes. Work in connection with the Hutt Valley Development Scheme, concerning which a full report was made last year, proceeded steadily during the year, and it is anticipated that the report will be presented early in the current year. VI. LAND-AGENTS. Seven hundred and twenty-one licenses were issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 713 licenses issued and 16 transfers for the previous year. One case of a defaulting land-agent was dealt with, and a settlement was effected by arrangement with the parties. VII. AUCTIONEERS. Four hundred and sixty licenses were issued and 4 transfers granted, and 158 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 459 licenses, 7 transfers, and 204 changes of endorsement for the previous year. VIII. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS. Following on the submission of the provisional emergency precautions scheme to selected local authorities for comment, the scheme was revised and finalized, and then forwarded to each territorial local authority under cover of a letter from the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs requesting the full co-operation of the local authorities. The response was very gratifying, and in practically all cases steps have been taken to form committees as suggested. The inauguration of the local schemes has inevitably raised numerous fresh problems which could not be foreseen, but it is pleasing to record that the majority of these have been straightened out, and in a number of cases the Department has been advised that local organization has been completed. It is evident from the schemes already received that considerable thought and careful organization has been exercised. The elaborate organization provided for in the full scheme was not suitable for all local authorities, particularly for small and isolated counties. Accordingly, a summarized version of the scheme was prepared for rural localities on behalf of the Committee by Colonel J. Pow, Secretary of the New Zealand Counties Association. This scheme was forwarded to all County Councils, together with the principal scheme. IX. DOGS REGISTRATION : PREVENTION OF HYDATID DISEASE. The campaign against hydatid disease in dogs is proceeding satisfactorily. Owing to existing war conditions, which affected the delivery of supplies of the remedy, it was necessary to postpone the date of registration from Ist January until Ist April. The printed instructions have been revised, and are now incorporated in a booklet containing other information of interest relating to hydatids.

6

H.—22.

X. PHYSICAL WELFARE AND RECREATION. Last year's report concerned the organization necessary to implement the programme approved by the National Council of Physical Welfare and Recreation and the Government. During the year under review considerable progress has been made in practical achievement. District Committees. Approximately 221 district committees are now formed. Many of these have shown considerable vigour and have, in consequence, advanced the work rapidly, as well as efficiently, within their areas. Head Office Activities. Two courses of training in recreative physical training for women have been conducted, one in Wellington and one in Christchurch. These courses catered for forty-two instructors. To advance interest in tramping and camping in the back-country, tracks in the Harper Pass in the South Island and in the Tararuas in the North Island have been opened up and extended. In the Harper Pass area five tramping huts, ten miles apart, are in course of construction. The University of Southern California offers annually two scholarships in physical education for award to New Zealand students, and the initial appointees took up their scholarships during the year under review. Upon the appointment of Area Recreation Officers, a ten-day course of instruction was run at Head Office, followed six months later by a conference at which the practical problems of the work were discussed and a programme for the ensuing season mapped out as a guide for work in the areas. The Branch assisted the Government's contribution to the Centennial Exhibition by showing an exhibit of photographs kindly lent by the Royal Institute of British Architects. This exhibit demonstrated the latest developments in community planning for health, sport, and fitness. The branch has given assistance to the Public Service Sports Association in its provision of recreative facilities for its members. Establishment of District Offices. During last September Area Recreation Officers were appointed to Wellington, Southland, and Waikato Areas, and as a result of their outstanding success, it was decided to make further appointments for the Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago areas. Activities. The Branch's activities in the field may be summarized as follows : Training of recreation leaders ; physical training classes; group travel ; recreation camps ; sports coaching, especially for beginners ; displays and demonstrations; promotion of new recreative bodies ; advice' and assistance to private recreative organizations ; experimental work —e.g., community centres and supervised playgrounds ; general education for health and leisure-time activity. XI. CINEMATOGRAPH THEATRES. A. Film Censorship. During the year 2,110 films of all classes, totalling 5,163,980 ft., were examined. Of this number, 6 were rejected outright, 127 were passed subject to excisions, 229 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and 13 were passed with the caution that they were not suitable for children. Appeals were lodged against 3 rejections, but were unsuccessful. • An analysis of the work shows—

Quota Films : The countries of origin of the quota films examined were as follows : Great Britain, 70 ; Australia, 2 ; New Zealand, 2 ; United States of America, 420 ; France, 2 ; Russia, 4 ; Italy, 2 ; Austria, 1 (made before the Anschluss). Rejections : Of the 6 films rejected, 5 were " quota " or long films, 1 originating in Great Britain, 2 in United States of America, and 2 in France. General Remarks : During the year under review, as compared with the previous year, the number of rejections was 6, as against 5 ; the number of films requiring amendment increased from 112 to 127, the number of films recommended as more suitable for adult audiences increased from 183 to 229, while the number considered to be definitely unsuitable for exhibition to young people was 13, as compared with 3 in the previous year. There was a notable increase in British films sent to New Zealand, both quota and non-quota — 70, as against 56 in the previous year, and 576, as against 495. Several of these films, made since the outbreak of war, extolled patriotism and emphasized the advantage and privileges enjoyed by peoples living under democratic forms of government. In this connection it is interesting to note that quite a proportion of pictures of this type are also being produced in the United States,

7

Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. • Number. Length. Number. Length. Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. .. 74 538,650 576 517,790 Foreign .. .. .. .. 429 3,118,370 1,031 989,170 503 3,657,020 1,607 1,506,960

H.—22.

