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The great Centennial Exhibition has provided an opportunity for the various Government Departments to make known to the public some of the many interesting features connected with their work and administration.
The contents of this "Guide", which serves as an introduction to the Government Court, should assist in arousing additional interest in the exhibits themselves, which show the wide ramifications of, and the important part played by, these valuable social services in the welfare of the Dominion.
These services, which are an accepted part of our national life, carry out their functions quietly and effectively from year to year, while the immense amount of detail and research work connected with their successful operation remains largely concealed from the public. It is of interest to note also that New Zealand-made goods are utilised to the fullest extent by the various departments.
The Government Court has been designed and laid out to provide something more than a mere superficial view of the manner in which the Public Services operate for the general welfare. Each exhibit is supported by a wealth of detailed information and by working models and diagrams designed to show as simply as possible the place occupied by every Department of State in the life and progress of the Dominion.
The highly technical nature of many of these exhibits is set out also, in such a fashion that anyone may grasp their essential features and realise that experts in all divisions are working assiduously to introduce the latest inventions and improvements for the benefit of the people of New Zealand.
Rt. Hon. M. J. SAVAGE:—
Prime Minister, Minister of External Affairs, Native Minister, Minister for the Cook Islands.
Hon. P. FRASER:—
Minister of Education, Minister of Health, Minister of Marine.
Hon. W. NASH:—
Minister of Finance, Minister of Customs, Minister of Social Security, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister of Marketing.
Hon. D. G. SULLIVAN:—
Minister of Industries and Commerce, Minister of Railways.
Hon. H. G. R. MASON:—
Attorney-General, Minister of Justice.
Hon. H. T. ARMSTRONG:—
Minister in Charge of Housing and State Advances Departments, and Minister of Immigration.
Hon. R. SEMPLE:—
Minister of Public Works, Minister of Transport.
Hon. W. E. PARRY:—
Minister of Internal Affairs.
Hon. P. C. WEBB:—
Minister of Labour, Minister of Mines.
Hon. F. JONES:—
Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister of Defence.
Hon. W. LEE MARTIN:—
Minister of Agriculture.
Hon. F. LANGSTONE:—
Minister of Lands, Commissioner of State Forests.
Mr. JOHN A. LEE:-—
Parliamentary Under-Secretary in Charge of Housing.
The great expansion of air services throughout the world during the last few years has brought aviation more and more before the general public, and there can be no doubt that people are, to-day, more "air-minded" than ever before. In New Zealand last year 53,039 passengers were carried on the regular air services, and, but for the outbreak of the war, no doubt this figure would have been considerably increased this year. The transtasman and Pan American Pacific services were also to be inaugurated this year.
The Air Display has been arranged to show how aviation has progressed from its infancy to the present day. One exhibit, "See How They Fly", consists of a series of dioramas and photographs depicting the development of flying from the earliest I known form of life to the modern aircraft, and shows just how engines are able to lift aircraft.
There is a large revolving globe showing various air routes of the world. Another item which is of great interest is a large oval map of the world showing, by means of many little lights shaped like aeroplanes, the routes over which the Royal Air Force and the Dominions' Air Forces fly for service purposes.
The more mechanically-minded visitors will be greatly interested in the sectioned and full-scale working models of the Rolls-Royce Merlin and Bristol Pegasus engines. There are also exhibits of various engine parts and instrument equipment.
Quite a number of models of aeroplanes are on display, while a full-size cut-out of a Wellington Bomber is hung in the Motor Court and gives a good idea of how these machines look when actually flying.
A feature of this display is a modern field gun with mounting, and in sharp contrast are the captured guns from the German Army of 1914-18. Folding-boat equipment, miniature trestles, pontoons and box girders represent the Engineering side of Army activities.
A completely-equipped Gas Chamber is available to demonstrate the use of the modern gas helmet, while a movie projector gives highlights of Army life.
One important attraction is the new Bren Gun on an Anti-Aircraft Mounting, thus giving the public the opportunity of examining this remarkable new weapon at close quarters.
Regimental badges and medals are shown on display-stands and fully-dressed life-sized models demonstrate the various types of uniform now being worn.
Miniature model equipment rounds off a most comprehensive display, which is sure to attract widespread interest.
Attendants are in full-dress blue and are available to answer any questions from young and old alike. The Army Stand is part of a Combined Services display representing the Navy, Army and Air Forces.
The Court consists of three main sections: (1) Sunken court and terresphere;
(2) main display court; and (3) side court. Visitors, as they enter, will be impressed immediately by the large revolving globe (24 feet in diameter) of the world in motion. The globe dominates the whole exhibit, reminding people of the unceasing course of educational progress, and of its world-wide scope. Against this international background New Zealand's place in education is shown, by a large-scale map modelled to give physical features and displaying, by means of coloured pins, the position of every State school and educational institution in the Dominion. On one wall there is an exhibit of historical documents showing the growth of education in New Zealand, with a Maori school diorama as the central feature; and on the other, a photographic display of the activities and equipment of the latest schools, and the University Colleges. At the far end, opposite the globe, is a raised stage (with cloak-rooms attached) on which pupils and students will, from time to time, give demonstrations in arts and crafts, and the more active sides of school life generally. When not in use, the stage is available as a lounge for the public.
