a—i

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Ernest Atkinson, Crown Land Ranger, Otago, retired on superannuation on the 31st December last. He discharged his duties in a satisfactory manner, and from his long and complete knowledge of the district was of great assistance to his superior officers. Charles Spearing Kensington, Crown Lands Ranger, Taumarunui, retired on superannuation at same date. His experience and practical knowledge of the district was of great benefit to the office. H. W. J. Mason, draughtsman in the Wellington office, retired on superannuation on the 31st December last. For many years he was employed in the Wellington District Office, latterly in the Head Office, and showed himself a steady and reliable officer. Harry James Kallender, draughtsman in the Auckland office, retired on superannuation on the 31st July last and since deceased. He was a useful and reliable officer, with much local experience. Miss M. E. Richardson, draughtswoman, Wellington, was retired on superannuation on the 31st March last, on account of failing eyesight. She worked for many years in a very satisfactory manner. D. M. G. Mackay, clerk in the Chief Drainage Engineer's Office, was retired on superannuation on the 28th February last on account of permanent injury sustained whilst serving in tho Great War. It may be mentioned that whilst on active service he was awarded the D.C.M., and much regret was felt that the Department was compelled to lose the services of an energetic and trustworthy officer. J. B. Barclay, Local Land Officer, Lawrence, was retired on superannuation through reaching age-limit. Whilst in charge of the local office at Lawrence he carried out his duties in a careful and satisfactory manner.

Appointments, Promotions, and Transfers.

Transfers to other Departments. P. G. Pearce, transferred to Mines Department; P. Keenan and F. Needham, to Forestry Department ; J. W. Smith, to Agriculture Department; R. Nankervis, to Marine Department. Head Office. The correspondence during the year showed a small decrease, but 68,757 letters, telegrams, &c, were received, whilst 71,916 were despatched, or a total of 140,673. As a comparison it may be mentioned that for the year ended 31st March, 1915, the total correspondence was 53,187 ; for 1917 the number was 67,170; for 1919 it had increased to 114,065 ; whilst for 1920 it reached 158,489, and for 1921 amounted to no less than 165,000. The diminution of loans to discharged soldiers accounted for a falling-off, but the volume of correspondence dealt with is still considerable and needs very careful attention. A large number of legal papers for execution and gazetting in connection with discharged soldiers settlement, the administration of public reserves and domains, scenery-preservation, kaurigum industry, exchanges of land, freehold titles and leases, licenses to rjersons of enemy origin to acquire land, &c, were dealt with, the work entailing exacting care by the officers concerned. Ninety-two land-sale plans were printed and distributed during the year, together with the usual monthly posters showing lands being opened, which are exhibited at all post-offices. The usual quarterly publications of the Crown Lands Guide were also issued. The work in connection with the finances of the Department is still very heavy, and necessitates the utmost care and vigilance. With a view to making unproductive swamp lands fully productive as early as possible, capital expenditure increased last year and will show a further substantial increase this year. Considerable attention is given to the examination of the financial and business

Officer appointed. Previous Position. Position to whioh appointed. G. I. Beeson .. A. P. Blackburn J. J. Carroll R. W. Cooper .. D. S. B. Heather N. C. Kensington P. R. Jamioson W. Laing Accountant, Napier Stock Inspector, Te Awamutu Survey Cadet, Auckland Clerk, Napier Survey Cadet, Auckland District Surveyor, Taumarunui Cashier, Wellington Draughtsman and. Computer, New Plymouth Clerk, Wellington Survey Cadet, Auckland Survey Cadet, Auckland Accounts Clerk, Justice Department . . Crown Lands Ranger, Te Aroha Cashier, Invercargill Draughtsman and Computer, Christchurch Accountant, Wellington. Crown Lands Ranger, Hamilton. Surveyor, Auckland. Statistical Clerk, Head Office. Surveyor, Whakatane. Chief Draughtsman, Blenheim. Accounts Clerk, Wellington. Land Transfer Draughtsman, New Plymouth. J. P. Lane T. S. McMillan.. G. I. Martin .. P. G. Pearce . . R. C. Pollock .. T. A. Searell .. P. E. Webb .. Accountant, Dunedin. Surveyor, Kaitaia. Surveyor, Auckland. Accountant, Wellington. Supervisor, Hamilton. Accountant, Blenheim. Land Transfer Draughtsman, Invercargill.