Following on the outbreak of war, certain films which were considered to be unsuitable for exhibition during the present situation were, by arrangement and with the courteous co-operation of the film exchanges, withdrawn from circuit for the time being. B. Licensing of Cinematograph Operators. Satisfactory progress was made during the year in connection with the licensing and examination of cinematograph operators. Owing to the nature of the examinations it has not yet been possible, to finalize the applications for the definitive licenses of a special grade —namely, A, B, 0, and D. It is anticipated that finality will be reached in a number of cases in the near future, when the issue of the grade licenses will be commenced. Pending the issue of grade licenses, provisional licenses have been issued to all operators who are at present employed. B grade or assistant operators' licenses are issued on application, and there are no qualifications required for this particular grade of license. Sixty-five provisional licenses and 36 E grade licenses were issued, making a total of 640 operators and 167 assistants licensed since the inception of the Cinematograph Operators Licensing Regulations 1938. The consideration of applications and matters incidental to the examination of candidates involved a great deal of correspondence. Two prosecutions for non-compliance with the regulations were instituted, and in both cases the offenders were convicted and fined. C. Exhibitors' and other Licenses. The following licenses under the Cinematograph Films Act were issued for the year ended 30th September, 1939. Corresponding figures for the previous year are shown alongside in each case : Exhibitors', 444 (436); circuit exhibitors', 42 (42); renters', 18 (20) ; storage, 9 (5) ; miscellaneous, 31 (29). XII. ANIMALS PROTECTION AND GAME. A. General. (1) Bird-life. Reports are still being received as to increases in some species of our native birds, particularly tuis and bell-birds, and it seems evident that these species at least are adapting themselves to the conditions imposed by the settlement of this country. Native pigeons are also reported to be increasing in some districts, and they have been described as visiting suburban gardens. The decrease in numbers of wild ducks is still giving cause for concern. Canadian geese have again been declared to be imported game. (2) Shooting Seasons. Open seasons for game-shooting have been declared in all acclimatization districts. The provision in the North Island for the supply to persons in receipt of an age benefit or a miner's benefit under the Social Security Act, 1938, of licenses to take or kill imported game and native game at a reduced fee has been continued. In the hope of arresting the decrease in the numbers of wild duck, the season for all waterfowl has been limited to the period 4th to 18th May, 1940 (both days inclusive). Furthermore, it hjis been decided to observe a close season for all waterfowl in connection with the 1941 game-shooting season. Open seasons for Canadian geese have been declared in certain South Island acclimatization districts. (3) Opossums. Limited open seasons for opossums were observed in certain acclimatization districts. The number of opossum-skins stamped was 112,754. (4) Sanctuaries. Three Gisborne Borough reserves, approximating 70 acres, and the Morrinsville Borough Council's Waterworks Reserve, were declared as sanctuaries. (5) Royal Albatross Colony. Mr. L. E. Richdale and the committee of the Otago Branch of the Royal Society, with the whole-hearted support and co-operation of the Otago Harbour Board, have continued their activities in the matter of re-establishing the colony of royal albatross on the area declared a sanctuary at Taiaroa Head, Dunedin. Five pairs of birds nested on the area, one outside the fence which was erected to insure that the birds would be free from molestation. (6) North Island Vermin-control Scheme. Hedgehogs have been added to the list of vermin on which bonuses are now being paid. The rates of bonus are 2s. each on stoats, ferrets, polecats, and weasels, fid. on hawks, and 3d. on hedgehogs. Bonuses were paid under the scheme on 21,661 hawks, 823 hedgehogs, and. 4,491 stoats, ferrets, polecats, and weasels.

8

H.—22.

R. Deer, Tiiar, Chamois, and Goat Destruction Operations, Year 1939-40. (1) Numerical Results and Geographical Analysis for Financial Year, Ist April, 1939, to 31st March, 1940. During the financial year a total of 45,051 of the above animals were destroyed, the distribution being shown below. Deer-skins numbering 15,282 were recovered.

(2) Numerical Results and Geographical Analysis for Season Ist June, 1938, to 31st May, 1939. These months comprise last year's natural shooting season. During this season a total of 38,354 animals were destroyed, as follows : —

The remainder of this report refers to the financial year ended 31st March, 1940. (3) Sphere of Operations, Tactics employed, and General Progress. The outbreak of war and other factors resulting in a shortage of supervising staff necessitated a postponement of the full application of the principle, as outlined in last year's report, of allocating officers permanently to certain areas, with the result that this system has been applied only to the Urewera - Lake Waikaremoana and Stewart Island areas, while in the cases of the Tarawera Range and the Fiordland National Park its inception was postponed for one year. (а) Urewera - Lake Waikaremoana Area. —The operations of the permanent organization established in this area were continued, though subjected to some reduction as the result of its being found necessary to make use of the services of the resident officer in a South Island area for a portion of the year. It is considered, however, that the progress so far made was maintained. (б) Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa, Kaweka, and Ahimanaiva Mountains Area.--A thorough scouring of the National Parle by two energetic and highly skilled officers revealed the fact that deer are comparatively scarce there, and the belief is confidently held that intensive operations in the adjacent Kaimanawa Mountains, where deer are comparatively numerous, will automatically bring about the desired result with regard to deer infestation in the National Park, which is not country that they would inhabit from preference. Large-scale operations by an average of twenty men were conducted throughout the season (November to May) in the whole of the group of mountains comprising the central watershed of the Island (the Kaimanawa, Kaweka, and Ahimanawa Ranges) starting at seven different points along the outside of the one-hundred-mile-sided equilateral triangle and working progressively towards the cluster of peaks and high ridges at its centre. It was found that the operations in this area of two seasons ago have had a marked effect, and further outstanding reductions have been achieved. It can now be confidently anticipated that a continuation for a time at least of the present policy of conducting intensive operations biennially will result in ultimate success in this area. (c) Ruahine Range and Tararua Range Areas.—These results refer merely to the portions of the operations in the areas which were conducted after 31st March, 1939, and were dealt with in last year s report.

2—H. 22.