Passing through the entrance hall, with its decorated panels, visitors enter the main court, where they find representative displays of creative work from the schools, Training Colleges and the University Colleges, along with photographs and posters showing the development of New Zealand education. All the sculptured figures and mural paintings are the work of pupils in the schools and students in the art schools. : From the primary schools there is a varied display of the arts, wood-work and metal-work, needlework and weaving, and interesting projects in English, history, geography and nature study. Of special interest is the Maori exhibit, which includes a large model meeting-house and pa, wood-carving and ornamental work in the Maori tradition, as well as the application of Maori ornament to European design. The secondary schools are represented by more advanced work in arts and crafts, project studies, wood and metal work, home science and agriculture. The technical schools have contributed a fine range of exhibits of mechanical and electrical engineering, carpentry and cabinet-making, weaving and designing. The Teachers' Training Colleges have a display of models, handiwork and posters, and there are photographs of the buildings and grounds of the University Colleges, arranged on six plyons bearing the arms of the colleges.
Finally, in the side court, there is an informal display featuring the creative aspects of leisure, the place of hobbies in education, and unusual work done by primary school children.
It is hoped that, as the visitor passes from stage to stage of the exhibits, he will realise what the education system of New Zealand is doing to prepare our childen for work and leisure in a democratic community.
The Samoan exhibits are examples of a craftsmanship which is common to 60,000 Samoans to-day; it is an interesting fact that the material culture of these people has, despite contact with Western culture, remained almost entirely unchanged.
The focal exhibit is a fale (house), two-thirds to one-half the usual size, which is made entirely from native timbers, lashed together with sinnet braided from coconut husk, and thatched with leaves of sugar-cane. Two of the Samoan attendants at
Other exhibits of special interest as typifying Samoan life and everyday customs are:—
The kava bowls. Kava is a non-intoxicating drink made from the root of a cultivated plant (piper methysticum), which is dried, pounded, and kneaded with water. Much ritual attends the serving of kava, it being the ceremonial drink which is the first medium of hospitality to guests, and with which formal meetings are commenced or concluded. Each recipient, upon being served, has his name, or his "kava cup name", proclaimed by the presiding distributor, social precedence being indicated both by acclamation and in the order of distribution. The bowls are each cut out of a solid section of the tree—a native hardwood. The drinking cups are polished lower halves of coconut shells.
Fine mats are plaited from fine strips of pandanus leaf in double wefts, and ornamented with red feathers from the Fijian parrakeet. As a garment, they are worn on ceremonial occasions to denote rank, but a greater significance is that they provide the most valued formal means of exchange, and fulfil a part comparable with that of currency. Exchange of fine mats, in numbers proportionate to the rank of those involved, occurs on occasions such as births, deaths, or elections to titles, and so the mats are in constant circulation.
The staff and whisk are the symbols of office of an orator, especially carried during ceremonies on the village meeting-place, or malae.
The outrigger canoe is a special type, built from planks (as distinct from the ordinary dug-out log canoe), to give the lightness and speed needed in fishing for bonito in deep water. The model exhibited is about two-thirds the usual dimensions. It is fitted with attachments on which to rest the bamboo rod with its barb-less hooks of turtle and pearl shell.
A full description of the articles on exhibition is provided in "
The produce of Samoa on exhibition is from the New Zealand Reparation Estates. The copra represents the best grade of South Seas copra, being equal to that from Ceylon, which is regarded as the world's standard. The cocoa pods and dried cocoa beans are a Crillo Forestera hybrid, which has been found particularly suited to Samoan conditions, and combines the best characteristics of each variety. Samoan cocoa is of a very high standard and is specially suited for blending purposes. The rubber is the usual smoked sheet which, for marketing purposes, is packed in cases of three-ply, each containing 224lb. Rubber-tapping knives, spouts, and cups are also on exhibition.
The Cook Islands exhibits, when compared with those of Samoa, show an interesting distinction in material cultures. The Samoa exhibits are examples of a culture little changed since the advent of the European, while the exhibits of the Cook Islands show definite Western influence.
The baskets, hats, fans, bead-work, inlaid pearl-shell work, etc., of the Cook Islands, although of post-missionary origin, are nevertheless essentially Polynesian in
It must not be imagined that the Cook Islander has abandoned any part of his old culture, which is still of use -to him. Mats, paddles, pearl-shell hooks, fish traps, etc., similar to those on display and which have descended unchanged from the old, pre-European culture, are still in everyday use.
The exhibits are representative of all islands of the group and those interested in material culture will find local variations expressive of the materials and usages of the people of the different islands. For example, it will be noted that considerable skill in the use of pearl-shell for decorative purposes has been acquired by the islanders of the northern atolls.
