H.—ls

1922. NEW ZEALAND.

MARINE AND INSPECTION OF MACHINERY DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1921-22.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Marino and Inspection of Machinery Department, My Lord,— Wellington, 27th June, 1922. I do myself the honour to transmit herewith, for Your Excellency's information, the report of the Marine and Inspection of Machinery Department of the Dominion for the financial year ended the 31st Maroh last. I have, &c, G. J. Anderson, Minister of Marine. His Excellency Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa, G.C.M., 0.M., G.C.V.0., Governor-General of New Zealand.

REPOET. The Secretary, Marine and Inspection op Machinery Department, to the Hon. the Minister of Marine. Marine and Inspection of Machinery Department, Sir,— Wellington, 7th June, 1922. I have the honour to make the following report on the work of this Department during the year ended the 31st March last. Head Office. The staff has carried out the work in a satisfactory manner, and has been strengthened by the replacement of temporary with permanent officers. Mercantile Marine Offices. Notwithstanding the fact that a large numbe ■ of vessels in New Zealand have been laid up for varying periods during the year, owing to the prevailing trade depression, departmental officers have been kept fully employed, and I am satisfied that, had normal conditions prevailed, a record year would have been experienced. Captains J. A. H. Marciel, C. E. W. Fleming, and N. Beaumont retired from the service on superannuation, after 24|, 22§, and 16| years' service respecively. These gentlemen at all times showed the highest efficiency in the performance of their duties, and earned the esteem and respect of the public with whom they were brought into contact. Their retirement was much regretted. Captains T. A. Dykes, T. A. G. Atwood, and ft. Fraser were promoted to fill the vacancies. Appended is a statement showing the number of seamen engaged and discharged at the various ports during the year, and the fees received for such transactions. The total number engaged and discharged was 16,925 and 17,575 respectively, as against 23,125 and 22,904 respectively during the previous year. The decrease is due to the laying-up of ships consequent on the trade depression.

I—H. 15.