9

" ~ ■ i ~ i r —— | Deer. I Thar. Chamois. Goats. Pigs. Cattle. Total. I I I Urewera - Lake Waikaremoana .. 841 .. .. .. 44 7 892 Kaimanawa, Kaweka, and ranges .. 5,700 .. .. .. .. •• 5,700 Ruahine Range .. .. .. 1,201 .. .. .. .. • • 1,201 Eastern Wairarapa .. .. .. 816 .. .. 1,397 .. .. 2,213 Tararua Range .. .. .. 1,021 .. .. 203 23 .. 1,247 North Nelson (north of Buller River) .. 3,454- .. .. 423 27 .. 3,904 South-Nelson-North Westland (Buller to 7,778 .. 124 226 14 .. 8,142 Wataroa Rivers) Marlborough-North Canterbury (Wairau 13,035 10 452 770 12 .. 14,279 to Rangitata Rivers) South Westland-Otago-South Canterbury 6,701 53 316 .. .. .. 7,070 Stewart Island .. .. .. 399 .. .. .. 4 .. 403 Totals .. .. .. 40,946 63 892 3,019 124 7 45,051

Deer. Thar. Chamoia. Goats. Tigs. Total. Skins. Urewera - Lake Waikaremoana .. 1,976 .. .. .. 85 2,()6i 1,283 Central North Island (Kaimanawa, Ka- 171 .. 5 176 65 weka, and ranges) Ruahine Range .. .. .. 4,947 .. .. •• .. 4,947 2,207 Tararua Range .. .. ■. 2,538 .. .. 769 58 3,365 568 Southland (Fiordland National Park) .. 81 .. • ■ ■ • 81 58 Central South Island, South Westland, 23,781 959 1,813 815 .. 27,368 7,882 South Canterbury, and Otago Stewart Island .. .. .. 345 .. .. ■ • ! 2 356 I Totals 33,84-8 959 1,813 1,589 | 145 38,354 | 12,063

H.— 22.

(d) Eastern Wairarapa. —These operations were conducted during the winter, as a separate campaign, on the Ilaurangi Range and certain deer-infested, sheep-grazing country just north of Cape Palliser. These areas are not now seriously infested. (e) North Nelson (North Buller River). —This area comprises the lofty ranges lying between the portion of the West Coast north of Westport, and Tasman Bay. Operations have not previously been conducted there, and its inclusion in this year's operations can be regarded as marking an epoch in the general campaign as it is the last of the deer-infested areas to be included. This area was found to be seriously infested with deer, and the general principle of biennial operations will henceforth be applied to it. Much valuable experience lias been gained from this season's work. (/) South Nelson-North Westland (Buller River to Wataroa River). —This embraces the whole of the infested country to the west of the main divide (between the rivers named), and includes the watersheds of Lake Rotorua and the Matakitaki, Maruia, Inangahua, Grey, Ahaura, Teremakau, Arahura, Hokitika, Waitaha, Poerua, and Wanganui Rivers. At the southern extremity of this area deer infestation ceases for some miles, the beginning of the next infested area to the south being at the Karangaura River. Worked in conjunction with those immediately opposite on the eastern side of the divide, these operations were very successful, and contributed largely to the degree of success achieved on the eastern side. (g) Marlborough-North Canterbury (Wairau River to Rangitata River). In this region parties operated in the watersheds of Lake Rotoiti and of the Wairau, Clarence, Waiau, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Rakaia Rivers, and Marlborough, and in the Lewis Pass region. A special party was engaged in a campaign against chamois along the glacier-country belt above the sources of the Rangitata, Rakaia, and Waimakariri Rivers in the main divide, and brought the campaign against these animals appreciably nearer to ultimate success. While the country on the western side presents serious obstacles in the form of heavy rainfall and a preponderance of forest-clad area, the excellent results consistently achieved on the eastern side is not only producing a marked improvement in the situation there but is resulting in materially reducing the degree of infestation on the western side by inducing the deer to migrate eastwards. (h) South Westland -Otago- South Canterbury.—These results refer only to the closing stages of lastseason's operations in that region, being that portion conducted after 31st March, 1939. The whole season's campaign was fully reported on last year. (i) Stewart Island. —This undertaking can now be regarded as one of the brightest spots in the whole campaign. Some success had previously been achieved in dealing with the red deer there, but the Virginian deer presented a problem almost incapable of solution. As the result of the introduction of new methods it is possible to visualize complete success in the not far distant future. It is significant that of the 399 deer killed during the year 189 were of the Virginian species. The work of the officer on Stewart Island in destroying cats and rats is already having a marked effect on the incidence of native bird-life in some parts. Several permanent huts and camps have been erected, and many miles of tracks, to permit of regular visits to operating points, have been cut, and the permanent organization is operating most satisfactorily. (4) Skins. During the year 27,300 deer skins were sold to buyers for export overseas. Commercial hunters and others have continued to save deer-skins, and of the total mentioned 12,792 were received from these sources. (5) Personnel. It is pleasing to be again able to report the absence of any fatal accident or serious injury, The usual difficulty of obtaining skilled men in the numbers required has become even greater with the larger number of men necessary to keep parties up to strength, but this has been largely overcome by the establishment of a " training-camp " which has operated very satisfactorily and can be regarded in future as a permanently necessary adjunct to the organization. The Department desires to pay a tribute to the zeal, energy, and devotion to duty under exceedingly arduous conditions of every member of the staff of this organization. XIII. ROTORUA ACCLIMATIZATION DISTRICT. A. The Fishing Season. High westerly winds seriously affected fishing in many of the favourite waters at the opening of the season. Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti were generally the most popular lakes in the- Rotorua district. More fish were taken from Lake Okataina than in previous years, and specimens of up to 13$ lb. were secured. During January, February, and March many limit bags were taken on the fly in the vicinity of the delta, Tongariro River. The following are weights of some of the large fish taken during the season and coming under the notice of departmental officers, the fish unless otherwise indicated being rainbow trout: — Lake Okataina : \l\, 12, 11$, 10J, 11, 11$, 105-, 10, 11, 10f, 10, 10, 10, 10$, 13$, 10$, 10 lb. Lake Rotoiti: 10, 13, 12 lb. Lake Taupo : 10, 10$, 10$, 10, 101b. Lake Rotorua : lOf, 111 lb. (brown trout). Lake Tarawera: 16$, 11, 12$, 12, 11$, 10$, 11, 10, 10, 10, 10$, 11, 10$, llf, 13$, 1.3, 10 lb.