As the visitor enters the Government Court, the Government Printing and Stationery Department's exhibit is seen immediately opposite, on the left. In addition to a variety of exhibits of completed work, examples of various processes employed in the printing industry are shown in progressive stages towards completion. To turn, first, to specimens of the publications printed and stocked by this Department, the exhibit is subdivided as follows:—
Governmental and Statistical, being the complete set of Acts and Statutes from 1908 to 1938, together with those statistical publications, the Local Authorities Handbook, 1939, and the New Zealand Official Year Book, 1940, both being invalu-able works of reference for professional and business men.
Botany, consisting of a wide field of works for all interested in this subject, from the student to those who desire only to extend their scientific general knowledge.
History, particularly publications dealing with early days of the colony, together with the Roll of Honour of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, 1914-18.
Ethnology: A most interesting series of monographs on the life and customs of the Maori are displayed, together with
Topography: Two examples are shown, giving detailed information concerning two well-known natural features, the Franz Josef Glacier and the Tongariro National Park.
Zoology: A selection of the many books and pamphlets available gives information covering the indigenous and imported wild life of the Dominion.
Turning now to the technical aspect of the Department's activities, a selection has been made of work performed in the following branches:—
Lithographic Branch: The Dominion's Coat of Arms has been taken as a suitable example of the art of colour printing. It will be seen that each colour on the original is separated, printed, and overprinted on accurate presses until the final operation produces an exact copy of the original. Other examples of the same process, in lesser complexity, are also displayed.
Stereotyping Branch: The main function of stereotyping is the reproduction in the form of "plates" or castings of any desired number of "formes" of type, thus saving the time of the compositor, obviating the need for large stocks of type and thereby facilitating rapid and economical production. The process, with examples
Binding Branch: This section of the exhibit includes examples of the better-class work executed in the Department. Particularly worthy of attention is a record book for the use of the Government Life Insurance Department, where durability, both in use and subsequently for record purposes, is of paramount Importance.
Attention is also drawn to the volumes of Illustrations to the New Zealand flora, which are shown in four stages of binding. In the first stage the folded sheets {signatures) are shown collated and pressed; in the second stages, sewn; in the third stage, rounded, taped and banded; while the fourth stage shows the finished volume fully bound and lettered.
Among the other binding exhibits are copies of the School Journal, Journal of Agriculture, White's Ancient History of the Maori, records of past Exhibitions, Mc- Nab's Historical Records, and a copy of the Treaty of Waitangi, with facsimiles of the actual Treaty bearing the marks or signatures of the various signatories.
The Health Department's display is based on modern exhibition technique in that it represents a theme worked out in stages.
The subject taken up is the healthy family and it is worked out along two lines:—(1) Good health—how to develop it, and (2) good health—how to protect it. The subject is advanced progressively in 12 successive bays which are arranged in the form of an irregular ellipse.
One feature of the display which it is thought is entirely new to the public and undoubtedly creates unusual interest is the introduction of a robot as a walking and talking doctor.
The display is designated "The Highway to Health and Happiness."
Visitors assemble at the doctor's consulting room, which is behind the large globe in the Education exhibit. Every 30 minutes the door of the consulting room opens automatically, and the doctor, 5ft. 10in. tall and looking the part in every way, walks out of the door and invites the public to join him in a tour of the exhibit.
The doctor not only walks and talks, but also uses his arms and turns his head.
His first stop is .at the first bay, where he displays a model of the human trunk from the diaphragm upwards, demonstrating how complex is the human system. In this same bay a small motion picture operates, showing the human heart actually at work. Other subjects relating to the circulation of the blood are also shown. After a short talk the doctor passes on to the next bay, which represents the healthy start in life. In this bay there is a very attractive illuminated model of the proposed four-story St. Helen's Hospital, Christchurch. The model sits on the top deck of a revolving turn-table, on the lower deck of which appears, in larger scale, models of interesting sections of the hospital.
After completing his talk here the doctor moves on to the next bay, which deals with health during the school life. Here is seen a model school dental clinic, swimming bath and playing grounds with a landscape background. A health camp is visible in the distance and a lorry appears from a pasteurising factory, bringing milk to the school.
Two short motion pictures illustrate the School Medical and School Dental services at work.
When his appropriate chat at this bay is finished, the doctor passes on to the next bay demonstrating health at home. This bay is completed as a model dining-room, with a family of five seated at the table. Recommended foods for breakfast, midday and evening meals appear in rotation on the table. The doctor, in his chat, stresses the importance of nutrition in the development of life.
In the next section, which is devoted to health at play, is depicted a series of outdoor games and pastimes. Children are seen at a paddling pool, sand pit and cave. Tennis and basketball games are in progress. A cycle race is going on, encompassing an area where field sports are in progress. A model swimming bath and gymnasium are also included. Along the back are brilliantly-lighted transparencies in which various games are graphically displayed. Needless to say, the doctor's chat at this bay deals with the importance of physical recreation in the development of physical fitness.
The doctor's next visit is to the Health at Work section. Here is a large model factory with offices, and woodwork and paint shops. Animation indicates industrial safety and hygiene in an interesting and graphic manner.
