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Social Security Department. Taumarunui. —Offices in leased premises were fitted up. Tauranga.—Extensive alterations were made to the Royal Mail Building at Rotorua for office accommodation, and alterations made to the Government Buildings at Tauranga for a similar purpose. Gisborne. —Alterations and renovations were carried out to leased premises for office accommodation. Stratford. —Offices were fitted up at Hawera, New Plymouth, Stratford, and Wanganui. Wellington.—A new building was erected in Aotea Quay to replace the structure destroyed by fire in Aitken Street. In this connection a record was established for speed in erection ; a start was made on the 3rd February, 1939, the building was completed on the 27th March, and was in occupation on the Ist April, 1939. Christchurch. —Alterations were made to three buildings for office accommodation. Dunedin.—Extensive alterations and additions were made to the old money-order office at Oamaru, and an old disused building at Alexandra was altered and renovated for office accommodation. Renovations and alterations were carried out at Invercargill, Gore, and Riverton. Greymouth.—Offices were fitted up at Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika. Tourist and Publicity Department. Taumarunui. —The kitchen and servery at The Chateau were remodelled. Three small sheds were built, and miscellaneous repairs and renovations were attended to. Tauranga.—Extensive alterations and renovations were carried out at the main bath building, Rotorua. Dunedin.—A lighting-plant was installed in the Milford Sound Hostel, and minor alterations elsewhere were carried out. Miscellaneous. Whangarei.—Alterations, renovations, and repairs were carried out to four buildings for the Marine Department, and renovations made to one building for the Forestry Department. Auckland.—The foundations and steel frame of the new departmental building in Jean Batten Place were completed. Additions were made to three buildings, and six cottages were erected in Ellicott's Block for the Lands Department. Tauranga.—Alterations and additions were made to four buildings, and sundry renovations and repairs were attended to. Gisborne. —Repairs and renovations were effected at one building, and three buildings were altered and added to. Stratford. —A new Public Works Office and garage were built at Taihape. Napier.—The new Government Building at Napier was completed, a plant depot and workshop was built at Napier, and departmental buildings were erected at Wairoa. Wellington.—The Government Life Insurance Building is practically completed, the foundations and steel framework of the new departmental block in Stout Street were completed, additions were made to the Public Works Department building at Rongotai, the Customs Building was strengthened, the plant depot at Hinemoa Street was completed, additions were made to the Meteorological Office at Kelburn, and additions on the roof of Parliament Buildings are in course of erection. The temporary building in Aitken Street which was nearly finished was totally destroyed by fire on the 2nd February, 1939. Two residences were purchased for Ministers of the Crown. The old museum and sundry residences in Sydney Street were demolished. Alterations, renovations, and repairs were carried out to eleven buildings and additions made to one. Nelson.—The new Government Life Insurance Building at Nelson is approaching completion, two cottages were built for the State Forest Service at Golden Downs, and kilns, store, glasshouses, and sheds were completed at Riwaka for the Scientific and Industrial Research Department. Repairs and renovations were effected at five buildings, alterations carried out at three, and maintenance attended to at four buildings. Christchurch. —A new building is being erected for the Wheat Research Institute. Additions were made to four buildings, renovations and repairs effected at twelve and alterations made to one building. The erection of " The Sign of the Takahe "is proceeding steadily. Dunedin.—At Tairoa Head a new building is being built for a fog signal, and renovations and repairs were effected to the lighthouse and dwellings. The State Fire Insurance Building at Invercargill was completed, the old Lands Department building at Dunedin was converted and renovated for other Departments. Renovations and repairs were carried out at two buildings. Greymouth. —A carpenters' workshop and garage were built at Greymouth, renovations and repairs were carried out at six buildings and alterations made to one. Generally.—The progress of buildings generally has been handicapped by the shortage of skilled tradesmen. Much alteration work has been carried out in connection with extended accommodation for other Departments. The departmental workshops have been fully occupied, and a great deal of furniture has been made by outside firms for the Department. In connection with country maintenance it has been difficult to get quotes owing to the amount of other work offering. In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the co-operation of the District Offices and the continued loyalty and industry of the staff. I have, &c., John T. MAIR, A.R.1.8.A., Government Architect.

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