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Representation Commission On the 7th June, 1946, the Representation Commission's report was made to the Governor-General, and on the 27th June, 1946, a Proclamation defining the new boundaries was gazetted.' On the 4th July, 1946, the Commission's report was presented to the House of Representatives as parliamentary paper H-46. Formation of New Rolls The new districts as defined by the Representation Commission embodied extensive changes in all electoral boundaries, and a period from the Ist July, 1946, to the 31st August, 1946, was prescribed for the formation of rolls for the new districts. The work involved necessitated engaging temporary clerical assistance, and in the various district electoral offices 150 extra clerks were employed. Preparation and Printing of Rolls Following the formation of new rolls, the preparation for printing was proceeded with. The general rolls closed on the 13th September, 1946, and the supplementary rolls on the 6th November, 1946. Appreciation is recorded of the co-operation of the printing industry and the Federation of Master Printers of New Zealand in expediting the production of the rolls in the face of practical printing difficulties due to post-war conditions. Arrangements were made with the various printers, through their federation, for the supply of extra proofs of roll matter for use by political and licensing organizations in advance of the completion of the printing. This innovation was well received by the parties concerned. Conduct of the Poll Writs for the general election were issued on the 6th November, 1946, fixing the following dates : Nomination day .. .. .. 15th November. Polling-day— Maori .. .. .. .. 26th November. European .. .. .. 27th November. Writs returnable by .. .. 16th December. Contested elections were held in all electorates, 172 candidates (European and Maori) being nominated. Of a total roll strength of 1,081,898, the number who voted was 1,025,048. This latter figure includes members of the Forces, for whom voting arrangements under the Electoral (Members of the Forces) Regulations 1941 were made in the United Kingdom, Japan, the Pacific area, and New Zealand. In conjunction with the general efection of members of Parliament, general and local-option licensing polls were taken for the various licensing districts. Licensing Committees' Elections On 11th March, 1947, Licensing Committees' elections were held in 14 licensing districts where the number of candidates exceeded the five required for a Committee. XIII. EXPLOSIVES AND DANGEROUS GOODS The following licences were issued : Importation of Explosives. —Polar gelignite, 1,189,850 lb. ; Polar gelatine dynamite, 60,500 lb. ; Ajax, 72,650 lb. ; Polar quarry monobel, 212,000 lb. ; blasting-powder, 104,0001b.; sporting-powder, 84,0301b.; detonators (plain), 713,000 ; E.D. fuses, 1,261,000 ; safety-fuse, 16,824 lb. ; fireworks (ships' rockets), 240 lb. Other licences issued were : conveyance, 168 ; sale, 532 ; storage, 479. Dangerous Goods. —During the year 2,210 licences were issued, as against 2,123 for the previous year.

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