The climax of the developmental side is reached at the end of the ellipse which is devoted to "The Health Family in the Happy Home" display. Here is seen a charming home in beautifully laid-out grounds and a garden with fountain playing on the lawn, etc. Two of the children are riding about on tricycles, and while "father" is occupied with the cutting of the lawn, "mother" appears on the veranda with afternoon tea. This scene is used by the doctor as the basis for a talk on life with a capital "L"
Having rounded the end of the ellipse, visitors find that the bays down the other side are devoted to the protection of good health.
The first one illustrates the Port Health Service at work. A steamer approaching from overseas flashes out its health report. A small moving picture illustrates the receipt of the message by the Port Health doctor and his subsequent visit to the vessel when she arrives. Cases of infectious disease on board are removed by ambulance to hospital. In the same bay is a miniature aerodrome with a model aeroplane circling overhead, to emphasise that a similar procedure will be followed in connection with the inauguration of air services from overseas.
The second bay in the programme of protection deals with immunisation. The scene is occupied by a healthy girl. Four coloured imps representing various diseases are shooting darts, in the form of Neon lights, at the girl, but the lights fade out, indicating that the girl is free from attack because she is immunised.
The next display deals with protection against tuberculosis, and has a lesson for everyone, both in the display and in the doctor's talk.
In the succeeding bay, personal hygiene is featured as a means of protection to the individual, the points illustrated being cleanliness, food, rest, periodical overhaul by doctor, dentist and optician, and physical exercise.
The final display is in the form of a summary of different phases of life.
After completing his chats the doctor invites the public to go to the Department's literature stall, where a wide range of booklets is on display and for sale.
The doctor then re-enters his consulting room to await the next tour.
The whole display works automatically, the bays are arranged artistically and every feature is synchronised so as to awaken and sustain the interest of the public throughout their visit.
In front of the pavilion a curved brick wall has been constructed of common bricks as used in house construction. At its base rests a model of a typical housing scheme carried out by the Department. To the rear of the brickwork are showcases with revolving models of various types of houses, including two interiors. Above the showcases on the curved front a series of murals has been designed, the panel on the left showing the development of house design over the last 100 years, the centre indicating the various building materials employed, the right panel depicting the effects of good housing on health.
Over the sides of the pavilion inclined graph boards have been formed, the background being photomurals of the Department's housing activities. The number of houses for which tenders have been called, the number under construction, and the number completed are shown by graph lines. The art and science of house planning is shown in pictorial form. The increase in population and the increase in the number of houses during the last century, the number of dwellings built by State financial and municipal assistance, together with the number of new houses still required, is also shown. The channels through which £1000 is spent in constructing a house are illustrated pictorially.
Two models of multi-unit dwellings are exhibited. One scheme at present under construction in Wellington contains 50 flats, the other 136. The adjacent photograph of a slum locality illustrates the kind of unhealthy area the multi-unit dwellings are intended to replace.
The kitchen of to-day is contrasted, by two full-size models, with the kitchen of yesterday. That of yesterday is shown with fuel stove, an absence of cupboards and fittings, high ceilings, and dark-stained walls; the kitchen of to-day is shown with the actual fittings used in the State houses. The kitchen has now become a pleasant, efficient workroom where the daily tasks may be performed with the minimum of effort.
The focal point of interest in the Industries and Commerce exhibit is a tree standing 18ft. high in a panel 27ft. x 22ft. This tree is described as the "Tree of Commerce" and indicates, by the increase in the size of the foliage in the six branch- es which divide up the period, the expansion in the total overseas trade of the Dominion during the past 100 years.
The major activities of the Department are suitably portrayed by 14 transparencies included in two panels placed on either side of the base of the tree. In addition, the first panel provides statistics showing the expansion over the past 100 years in the import and export trade of the Dominion to which the tree is linked, while the second panel contains statistical information relative to the growth in factory production as from 1877-78 onwards.
The remainder of the display consists of photographs of industrial and commercial subjects, arranged on the two walls which flank the exhibit.
The Department of Internal Affairs has not arranged a separate exhibit at the Exhibition in connection with any of its activities, but it has combined with other Departments, as hereunder noted, in order to demonstrate those phases of .its work which are closely related to the work of such Departments:—
Town Planning: Town planning is closely related to housing. As the Housing Construction Department has arranged an exhibit in connection with its activities, arrangements have been made to exhibit certain features of town planning in conjunction with the Housing Construction Department's exhibit.
In the Dominion Court the Department is exhibiting a scale model of the proposed Government Centre, Wellington. This model is approximately 20ft. x 18ft. in size.
Acclimatisation: As the interests of the Department are so closely related to those of the Lands and Survey Department in connection with the preservation of flora and fauna, arrangements have been made to combine with that Department in an exhibit depicting indigenous bird life, including some birds which unfortunately are either extinct or practically so. The exhibit is located in the Land Development Section.
Fishing: A model fish hatchery is being displayed by the Marine Department, and the Department of Internal Affairs is co-operating in the production of this model.
