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At Napier the erection of the new chief post-office building has been completed (July, 1930). The proposed new chief post-office building at Dunedin will probably be commenced during the financial year 1930-31. The construction of the foundations for the building (arranged for by a separate contract) is almost completed. The construction of new post-office buildings at Oourtenay Place (Wellington), Palmerston (South), Upper Symonds Street (Auckland), and Waitara has been commenced. Tenders are shortly to be invited for the erection of post-office buildings at High Street (Christchurch), Taumarunui, and Westport. AUXILIARY POSTMEN. As a means of effecting a necessary improvement in the time of delivery of correspondence in the business portions of Christchurch and Wellington, and at the same time of providing employment for a number of partially disabled returned soldiers who, owing to war injuries or sickness, are fit only for light duties, auxiliary postmen have been appointed in the cities mentioned to assist the postmen on their deliveries. A further number of returned soldiers has also been provided for in Auckland in the same way. POSTMASTER-GENERALSHIP. The office of Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs was held by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward from the 18th December, 1929, to the 28th May, 1930, and, in part, this Report is a record also of his administration. Sir Joseph Ward filled the office for the following periods : 4th February, 189.1, to 16th June, 1896; 21st December, 1899, to 28th March, 1912; 12th August, 1915, to 21st August, 1919 ; 18th December, .1.929, to 28th May, 1930. His death, following closely on his relinquishment of office, was deeply deplored in the Service. DETAILED REPORT A detailed report of the operations of the Department for the year will be found in the statements and tables which follow. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant. Jas. B. Donald. General Post Office, Wellington. 14th August, 1930.