10

H.— 22.

B. General. (1) Fry and Ova. Stripping operations were carried out in the Hatchery Creek, Tongariro River, and at Lakes Tarawera and Okataina. Particularly at Lake Tarawera, rainbow of excellent quality were stripped, specimens up to 16|- lb. being handled, and the average weight was in the vicinity of 81b. One very noticeable feature at all stripping places was the wonderful condition of young fish. The main runs were in July and August. The fry from ova taken from Lake Okataina were planted m Lake Tarawera, and a consignment of Lake Tarawera ova was forwarded to the Tongariro River. From the Tongariro Hatchery Creek 5,897,500 ova were stripped; from Lake Tarawera 3,712,500; and from Lake Okataina 65,000. Ova amounting to 1,857,500 were sold to various acclimatization societies, 500,000 exchanged with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society, 500,000 sold to the State Fisheries, Sydney, while 100,000 fry were sold to the Tauranga Acclimatization Society and 52,000 to the Department of Industries and Commerce, Tourist and Publicity. The _ following are the particulars of liberations of fry in the various waters of the Rotorua Acclimatization District Rotorua District. -Rotorua, 1,047,000 ; Rotoiti, 916,000 ; Okataina, 327,000 ; Tarawera, 324,000; Rerewhakaitu, 80,000; Okaro, 64,000; Rotokakahi, 266,000; Rotoehu, 157,000 : Rotoma, 178,000 ; Waikato River, 265,000 ; Waipunga, 57,000 ; Taahunaatara, 100,000.' Wairoa Area. —Waikaremoana, Waikareiti, and local streams, 510,000; Ruakituri, 290,000. Taupo District. —Tongariro, 237,000 ; Waitahanui, 84,000 ; Waikato, 274,000; Tauranga-Taupo, 66,000; Hatepe, 43,000; Waimarino, 36,000; Waiotaka, 53,000; Western Bays, 412,000 Bay of Plenty Rivers. —Ruatahuna, 50,000 ; Pakahi, 48,000 ; Wai-iti, 18,000 ; Waioeka, 406,000; Waimana, 189,000; Whakatane, 334,000; Tarawera, 50,000; Whirinaki, 90,000 ; l'utauaki (Lake), 11,000. (2) Inspections of Waters and Culling of Fish. The general good condition of trout did not call for any special effort in respect to culling. At the Tongariro River Hatchery 134 males and 153 females were destroyed. During the winter and early spring inspections were made of the various waters. In addition to large numbers of: spawning fish observed, fmgerlings and fry were very numerous. (3) Tagging of Trout. During the stripping operations at the Tongariro River, 282 trout were tagged. The following table gives details of fish tagged and either rehandled at the hatchery stream or caught and reported by anglers:—

(4) Facilities for Anglers. The new road to Rangatira Point has proved popular with anglers. A new road from the Turangi-Tokaanu Road to the Log crossing, Tongariro River, has been formed. In the vicinity of Taupo various tracks and fishing stands were cleared. The Information Bureau, Taupo, has been kept open for a short time each day for the convenience of anglers. (5) Food-supplies for Trout. Further consignments of smelts were taken to Taupo. The stocking of Lake Taupo with smelts has been most successful. During the year 70,000 smelts and 11,545 koura were planted in Taupo waters. In addition, '24,000 smelts and 3,000 toitoi in Lake Rotoma and 17,000 smelts in Lake Ngahewa were planted. (6) Black Shays, Hawks, &c. Bonuses on 895 black shags, 875 hawks, 156 stoats, and 23 ferrets and polecats were paid, and, except in the case of black-shag bonuses, recovery will be made from the North Island Vermin Control Account. In addition, the Department's own officers accounted for 363 black shags, 91 hawks, and 4 stoats, ferrets, and polecats. A bonus is also now being paid on snouts of hedgehogs.

11

Tagged. J Returned. Tag No. Weight. Length, i Date. j Weight. I Length. ! Locality. ! Date. J J J I I J I lb. oz. In. lb. on. In. 2381? .. .. 2 0 19-| 25/8/38 4 3 20 Poplar Pool . . 28121-' .. .. 3 8 214 6/7/38 4 4 22J Hatchery .. 25/7/39 28181 . . .. 3 12 22 6/7/38 4 10 22§ Hatchery .. 23/7/39 2889r .. .. 3 10 21 6/7/38 5 4 23 Hatchery .. 12/6/39 28 953? .. .. 3 7 20J 6/7/38 4 10 21J Hatchery .. 30/6/39 2914].' .. 3 3 21 26/7/38 4 8 22 Hatchery .. 12/6/39 3208f .. .. 4 13 24J 12/10/38 7 4 25 Hatchery .. 21/8/39 3209? . . .. 3 3 20 12/10/38 5 2 21 Hatchery .. 5/10/39 34541' . . .. 2 2 17i 21/9/39 2 0 17 Tongariro .. 19/12/39 3460.1? .. .. 3 14 22 21/9/39 3 8 22£ Stamp Bay .. 5/11/39 770m .. .. 3 14 21 13/7/39 3 4 22-| Motuopa Bay.. 6/11/39 752j .. .. 5 2 25 13/7/39 5 5 25 Tauranga-Taupo 6/7/40

H.—22.