Physical Welfare and Recreation Movement: The work of the Department in this field is a separate exhibit located in the General Exhibits Court.
Murals: There is also an exhibit of a set of four mural paintings which were executed by F. Coventry, the New Zealand artist who has achieved success in London in commercial art work. The first, "The European in New Zealand Before 1840", depicts the early visitors to the country—explorers, traders, whalers and sealers, and missionaries, and their associations with the Maori. The second panel, "The Beginning of Organised Settlement", shows the arrival of the emigrants and the virgin character of the country in which they were to settle. This is followed by the third, "Clearing and Developing the Land", showing the growth of agricultural and pastoral farming, the clearing of bush and the opening up of settlement. The last, "The Close of New Zealand's First Century", portrays the achievements of 100 years of settlement. These murals are of a permanent nature, and it is the intention of the Government to place them in some public building at the close of the Exhibition.
New Zealand Birds.
The Department of Internal Affairs is indebted to Messrs. G. A. Buddie, C. A. Fleming, P. J. O'Brien, L. E. Richdale, B. Sladden, H. Guthrie-Smith, Edgar F. Stead and A. S. Wilkinson, the Auckland Institute and Museum, and the Canterbury and Dominion Museums for kindly supplying negatives which are used in connection with its exhibit.
The Department is at present under the control of the Hon. P. C. Webb, with Mr. H. E. Moston, C.B.E., as Secretary of Labour.
Labour Department's Exhibit
Factories Act:
Scaffolding and Excavation Act:
Weights and Measures Act:
Footwear Regulation Act:
International Labour Office:
Pamphlets explaining the work of the Department and the provisions of the various Acts administered by the Department are made available.
One hundred years ago New Zealand was a land of virgin bush, tussock and swamp. Except for the small beginnings of the timber and flax export trades and the isolated clearings of Maori and mission agriculture, there was no utilisation of land resources. Today, New Zealand is a country of prosperous farms. There are 4,000,000 acres of land in occupation, and nearly half of this has been brought in from dense forest. New Zealand's production of farm and forest products is now valued at £90,000,000 per annum, and she is the world's leading exporter of dairy produce, frozen lamb and crossbred wool.
The Government Departments which are concerned in the various phases of land development, namely, Lands and Survey, State Forest Service, Agriculture, Scientific and Industrial Research, Public Works (Hydro-electricity and Irrigation) and Internal Affairs (Reserves) have combined in a happy and appropriate series of exhibits depicting this glorious achievement of a century.
One of the main sections of the composite exhibit is the Hall of Progress, which occupies some 5000 square feet. In the centre there is a large model of New Zealand, which shows the present distribution of our primary industries. Around the walls are 3000 square feet of murals, which give a pictorial representation of the history of New Zealand's agriculture from the days, of the first Wakefield settlements. The visitor sees the infuence of the gold rushes of the 'sixties in trebling population and expanding the internal markets. Then follows the first development of the pastoral industry, when merino sheep in their millions gave New Zealand the golden fleece. The 'seventies were years of intense public works development, followed by the slump of the 'eighties, when the price of wool, our only important export commodity, collapsed.
The advent of refrigerated transport in 1882 opened the door to a new prosperity for New Zealand. The successful shipment of frozen meat and dairy produce to the huge United Kingdom market was made possible, and New Zealand s primary industries were shaped to meet this market. There was subdivision of large estates, clearing bush and erection of dairy factories and freezing works. Intensive farming on smaller holdings supplanted the large sheep-runs.
After the Great War, intensification of farming continued. Falling prices for farm produce necessitated greater production, and there was a greater application of science to agriculture. Herd-testing and top-dressing of pastures became standard practices. There was closer subdivision of farms, better conservation of fodder, improved pastures. New Zealand moved to the forefront as a producer of dairy produce. The sheep industry was changing, too. The British housewife required small, high-quality joints, and lamb supplanted mutton in our meat export trade.
We see, too, the establishment of exotic forests and the further development of hydro-electric works to make New Zealand one of the best-served countries in the world in this respect.
The tremendous price recession of 1930-34 had the effect of further stimulating farm production in what was at first a vain effort to balance lower prices. Prices recovered in 1935-36 and, today, New Zealand has the greatest value of primary production recorded in her history.
Below the murals are display spaces for models, machinery, implements and other display material appropriate to the period depicted by the mural above.
The first essential in the colonisation of New Zealand was the establishment of an organisation that would be responsible for the economic and orderly administration of the disposal of the Lands of the Crown.
Each centre of early settlement established a land survey branch, the officers of which undertook the work involved in pioneering and exploring the new land.
The exhibit of the Lands and Survey Department at the Centennial Exhibition attempts to portray the development of the Department from those early beginnings.
On the left-hand wall of the Court is a display of charts and maps showing the early charts of Abel Tasman and Captain James Cook, the discoverers and
As a finale to this chart and map display, is a mural illustrating the proposed early issue of the first authoritative atlas of New Zealand, consisting of historic, territorial, physical and economic maps, a suitable commemoration of 100 years of progress and development in New Zealand.
