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Naturalization. During the year 205 certificates of naturalization were granted, including two to persons who had been naturalized under the provisions of previous acts in New Zealand and who obtained certificates under the Act of 1925, conferring upon them the more complete status of a British subject throughout the world. One woman who was a British subject at the time of marrying an alien, and thereby lost British nationality, was readmitted to British nationality. Sixty-four wives of men who had been granted certificates of naturalization during the year made declarations of desire to acquire British nationality, consequent upon the naturalization of their husbands. Under the provisions of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Amendment Act, 1934-35, twenty-two women who had married aliens and lost their British nationality by reason of marriage, made declarations of desire to retain while in New Zealand the rights of a British subject. A declaration of this nature confers the rights, but not the status, of a British subject and is limited to New Zealand only. No prosecutions were instituted. Several cases are under investigation with a view to considering the revocation of naturalization where the grantees have, since the date of naturalization, been long absent from New Zealand and have not maintained substantial connection with His Majesty's dominions. Passports. During the year 4,457 new passports were issued, as compared with 3,641 during the previous year and with 3,383 for the year ended 31st March, 1935. Passport renewals for varying periods were granted for 681 passports, compared with 721 last year and 724 for the year ended 31st March, 1935. The heavy increase in the issue of new passports was largely accounted for by numbers of NewZealanders proceeding to the United Kingdom for the Coronation celebrations, and may also be taken as an indication of the recent improvement in the financial conditions prevailing in the Dominion in comparison with previous years. Passport visas were granted for thirty-nine passports in favour of aliens leaving New Zealand so as to facilitate their landing in other parts of the British Commonwealth. Land Agents and Auctioneers. Land Agents. Six hundred and ninety-four licenses were, issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 691 licenses and 11 transfers for the previous year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and twenty-six licenses were issued and 300 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 416 licenses and 287 changes of endorsement for the previous year. Chartered Clubs. The number of chartered clubs still stands at forty-six, no fresh club charter having been issued since the year 1908. Inspectors of Chartered Clubs in their reports regarding the conduct of clubs throughout New Zealand indicate that they are being properly conducted and in accordance with the conditions upon which the charters were granted. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Eleven warrants were granted authorizing the export of genuine Maori antiquities made according to ancient Maori methods. Authority was also granted in seven cases authorizing the export of various articles of modern make and of the souvenir type which, therefore, did not come within the scope of the Act. Advertising Office. The work of this Office continues to grow. Details are as follows : — Accounts.—Advertising accounts recorded, checked, and certified in the Office during the year approximated 11,076, an increase on the vouchers handled for the previous year. Yearly Expenditure. —The total expenditure for Government advertising for all Departments during the year under review amounted to £28,105 3s. 5d., as compared with £27,807 3s. 7d. for the financial year ended 31st March, 1936. Cuttings. —Press clippings supplied to Ministers and Departments approximated 2,000 to 2,300 weekly, an increase on last year's figures. Distinguished Visitors. Of the ninety-seven distinguished visitors to New Zealand during the past year the greater portion were from our sister Dominion, Australia. Among those from the Commonwealth to whom Government privileges and hospitality were extended were Sir Archdale Parkhill, Minister of Defence, Federal Government; Senator the Hon. A. J. McLachlan, Federal Government ; Right Hon. B. S. B. Stevens, Premier of New South Wales ; Hon. P. Pease, Deputy Premier of Queensland ; Hon. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Major the Hon. J. B. Shand, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. R. T. Ball, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. J. R. Lee, M.L.A., New South Wales ; Hon. G. Wilson, M.L.A.,

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