8.--6

LIGHTHOUSES. The Okuri Point Lighthouse, near the French Pass, has been completed, and the light was first exhibited on the 24th June, 1916. Owing to the unsatisfactory way the Pintsch-gas light on Jackson's Head has been acting it was decided to replace it with an Aga acetone-acetylene light. This was completed on the 19th. March last, and so far has given every satisfaction. During the year incandescent lights were installed at Cape Foulwind and Manukau South Head Lighthouses. HARBOUR-WORKS. An automatic Aga acetone-acetylene light has been erected on Takataka Rock, at the northern end of the Narrows in the upper part of the Hokianga River. It was first exhibited on the 12th December last. An acetone light was installed on the large red buoy about two miles east of Dog Point in the Northern Wairoa River, Kaipara Harbour. The light was exhibited from this buoy on the 24th October last. Owing to the necessity for economy during the war very little has been done in regard to harbour-works beyond keeping the existing works in a state of repair. During the year the beacons marking the entrance to the Waikato River were re-erected. For some considerable time vessels had not used this entrance, but of late steamers have commenced to again work the port. GOVERNMENT STEAMERS. During the year the " Hinemoa " has continued to carry out the duty of tendering the various lighthouses, in addition to overhauling and painting all coastal buoys and beacons and buoys in harbours under the control of this Department. The training-ship " Amokura," used for training boys for the sea, has made three trips to the southern islands in search, of castaways, and has examined the provision-depots maintained by the Government for the benefit of persons shipwrecked there. No difficulty has been experienced in maintaining the full complement of sixty boys, and at present there is a large number of boys waiting for admission when vacancies occur. IMMIGRATION. Owing to the continuance of the war there was a great falling-off in the number of immigrants arriving in the Dominion during the year ended 31st March, 1917. The majority of those brought out under the Government scheme are the wives and families of persons who are already resident in the Dominion, and domestic servants. The policy of not granting assisted passages to any persons who are eligible for military service has been adhered to. At the conclusion of the war it is proposed to inaugurate a more vigorous immigration policy, and to make provision which will enable a number of widows and orphans of fallen soldiers and sailors to emigrate to New Zealand. PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. The net profits for the year are, approximately, £59,000. This is the highest in the history of the Office, and affords ample evidence of the efficiency of the administration, the growth of the business, and the ever-increasing confidence of the public. The first annual bonus to beneficiaries was paid during the year out of excess profits. The amount distributed exceeded £22,000. A similar bonus, amounting to £27,000, will be distributable this year. The preparation of the wills of soldiers at Trentham by qualified legal officers is still continued, and thousands of soldiers have appointed the Public Trustee their executor. Moreover, hundreds have also appointed the Public Trustee attorney to supervise and manage their estates during their absence at

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