The visitor is then recommended to turn to the right, and, starting from the right-hand end of the show-case above which is a symbolic mural, inspect the various instruments there displayed. Here an attempt has been made to illustrate the development of angle-measuring instruments used by surveyors in New Zealand over the period of the last 100 years.
Pausing and turning in the direction from which the inspection of the instruments was started, one sees a modern map of Wellington and its environs painted on the wall, true to scale, and illustrating the built-up areas of the city, the roads and transport routes, while above the passage-way on the curved arch is the crest of the Lands and Survey Department.
From the instrument show-case, the visitor is then advised to follow, from right to left, the display of linear measuring chains, tapes and bands used in New Zealand during the past century. Hoary with age, these old methods of measuring distance read as a romance in development from the heavy link chains to the neat 1-16in. continuous steel wire now used for measuring distances.
Above this case is the first half of a photographic mural, which is one of the highlights of the exhibit, for into its tangle of photographs is woven a story of development from the astronomical star, denoting latitude and longitude, through the trig, signal, peg and surveyor, to the draughtsman who prepares the plan of the survey, on to the administration of the sale of land with its ballots, ledgers, receipts and warrants, finishing with a globe symbolic of the mapping operations of the department.
This development is illustrated on the two small partitions where are seen the field book, the traverse sheet and the survey plan, the records of work of the surveyor, and, on the reverse side of the same partition, the record maps and lithographs prepared for the survey records, finishing with the final published small-scale territorial maps on the partition at the end of the linear measurement case.
Walking round this partition the visitor observes a further section of the photographic mural telling the story of development of the topographical map used so extensively in military operations, finishing with the hands of a man noting instructions on correspondence, typifying the executive and administrative control of the Department.
Below this mural is set out the various draughting equipment and small field instruments used for the preparation of maps and plans and the production of topographical maps in the field.
Here is displayed a modern development in the use of photography for the production of topographical maps in the stereoscope and projector which portray in miniature the land as seen from above. Here the visitor is recommended to pause a moment and view these photographs through the two instruments displayed.
Adjoining the mural is a photographic display of the administrators of the department entitled "A Century of Land Administration," adjoining which are photo-graphs of some of the reserves and national parks administered by the Department.
The Department's activities do not end here, for almost opposite are two models which tell the story of the land development operations carried out by the Department, one illustrating the development of the Rangitaiki Plains from its rough swampy state to its present productivity, and the other presenting in miniature form a typical small farm with its subdivisions, buildings and amenities.
No history of New Zealand would be complete without some record of the progress of land development with which forestry must inevitably be associated. For that reason the portrayal of forestry is interwoven with a composite display illustrating the gradual development and progress of land settlement since colonisation began.
A photographic reproduction of an Ordinance issued by the Colonial Secretary in 1841 regarding the conservation of kauri (referred to as koudi) for the British Navy appears in the initial stage of the historic mural which surrounds the Hall of Progress. Thus did forestry in New Zealand receive its initial statutory recognition.
The difficulties of the pioneer in breaking-in virgin land and building homes and necessary farm buildings may readily be appreciated when it is realised that sawn-timber supplies, even if available, could not be transported to the farm. It was, therefore, necessary to utilise more convenient and cheaper means of securing sawn timber, and, as suitable trees were usually on the site, the pit-saw, an example of which is exhibited, was the first method used for the purpose.
Forests were destroyed to prepare land for farming, and the early pastoralists cleared still greater areas for grazing purposes. Consequently, the forest area was rapidly reduced from about 30,000,000 acres in 1840 to approximately 20,000,000 in 1890.
Forests were regarded as of little or no value—indeed, usually as an encumbrance to be got rid of as speedily as possible—and the use of the fire-stick was general in many places.
With an abundance of good timber, early milling tendencies were to use only the best trees and the best portion of the log, but as supplies became scarcer, more efficient logging and milling were practised.
A sawmill typical of those used in 1890 and still in use in many parts, is illustrated by a life-like diorama.
The first private tree-planting on any scale commenced in Canterbury about 1890, and about 10 years later the State afforestation began at Hanmer Springs, and was continued subsequently at Balmoral and Eyrewell. A new plantation is now being established near Rangiora.
All these are illustrated by a scale model of Canterbury Province, associated with which is a three-minute film depicting the whole gamut of forestry from seed to sawmill.
Another interesting model shows the most modern sawmill and creosoting plant in the Dominion, now being erected at Rotorua; it is in vivid contrast to the pit-saw plant of 1840, and fittingly concludes the narrative of progress.
In addition to the composite display, a small space is devoted to an exhibit depicting certain aspects of present-day forest policy. Educational work takes a prominent place.
Forest conservation and management depend on the protection of the forests from fire; consequently education on this vital matter is given prominence by a short film showing the ravages of forest fire, while suitable posters warn the public against the misuse of fire.