(7) Scientific Operations. A laboratory has now been attached to the Rotorua office and a special officer detailed for scientific work, which is now in progress. During the year it was possible to analyse the returns of numbers of fish which have been reported by the Department's rangers for some years back, and valuable data has been obtained. Very little mortality amongs toitoi was found, due probably to the fact that very long periods of high temperatures were not experienced. Many post-mortem examinations of trout were made, and there seems to be no occasion for any alarm as to the prevalence of the nematode worm. (8) Game Farm. The grounds are being gradually improved and beautified. Recently several ponds have been formed in addition to the stream being backed up. These ponds when completed and surrounded by ferns and native shrubs will add greatly to the lay-out of the grounds. In addition, the ponds and slack waters will provide havens for fry which will be liberated there during the winter. The total number of pheasants reared during the season was 1,099, as well as 309 mallard ducks. (9) Game Liberations. The total number of pheasants liberated during the year was 646, while 295 mallard ducks were released in suitable places. Some pheasants will be held for liberation after the shooting season. (10) Bird-life generally. Some of the mallard ducks released last year at Hamurana and Rerewhakaitu nested, and broods of up to eleven were seen. During the spring dry and warm weather was experienced, and reports from various parts of the district indicated that the natural production of pheasants was greater than the previous year. Quail for a time were not as plentiful as last season, but showed up later in quite good coveys. At Rotomahana, Hamurana, the lagoons at Wairoa, and in the Bay of Plenty, grey ducks are still to be seen in fair numbers. Black swans appeared to have increased at Waikaremoana and Hamurana, the level of the lake at the former locality being very low during the spring and summer months, in consequence of which more nests than usual were seen during September and October. Black teal are not increasing, and where several years back two hundred and fifty to three hundred could always be seen at Hamurana not more than a dozen are now there. Rotomahana is the only lake where many congregate. Godwits did not appear to be plentiful, and very few were shot during the open season. It is most interesting to report that about forty grey teal have been seen on Rotomahana, and several pairs at Rerewhakaitu. Native birds are doing well in the Urewera and in the bush on the western side of Waikaremoana. The following are fairly plentiful : Pigeon, tui, kaka, and korimako (bell-bird). To the north-east of the lake and in the vicinity of the Government Hostel pigeons are very tame. Korimako, popokotea (white head), miromiro (tomtit), and riroriro (grey warbler) are numerous. On the higher country and in the bush adjacent to the track to Waikareiti, tititi-pounamu arc in good numbers. On the Huiarau Range this bird is also to be found in fair numbers. A nest was discovered under a bank on the road at a point about 1,100 ft. above sea-level. Most of the birds enumerated above are to be seen in most of the bush country through the district. The kiwi was again heard at Waikaremoana, and the kakariki (parakeet) was seen near the Waikareiti Track. The ruru is scarce. In one area the kokako (crow) was located on several occasions. The poaka (pied stilt) did not show up in large numbers. (11) Opossums. An open season was declared, but only three licenses and two permits were issued. The number of skins stamped in the district was 675. (12) Ranging. The ranging organization has been reviewed from time to time during the year. The provision of an outboard motor for use on lakes in the vicinity of Rotorua and a launch for Lake Taupo has provided better facilities for rangers reaching the more remote waters. During the winter the opportunity was taken to send two members of the deer destruction staff to Rotorua to undertake ranging. There had been numerous reports as to poaching of native pigeons and tuis, and it was evident that special methods would have to be adopted if offenders were to be traced. These proved effective, and as a result numerous breaches were detected and proceedings taken. It is hoped that these will have a salutary effect, but the position will be closely watched. In all, convictions during the year amounted to forty, fourteen of which were for breaches of the Animals Protection and Game Act, involving fines of £69, and sixteen for breaches of Rotorua and Taupo fishing regulations, for which £71 in fines was imposed. XIV. WAR GRAVES. Seven hundred and twenty-one (721) notifications of deaths of returned soldiers were received during the year ; of these, 109 were accepted as war graves, the cause of death being attributed to disabilities sustained or aggravated by war service. Temporary crosses were placed on 379 graves, and headstones to the number of 106 were ordered.

12

H.—22.

