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SECTION 2—LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE (a) Library The departmental library continues to be used extensively as a source of information to officers of this and other Departments as well as to industrialists and members of the commercial community. The Industrial Bulletin, which is published in conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, is widely availed of by manufacturers for the information it contains on scientific research, technical and industrial developments, and arising from the circulation of that information numerous inquiries are addressed to this Department for further detail. The Industrial Bulletin also provides a convenient and effective means for giving publicity to standard specifications applicable in New Zealand and to matters concerning industrial hygiene. The publication of a new edition of the " Directory of New Zealand Manufacturers", which it was hoped to have had available in August, 1948, was again delayed on account of printing difficulties, but the setting of the type is now nearing completion and the new issue should be ready for distribution by October, 1949. (6) Exhibitions and Industrial Fairs Working through an inter-departmental committee, this Department combines with others in providing the Government exhibits at fairs and exhibitions. The two major events of this nature during the year were the New Zealand Industries Fair at Christchurch in August, 1948, and the Otago-Sbuthland Centennial Industrial Fair held at Dunedin in September, 1948. The Government courts at both fairs were designed to encourage " Aid for Britain," and the favourable impression created with the public testified to the standard of the displays. Industrial exhibits arranged for by the Department were forwarded for the " Meet New Zealand " display, organized by the United Kingdom Office of Information, and featured in turn at various centres in the United Kingdom over the period from October, 1947, to October, 1948. Several requests from overseas were received during the year for New Zealand to exhibit at fairs and exhibitions in other countries. The need to avoid dollar expenditure prevented New Zealand participation in the Canadian National Exhibition and in the Canadian International Trade Fair, both at Toronto. Projects for the future include New Zealand Industrial Fairs at Christchurch in August, 1949, at Hamilton in October, 1949, and at Auckland in March-April, 1950, while the Canterbury Centennial Industries Fair is scheduled for August, 1950, the Canterbury Pageant of Progress for December, 1950, and the Wellington Jubilee Exhibition for October, 1950. A composite exhibit illustrating services rendered by the Government to the country in general and to industry in particular is being planned for each of these events. The Government has also promised support for the proposed Canterbury International Exhibition planned to be held from October, 1953, to April, 1954, and preliminary steps have been taken to have this exhibition accorded international status. SECTION 3—MOTION-PICTURE INDUSTRY Several investigations were made by the Department during the year under the Cinematograph Films (Issue of Exhibitors' Licences) Regulations 1937. In the main these investigations arose from applications for exhibitors' licences to screen films in small towns and in areas adjacent to centres in respect of which licences had already been issued. In the majority of cases additional licences were issued. There is increasing demand for the erection of new theatres in areas of growing population and for the renovation of old theatres, but action has to be postponed in the meantime in favour of housing and more urgent buildings.

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