Forest management to provide supplies of timber in perpetuity, and the multiple use of forests are clearly illustrated and explained by a painted mural, while a photographic mural depicts the exotic forests and their products, and two enlarged photographs show indigenous forest interiors.
Statistical progress of exotic forest establishment and the Proclamation of land for State Forest purposes are shown by graphs.
The Departments of Agriculture and Scientific and Industrial Research have combined to portray the main characteristics of New Zealand's pastoral, agricultural and horticultural industries, which are the main source of our national income. Successive bays are devoted to soils, pastures and crops, animals, and assembly and marketing of products. There is a supplementary series of exhibits illustrating the application of science to agriculture with such examples as biological control of insect pests, plant breeding and selection, and animal breeding.
The exhibit is designed to show the geographical distribution of these various farming enterprises, and how their locations and characteristics have been determined by such factors as climate, soil fertility and topography. New Zealand is endowed with a particularly favourable climate for grass growth, i.e., a temperate climate with a well-distributed and plentiful rainfall, particularly in the western districts. Where topography and soil fertility, either naturally or artificially endowed, permit, there have been established permanent pasture-lands. In districts of high rainfall and on easy country, dairy-farming for the production of butter and cheese has become the staple farming pursuit. On the hill-country pastures, sheep-farming predominates, though on the flat, rolling country, particularly in the medium rainfall districts, fat-lamb production is also a highly-important industry. Only in the drier districts, mainly on the east coast of the South Island, where there is a relatively short growing season for pastures, is cropping of considerable importance. Good pastures, once established, are a very cheap and efficient form of stock food, and farmers are reluctant to break such land with the plough. Only in the provinces of Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland do we find grain-growing and forage-cropping to-be a leading feature of the farm programme. Elsewhere, crops are grown only where some supplement is required for pasture, which is highly seasonal in growth. The general practice in grassland farming is to conserve surplus spring and summer pasture as silage or hay for feeding out in the periods of deficient growth, such as mid-winter. Where grass derivatives are not sufficient for this purpose, special crops, such as lucerne, oats and turnips, are grown as supplements. By this means and by seasonal production (spring calving and lambing is the invariable practice in New Zealand), it has been possible for live-stock farmers to rely almost exclusively on home-grown fodder, especially pasture.
The importance of milk production in our farm economy is featured. There are nearly 2,000,000 dairy cows in New Zealand, producing annually some 250,000 tons of butter and cheese. The by-products of dairy manufacture (separated
The export marketing each year of £60,000,000 worth of wool, meat and dairy produce constitutes a tremendous programme which New Zealand accomplishes very successfully. The marketing exhibit shows how the produce is assembled, graded and transported to its markets with full guarantees of quality. The wonderful work of the Marketing Boards and the Primary Products Marketing Department in arranging dispatch of produce, securing favourable freight and insurance rates, is also depicted, as is the very valuable promotional advertising that these bodies have carried out in Great Britain to establish further consumer preference for our products.
One of the finest of the Group's exhibits is the large-scale model of Canterbury which is being used to portray various features of land utilisation in New Zealand and the way in which the State has assisted land development. By means of a sound-film projected on to the back wall, and synchronised spotlights directed on to specific localities on the model, the story of Canterbury's development from the pioneer days is told.
The first settlers found Canterbury covered, for the main part, by tussock grasslands. The dry climate did not favour the typical New Zealand rain-forest, which was found only in isolated districts such as Banks Peninsula and on some of the foothills. Timber-milling was not an important pioneer industry as it was in the North Island. However, the native pastures provided excellent sheep pasturage, and flocks increased rapidly. The plains were easily cultivated, and so farming progressed rapidly. The discovery of gold in the South, with its accompanying influx of population, stimulated wheat-growing, an industry in which Canterbury still holds predominance.
Refrigeration changed the character of Canterbury's farming and "Canterbury Lamb" became famous on the British meat markets. The large estates were subdivided for closer settlement, and farming came to centre around fat-lamb and wheat production. Wheat and other cash crops such as peas and potatoes are now grown in the crop rotation along with fodder crops such as oats, turnips and rape, which are used to supplement pasture, the main source of sheep-keep for fat-lamb production. Not only does fat-lamb production provide direct cash income, but also it assists in maintaining soil fertility, which tends to fall with continuous cash-cropping.
One of the limiting factors of farm production in Canterbury is the relatively low rainfall which in certain years assumes drought proportions. The high snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps and the numerous rivers flowing eastward provide a store of water which is now being utilised for irrigation. Already small-scale schemes have shown what irrigation can achieve, for in some instances production has been increased three and four-fold.
The water supplies have been utilised by the State in another way. The tremendous power of the snow-fed rivers, with sources at high altitudes, has been harnessed at two hydro-electricity generating stations, one at Lake Coleridge, the other on the Waitaki River. Canterbury, in common with the rest of New Zealand, is very well provided with electric power for farm, factory and domestic uses.