Additional constructional work was carried out in the soldiers' cemeteries at Bromley (Christchurch), Taita, Anderson's Bay (Dunedin), Te Kuiti, Karori (Wellington), Mount Wesley (Dargaville), and Otaki. All soldiers' cemeteries continue to be suitably maintained under arrangements made through the local controlling authorities. Veterans' graves continue to be attended to, and during the year renovations were carried out to graves at Ngaruawahia, Tauranga, Taupo, and Opepe. All New Zealand graves and memorials overseas have been maintained by the Imperial War Graves Commission out of the income derived from the Endowment Fund of £5,000,000, to which the Imperial and Dominion Governments contributed in proportion to the number of graves of their dead. XV. 'DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. Among the many notable people who visited New Zealand during the past year were the Most Hon. the Marquess of Willingdon, P. 0., G.C.5.1., G.C.M.G., G.C.T.E., G.8.E., who represented the Government of the United Kingdom, accompanied by the Marchioness of Willingdon, C.1., G.8.E., and Viscount Errington; Senator the Hon. P. A. M. Mcßride, Assistant Minister of Commerce in the Commonwealth of Australia, representing the Australian Government, and Mrs. Mcßride ; and Mr. D. R. Grenfell, C.8.E., M.P., representing the United Kingdom Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association at the New Zealand Centennial celebrations. Dr. W. A. Riddell, M.A., 8.D., who has taken up the position of High Commissioner for Canada in New Zealand, and Mrs. Riddell, were welcomed by the Government. Among others, Government hospitality was extended to the following visitors : The Right Hon. Viscount Runciman and Lady Runciman ; the Hon. W. Eorgan Smith, M.L.A., Premier of Queensland ; Sir Harry Luke, K.C.M.G., Governor of Fiji. In addition to these were members of the United Kingdom Air Mission and the Australian Air Mission, overseas delegates to the Defence Conference, and a number of Ministers from the Australian Commonwealth and States. Courtesies were also extended to His Excellency the Papal Legate, the Most Rev. John Panico, S.T.D., J.U.D., and other Roman Catholic dignitaries who attended the National Eucharistic Congress; His Gracc the Most Reverend H. W. K. Mowll, D.D., Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, who was present at the Centennial celebrations ; the Very Rev. John Mackenzie, D.D., and the Rev. W. Miskclly, D.D., overseas delegates to the Centennial General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand; and the Rev. Professor A. E. Albiston, M.A., 8.D., President-General of the Methodist Church of Australia, who was present at the Centennial celebrations. Several of His Majesty's and His Majesty's Australian ships and a French sloop visited New Zealand during the year, and Government hospitality was extended to the officers and men of these vessels. The substantial increase in the activities of this section was attributable to the visits of notable persons to New Zealand in connection with the Centennial celebrations. XVI. RAFFLES AND ART-UNIONS. Five hundred and thirteen licenses under authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908, were issued during the year. Of these, 290 were for works of art, 210 for small amounts of alluvial gold, and 13 for alluvial gold to the value of £5,000 each. The following table shows the gross results of the £5,000 gold art-unions :— £ s. d. Gross sales .. .. .. .. .. 260,611 7 6 Commission on sales . . .. . . .. 39,091 14 5 Expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 34,022 4 8 Prizes .. .. .. .. .. 65,000 0 0 Net proceeds .. .. .. .. .. 122,497 8 4 Lottery duty .. .. .. .. .. 26,061 2 9 Net profit .. .. .. .. .. .. 96,436 5 7 Of the net profits, £51,000 was distributed to the various mayoral or other recognized central funds established for the relief of distress, making a total of £376,000 made available for this purpose during recent years, and £20,925 allocated to charitable and philanthropic organizations, including children's homes and orphanages. The profits of No. 79 " Grand Sports " were used to assist the various sporting bodies to hold appropriate centennial meetings, and the profits of No. 88 " Our Black Cat " were devoted to the children's health camp movement. XVII. FIRE BRIGADES ACT, 1926. There are fifty-five Fire Boards in operation. Representations were made by two local bodies for a Board to be constituted in their respective districts,. but action has been withheld in view of proposals to amend the present system of fire-protection administration. The annual report of the Inspector of Fire Brigades will, as usual, be published as a separate statement. XVIII. CHARTERED CLUBS. Two applications for charters were declined in accordance with the policy not to increase the existing number. There are still forty-six clubs operating, and the reports of Inspectors of Chartered Clubs indicated that, apart from two complaints of a minor nature, all clubs were being properly conducted and were fulfilling the conditions upon which the charters were granted.

13

H.— 22.

XIX. MAORI ANTIQUITIES ACT, 1908. Four warrants were issued authorizing the export of Maori antiquities. One warrant was for the purpose of exchanging specimens with a British ethnographical museum. The other three warrants were in favour of private individuals. Authority was also granted in three cases where the specimens were of modern make and not subject therefore to the provisions of the Act. XX. PASSPORTS AND PERMITS. During the year 2,186 new passports were issued, compared with 5,010 last year ; and renewals were granted to 390 passports, compared with 563 last year. The war has restricted foreign travel and accounts for the decrease shown. Immediately on the outbreak of war regulations were issued compelling all persons over sixteen years of age to have a permit to leave New Zealand. This new system placed an enormous pressure of work on the Department, particularly in the early stages. Approximately 11,000 such permits have been issued. The Passport Emergency Regulations 1939 reimposed the requirement of passport visas on all aliens. This step was taken in concert with all other Governments of the British Commonwealth and has entailed considerable extra work. XXI. FOREIGN CONSULS. Twenty-five foreign countries have consuls in New Zealand. The interests of the German Consulate-General have been handed over to the Swiss Vice-Consul. Another consulate was closed. Two consuls-general de carriere left New Zealand, and one honorary consul died. The Government of Sweden appointed an officer as vice-consul de carriere. and trade agent in Wellington. Eight new appointments were gazetted. The duty devolved on the Department of making all the arrangements for the return to Germany of the German Consul-General and his entourage on the outbreak of war. XXII. CHANGE OF NAME. Since the outbreak of war there have been eighty-eight applications for exemption from the provisions of the Change of Name Emergency Regulations. Fifty-nine warrants of exemption have been issued. Careful inquiries have been made to ascertain whether the applicant is of enemy nationality or not and whether there is any ulterior motive prompting the applicant's change of name. Exemption from the regulations is not granted to enemy aliens. As a result of practical experience in administration it was found necessary to amend the principal regulations to facilitate further the change of name of infants. XXIII. NATURALIZATION. Certificates of naturalization were granted to 133 aliens. Naturalization was revoked in two cases of aliens who had been long resident in a foreign country. Other cases are under review. Naturalization of enemy aliens has been suspended during the war-time. Seventy-three wives of aliens becoming naturalized made declarations of desire to acquire British nationality. Thirty British-born women married to aliens made declarations to retain rights of a British subject. XXIV. RACING. Totalizator investments continue to show an increase. As in previous years, the Department had a representative at all totalizator race meetings to ensure that the law regarding the operation of the totalizator was complied with. The following statistics relative to the racing year ended 31st July, 1939, are of interest (figures for the racing year 1938 in parentheses): Number of racing days, 320 (320) ; number of races, 2,517 (2,506) ; amount of stakes, £550,054 (£527,545) ; totalizator investments, £7,981,441 (£7,201,820) ; amount paid in dividends, £6,589,628 (£5,945,365) ; Government taxes, £673,856 (£608,340). For the eight months ended 31st March, 1940, of the current racing year, totalizator investments have increased by £677,076. XXV. WAR FUNDS. From the latest annual statements of war funds registered under the War Funds Act, 1915, the following information as to their present assets has been extracted : — Summary. £ a. d. 26 incorporated societies .. . . . . .. .. 400,296 5 6 7 Red Cross organizations .. .. .. .. .. 85,837 310 2 blind soldiers' and veterans' homes funds . . . . . . 60,465 13 10 J1 unincorporated societies .. .. .. .. .. 5,746 9 9 6 returned soldiers'clubs .. .. .. .. .. 23,811 3 6 1 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 84,260 16 0 53 £660,417 12 5 The Wellington Hostel for Returned Men ceased activities, transferring the balance of its funds to the National War Funds Council. Advances to soldiers represent approximately 15 per cent, of the funds in hand, land and buildings 20 per cent., and the remaining 65 per cent, consists of assets of a more or less liquid form.

