H.—22.

have arisen, and to consider the reports of sub-committees. Finally, a small stafl has been formed by the Department of Internal Affairs to handle preparatory and research work connected with publications, to carry out secretarial duties, and to provide historical data required by other parts of the Centennial organization. Of these activities several may be singled out for special mention. Realizing that part of its work consisted in creating an appreciation of the historical background of the Centennial, in September, 1937, the Committee issued the first of a series of monthly articles designed to commemorate events of the previous century and to trace the steps leading to the colonization of New Zealand and the assumption of British sovereignty. Eight articles were issued during the year and, thanks to the co-operation of the press, were widely published throughout the country. The assistance of the press, both in the Dominion and in Great Britain, was also enlisted in the issuing of an appeal for manuscripts and other material of historical interest. Particularly abroad, this appeal has been productive of excellent results, and has resulted in the acquisition of important records bearing on the early history of the country. A survey of records and sources likely to be of use in the production of Centennial publications was undertaken by the research stafl and resulted notably in the compilation of a select list of University theses and a card index of the pictorial material available in the principal New Zealand collections. At the end of six months the Committee's deliberations had reached the stage when it was considered necessary to obtain the Government's general approval to certain proposals. These were for the production of historical publications including an atlas to contain both an historical and a modern section, a Dictionary of National Biography, a series of short historical surveys, and a supplementary series of pictorial surveys. Recommendations were also made concerning the issue of special Centennial coins and stamps and the holding of literary competitions. Finally, it was recommended that an Editor should be appointed to take charge of the planning and production of Centennial publications. These recommendations received the Government's approval, and at the close of the year with the appointment of the Editor of Centennial publications the Committee was in a position to proceed with the more urgent section of its programme. During the coming year it is expected that publications will be well in hand so that they will be ready for publication at regularly spaced intervals throughout 1940. The Committee will also continue its advisory and research work, which is likely to increase in bulk and importance with the growth of the Centennial organization as a whole. Coronation Celebrations. This Department was charged with the work of organizing the national celebrations of the Coronation in Wellington, and of enlisting the co-operation of local bodies throughout the Dominion. It is most gratifying to record that from one end of New Zealand to the other the Coronation was celebrated in fitting manner. An inter-departmental committee of Post and Telegraph, Railways, Public Works, and Internal Affairs Departments arranged for the decoration and illumination of Government Buildings throughout the Dominion. Very extensive use was made of flood lighting, and the special equipment obtained for this purpose will be available during the Centennial period. The whole-hearted co-operation of the three other Departments mentioned is gratefully acknowledged. A permanent souvenir of the Coronation, for distribution to all schools, was designed and will shortly be forwarded to them. A Loyal Address from New Zealand to Their Majesties was specially illuminated and bound in covers of inlaid New Zealand woods. Work was excellently done in regard to the illumination by the Publicity Branch of the Railways Department and the inlaid wood covers were done through the Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment League. The Address was presented to Their Majesties by the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Coronation Memorial Tree-planting. A request was received from the Coronation Planting Committee in England, through the High Commissioner, for particulars of all commemorative planting and amenity schemes organized in New Zealand, for inclusion in the special Empire section of the royal record which is to be presented to His Majesty the King. An appeal was made to the public through the press and also to all local authorities. As a result, details of some three hundred commemorative plantings have been forwarded to England, and further forms are daily coming to hand. The plantings vary from, in many cases, a single tree to extensive shrubberies and avenues. A particularly pleasing feature is the number of schools throughout the country which have used this form of memorial of the event, and the choosing in most cases of longliving trees as the kauri, totara, rimu, and oak. The popularity of this method of commemoration on this occasion must result in enhanced beauty of the localities so treated, and augurs well for Centennial memorial plantings in 1940. Physical Welfare and Recreation. In August, 1937, a conference of representatives of sports and social organizations was held in Wellington to discuss ways and means to co-ordinate the efforts being made for the physical welfare of the community and to judiciously guide the people in the wiser use of the increased leisure time at their disposal. The following resolution was carried unanimously by the Conference (a) " That this Conference agrees that national action is necessary to inculcate a wider realization that physical fitness and physical recreation have a vital part to play in promoting a healthy mind and human happiness.

3