TT,-22.

It is impossible to too highly eulogize the conduct and devotion to duty of all officers of the Department's field staff. These officers worked very long hours, endured great privations, and carried out most difficult exploratory duties under the most arduous conditions with a willingness that indicated that they were animated by a determination to achieve the maximum possible measure of success in spite of all obstacles and without consideration for themselves. Deer-skins. Deer-skins to the number of 11,436 were sold during the year. Private commercial deer-hunters have continued to save skins, and under the scheme of accepting deer-skins from this source 4,770, mostly from the South Island, came to hand. Foreign Consuls. The matter of recognition and notification of consular appointments is one where the necessary steps are taken by the Department. During the year the Japanese Government decided to establish a Consulate-General in New Zealand, and there is now a Consul-General de carriere stationed in Wellington. The Government of Switzerland, which had closed the Auckland Consulate in 1936, reopened an office in Wellington in charge of a Vice-Consul de carriere. Four representatives of foreign countries died during the year, one resigned, and one was unable to accept appointment. There are now thirty-one foreign countries represented in New Zealand. Six Gazette notices were published notifying the issue of His Majesty's Exequatur in favour of . different consuls. Notifications were aiso gazetted in twelve cases of new appointments and temporary appointments. Naturalization. During the year 233 certificates of naturalization were granted, including four to persons who had been naturalized under the provisions of previous Acts in New Zealand and who obtained certificates under the Act of 1928, conferring upon them the more complete status of a British subject throughout the world. One certificate was granted in Western Samoa. Four women who were British subjects at the time of marrying aliens, and thereby lost British nationality, were readmitted to British nationality. The wives of seventy-two 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, thirteen 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. It was not found necessary to institute any prosecutions. In one case an inquiry was conducted in the Supreme Court, as provided by the Act, where a man naturalized in New Zealand had been long living in his native land. As a result, an order was made revoking his letters of naturalization. Passports. During the year 4,765 new passports were issued, as compared with 4,457 during the previous year and with 3,640 for the year ended 31st March, 1936. Passport renewals for varying periods were granted for 620 passports, compared with 681 last year and 724 for the year ended 31st March, 1936. The comparatively heavy increase in the issue of new passports represents the heaviest year's work on record with the exception of the year 1930, when 4,909 passports were granted. It is also to be noted that more passports were issued during the year than in Coronation year, when there was a large exodus to England for the celebrations. This fact may be taken as an indication of he buoyant state of the finances of the Dominion during the period under review. " Passport visas were granted in favour of forty-two aliens leaving New Zealand, so as to facilitate their landing in other parts of the British Commonwealth. Land-agents. Six hundred and ninety-four licenses were issued and 10 transfers granted, as compared with 694 licenses and 11 transfers for the previous year. One case of a defaulting land-agent was dealt with, and arrangements were made with the appropriate Insurance company for payment to be made in settlement of amounts owing to creditors. Auctioneers. Four hundred and forty-four licenses were issued and 326 changes of endorsement of seller made, as compared with 426 licenses and 300 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. Several applications were received from various clubs whose objects are of a social nature, but favourable consideration could not be given thereto. Beports furnished by Inspectors of Chartered Clubs throughout New Zealand indicate that they are being conducted in a proper manner and in accordance with the conditions upon which the charters were granted.

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