14

11.—22

XXVI. ADVERTISING OFFICE. A summary of the work of this Branch of the .Department is as follows : — Accounts. —The number of accounts for Government advertising recorded, checked, and certified in the office during the year was 12,742, as compared with 13,749 in the previous year. Expenditure.— The total expenditure for Government advertising for all Departments during the year under review amounted to £36,102 17s. 3d., an increase of £1,420 3s. Bd. over last year's amount. Cuttings.—Press clippings supplied to Ministers and Departments approximated 2,400 weekly. XXVII. EXPLOSIVES AND DANGEROUS GOODS. A. Explosives. Licenses. —Licenses covering the importation of the following quantities of explosives were issued during the year : Gelignite, 121,0501b.; polar gelignite, 1,236,600 lb. ; gelatine dynamite, 24,950 lb. ; polar gelatine dynamite, 53,600 lb.; dynamite, 6,000 lb. ; geogel A, 11,200 lb.; samsonite, Nil; polar samsonsite, 218,3501b.; A2 monobel, 128,5001b.; polar A2 monobel, 284,9501b.; polar quarry monobel, 30,000 lb. ; polar ajax, 500 lb. ; polar ligdyn, 8,500 lb. ; blasting-powder, 72,500 lb. ; blastingpellets, 8,750 ; sporting powder, 13,955 lb. ; detonators, 1,000,000 ; E.D. fuses, 778,000 ; safety-fuse, 9,043,240 ft. ; fireworks, 51,439 lb. ; amorces, 1,1701b. Other licenses were as follows (corresponding figures for previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 213 (207) ; sale, 623 (633) ; storage, 4-39 (421). B. .Dangerous Goods. Local Authority Administration-During the year the Hokianga County Council was gazetted a licensing authority under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920. The number of licensing authorities is therefore now 164. Departmental Administration.—The total of licenses issued in districts directly under the control of the Department shows an appreciable increase. Licenses numbering 2,426 were issued during the year, as against 2,266 for the previous year. Licenses issued under the Industrial Efficiency Act totalled 1,718, as against 1,646 for the previous year. XXVIII. TURNBULL LIBRARY. The number of volumes accessioned is now 57,000. A total of 2,200 were catalogued in the year, and the number recatalogued was 3,000. It is estimated that fewer than 25,000 volumes remain to be catalogued. The year's acquisitions included many valuable volumes, early editions, facsimiles, and copies of manuscripts. Use of the Library. The attendance of readers has increased by about 1,000 to 4,500. An equal number of casual visitors inspected the exhibitions or the library. Reader's research privilege tickets to the number of fifty-eight were issued over the period. The staff of the National Historical Committee continued to make considerable use of the library, as did numerous others seeking information on many aspects of Centennial studies. These studies have also involved the taking of many hundreds of photographs, mainly for official publications. University students, secondary-school pupils, and art students have also made many visits during the year. As usual the call for copies of material has been considerable, and both photostat and typed copies have been in steady request. Exhibitions. The year's exhibitions have mostly treated aspects of New Zealand history, the last one showing the landmarks of our history almost entirely by means of original documents and drawings and early editions of books. Exhibitions dealing with anniversaries of 1939 and English literature of 1780-1840 have been illustrated by some of the library's rare editions and " association copies." Donations. The fact that never a year goes by without its meed of splendid gifts to the library speaks volumes for the esteem in which it is held. Again it is a pleasure to draw attention to certain of the more notable of these for the information of students and others. The expression " according to Cocker " takes its derivation from the fact that Edward Cocker published his " Tutor to Arithmetick "in 1664. It was therefore gratifying to receive from Mr. J. C. Seagar a copy of this of a slightly later date—l 677. It was a popular book and ran through more than a hundred editions. From Mr. ,T. Atkinson, who claims descent from Captain Cook, came a daguerrotype of his ancestor, Jabez Cook, the grandson of Cook. The Guildhall Library, through the courtesy of Viscount Wakefield, presented a sumptuously bound (by Zaehnsdorf) and magnificently produced volume entitled " The Great Chronicle of London." This is the transcription of an important early manuscript history, which was used by such people as Stowe, Foxe, and others. It is strange that it had never been printed till this, but fitting that its importance should be so nobly recognized by this rich volume. The library's collection of " illustrated books " has always been good and representative, but one weak point was made especially sound by the gift of a large group of books illustrated by Randolph Caldecott. These were received from Mrs. James Houston and Miss Blackett, together with others of a similar nature, and also an unusual and attractive water-colour of Captain Cook's cottage in Staithes, Yorkshire, by Mrs. L. C. Lander,

15

H.—22.

