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During the year a substantial improvement was shown in the collection of rents from Maori lands and Maori reserves. The total cash receipts by both Boards exceeds the collections of the previous year by £B,OOO. This increase has resulted in additional payments to Maori beneficiaries. The total payments were £5,000 in excess of the receipts. A further £12,000 was invested in Government securities, bringing the total to £48,185. Maori Welfare Welfare work in the Wellington area continues to be carried on by the Welfare Staff at Head Office. The Welfare Officer stationed at Christchurch has been able to visit Maori communities at least twice during the year. Visits have been paid to the following districts: Bank's Peninsula, South Canterbury, Otago, Southland, West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, and Kaikoura. Liaison has been maintained with other Departments and close co-operation exists with the Health, Social Security, National Employment, and Police Departments, with the Vocational Guidance Centres, and Child Welfare and Probation Officers. Particular attention has been given to housing problems and to the rehabilitation of Maori exservicemen. The creation of the Ngaitahu Trust Fund under the Ngaitahu Trust Board Act, 1946, is certain to result in improvements in the general welfare of a section of the Maori people.

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