Mr. Carl Pforzheimer has again shown his generosity by sending a group of volumes, mainly studies of Shelley, in whose works his library is extremely rich. Such matter is difficult to secure ordinarily, and is much appreciated. Sister Brandon, of Wellington, wished to show her appreciation of the library, and presented two fine carved Maori figures, together with a Samoan kava bowl formerly the property of R. L. Stevenson. Mr. James Berry made the same gesture by presenting a splendid work on printing design and layout, which was an addition to our collection on printing. To this he added a framed engraved portrait of Captain Cook. Lady Wilford, who was well acquainted with the late Mr. Alexander Turnbull, donated her large collection of important autographs, together with several pictures and other documents. Dr. C. F. G. Morice brought along a surprising group of letters from Dr. John Hawkesworth, the contemporary editor of Cook's voyages. These form a good group and are of general literary interest, though not relating to the navigator. Miss G. Fitzgerald presented a number of scarce early New Zealand works, mostly her late father's property, but of particular note is a volume of letters from J. R. Godley to C. B. Adderley. It is a rare work and little known, and contains excellent material. From Mrs. C. A. Macdonald, whose late husband was the author of " Pages from the Past," came two appreciated journals —that of James Heberley and F. W. Trolove. For the greater part these are unpublished, and contain first-class information. Mrs. Macdonald also included a work, left incomplete by her husband, on early Gisborne. Thanks are due to Mr. Johannes Andersen, the former Librarian, for his mediation in this excellent acquisition, as also in the matter of a group of about fifty volumes from Mr. J). Robertson, of Eastbourne, mainly of literary and biographical importance. To Mr. E. A. Earp, until recently Senior Apiarist of the Department of Agriculture, we are indebted for the gift, in memory of his wife, of his collection, gathered over many years, on all aspects of bee culture. This group contains over four hundred volumes, and must be a very representative company, containing many early works and the best of modern ones. Finally, there is the collection of works exemplifying " illustrations of the ' sixties' " presented to the New Zealand Government by G. H. Wood, Esq., of England. This remarkable section contains about one hundred and eighty illustrated volumes which are typical of the style of art work encountered in books of the time. It was a significant period, for within it was developed the style which became accepted for practically a quarter of a century. Mr. Wood's collection is in excellent order, and contains in addition several hundred plates supplementary to the books themselves. A full index makes the whole readily accessible to the student of book illustration. Other donations of an appreciated nature have been received from friends who have interested themselves in the library. It is scarcely necessary to say that no donation is accepted unless it is of definite value in the collection. Hence we are truly grateful to our benefactors. These are G. Mair, Torbay ; Mr. Codd, Wellington ; H. G. Cook, Tawa Flat; Tourist and Publicity Department, Wellington; Mrs. Izard, Matara ; H. Lucas, Cheshire, England; F. W. Reed, Whangarei; F. J. Hampton, Wellington ; the Shell Co., Wellington ; Mrs. Douglas Blair, Gisborne ; Brother George, British Solomon Islands; Publication Committee, Presbyterian Book-room, Christchurch; Mr. Lambert, Wairoa ; J. C. Redmond, Wellington ; R. B. Castle, Wellington ; S. C. Macky, Paterangi ; 11. Valder, Hamilton; the Italian Consul, Wellington; K. Levi, Wellington; E. B. Pilcher, Wellington ; M. Palleser, Wellington ; Mrs. M. Moore, Christchurch ; the Headmaster, Ohaupo School, Ohaupo ; Melanesian Mission Press, Guadalcanar ; J. M. A. Ilott, Wellington ; J. Brown, Ashburton ; P. Adams, Shropshire, England ; J. Stone, Auckland ; Miss E. Baillie, Wellington ; the Librarian, University of Michigan, United States of America; Unity Press, Ltd., Auckland; L. J. Wild, Feilding ; Miss M. G. Hitchnan, Wellington ; the Smith Family, Wellington ; Australian Council for Educational Research, Melbourne ; Miss 0. Mercer, Dunedin ; A. C. McLeod, Wellington ; H, A. Fox, Wellington ; Corriedale Sheep Society, Christchurch ; G. M. Fowlds, Auckland ; S. Wright, Palmerston North ; W. S. Ridler, Wellington ; the minister, St. John's Church, Wellington; Miss M. Greig, Wanganui; R. Stephenson, Ivaikohe ; A.J. Sheat, Auckland ; P. J. Marks, Sydney ; Mrs. E. Dasant, Wellington ; Cawthron Institute, Nelson ; I). 0. W. Hall, Wellington ; Mrs. J. Greg, London ; Mrs. N. St. C. Graystone, Oxford, England ; Mrs. C. C. Moffett, Picton ; Mrs. Whitaker, Palmerston North ; A. M. Pilcher, Eastbourne; F. W. Sewell, Palmerston North; D. Edwards, Wellington; the Moderator, St. Andrew's Church, Wellington; New Zealand Council for Educational Research, Wellington ; P. Lawlor, Wellington ; L. Hall, Lower Hutt: Dr. F. A. Bett, Nelson ; D. C. McMurtrie, Chicago ; Union Bank of Australasia, Wellington ; H. H. Driver, Auckland ; Cambridge Centennial Celebrations Committee, Cambridge ; Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board, Sydney ; Mrs. M. H. Strachan, Hamilton ; Mayor and Councillors, Palmerston North ; N. A. Parkes, Wanganui; H. Wily, Pukekohe ; Mrs. S. Israel, Wellington ; R. L. Meek, Wellington ; Miss E. Jones, Palmerston North ; W. Juriss, New Brighton ; Claremont Colleges Library, California ; Miss M. Greig, Wanganui; Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co., Wellington ; F. W. Brown, Wellington; Dr. A. H. Webb, Waipukurau. The Friends oe the Turnbull Library. An organization calling itself by this name came into being as the result of a meeting of wellwishers of the library in May, 1939. The officers of the society are —President, J. M. A. Ilott, Esq. ; Secretary, P. A. Lawlor, Esq.; Assistant Secretary, A. G. Bagnall, Esq. ; Committee : J. C. Andersen, Esq., A. E, Currie, Esq., Prof. I. A. Gordon, Alan Mulgan, Esq., C. Quentin Pope, Esq. The objects are to publish The Turnbull Library Record, at present twice a year, and to aid the development of the library's collections in every direction possible. Already the first issue of this publication has appeared, and has met with favourable reviews and comments. In time it should make the resources of the library much better known, as well as stimulate interest in its progress. The interest and support of the membership of " The Friends " are highly appreciated, and demonstrate a live interest in the culture that the library represents.

.!pproxirnate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not glvra ; printing (555 copies), £20

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1940.

Price 6d.}

16