Except at Hanmer there has been no extensive exotic afforestation, but over the Province there has been considerable tree planting for beautification purposes, river protection, farm shelter, and farm-timber supplies. The countryside is now very reminiscent of England—the homeland of so many of the pioneer settlers—and the provision of beautiful Hagley Park in the heart of Christchurch is a tribute to the foresight of this first generation of New Zealand. Canterbury has other scenic beauties too. There are several fine forest reserves, and there are the incomparable Southern Alps which provide the finest mountain play-ground in the Southern Hemisphere. In productivity and scenic beauty Canterbury typifies all that our pioneers strove to achieve.
The function of the Hydro-Electric Branch of the Public Works Department is to develop the water-power resources of the country, and the exhibit is designed to illustrate these activities.
The main feature of the exhibit is a model of the Arapuni Power Development. Push buttons are provided near the model to enable the onlooker, should he so desire, to hear a recorded lecturette explaining the model, while the regions being described are automatically lighted and certain of the parts automatically moved to illustrate the manner in which they work.
The conversion of water-power to mechanical energy is symbolised by a large rotating, aluminium turbine runner, the path of the water into the runner being symbolised by a mural painting of swirling waters. In addition there is exhibited a full-size replica of one of the Pelton wheels in use at Mangahao Power Station.
One result of unified control in the development of hydro-electric power has been the standardisation of voltage and frequency throughout New Zealand, so that an electrical appliance bought anywhere in New Zealand may be used anywhere else in New Zealand. This is illustrated by a large electric clock driven from the ordinary supply mains. In the background, through the glass clock, may be seen the master clock, which is normally situated at the power station, and by which the frequency of the supply is controlled. All synchronous clocks, no matter where they are situated, show the same time as the master clock, in proof of which the observer may see the I sweep second hands on the large clock and on the master clock pass the 12 o'clock mark at the same instant in smooth, continous motion.
A panoramic photomural shows an extensive view of the Waitaki power development, and below this a series of transparencies of the construction of one of the dams on the Mangahao River show the stages by which the rivers are conquered so that their energies can be turned to use in the service of man.
The conquest of distance by the transmission of power is depicted among the murals in the exhibit.
The Department exhibits power-driven industrial machinery provided with a selected variety of the best-known devices for safeguarding accidents to operators, including fixed guards, push-away guards, interlocking guards, instantaneous stop devices and double- hand-control, also machines with guards incorporated into their design. Power is provided to enable the functions of the various guards to be demonstrated under working conditions.
Boilers, including a large model of a high-pressure water-tube boiler, pressure-vessels of various types, and models of cranes and components of lifting appliances, all illustrating good design and other safety features, are exhibited.
In addition to these mechanical safety measures, suitable safety equipment for wearing on the person is shown, such as goggles, safety gloves, safety overalls, etc.
A comprehensive display of attractive safety posters suitable for a works safety organisation is made.
Some interesting exhibits of failures of engineering materials have been collected for the display.
The Department also exhibits some of the appliances adopted for promoting safety of life at sea on merchant ships. A model bridge is installed and fitted with aids to navigation such as compasses, navigation lights, echo-sounder, direction-finder, range-finder, etc. Various items of life-saving equipment, including a model lifeboat, fire-fighting and extinguishing equipment and other safety features are shown. Safety in the design of fishing vessels is featured by a full-size diesel engine, complete with shafting and propel lor working in water. The engine-room is entered from the model bridge. There is a working model of a ship's cargo gear.
In addition to these, there are shown in operation certain types of lights exhibited in lighthouses on the coast, and a radio beacon and radio-telephone, as installed at certain of the lighthouse stations.
The Fisheries Section of the Department's exhibit shows the principal kinds of commercially-utilised fish found in New Zealand waters, together with fish of sporting interest, and the acclimatised game-fish which now comprise the more valuable part of our fresh-water fishery assets and have much enhanced the attractiveness of New Zealand rivers and lakes for both resident and visiting anglers. The species are exemplified by models in life colours, by mounted specimens, and by actual fish exhibited in a refrigerated showcase.
Shellfish of actual or potential commercial importance are also exhibited. By means of models and illustrations the principal fishing methods and gear employed for taking fish for supplying the markets are illustrated, together with the primitive but exceedingly-ingenious fishing implements formerly used by the Maoris.
The nature and productivity of the marine fisheries of New Zealand are indicated by various graphic representations.
The native fresh-water fish which, with the exception of two species of eels, are of comparatively small size, are exhibited in the living state in aquarium tanks, which are also used to show juvenile specimens of acclimatised species of salmon, trout and other introduced fish.
Associated with the acquarium is a working example of the equipment used in hatcheries for the artificial incubation and rearing of salmon and trout.
The facade of the Mines Department section presents two tall towers significant of the head-gears of a pair of mine shafts, the similitude being heightened by the small cages, carrying figures of miners, which travel up and down in one of them. The interior of the Court has been laid out to afford as free access as possible to visitors, and many centres of attraction present themselves.
The Department's section, naturally, features most prominently the minerals and mining operations of the Dominion. As far as is possible the different classes of ores or minerals have been grouped to show most effectively their variety and value. There is, for instance, a coal group showing representative samples of the lignites— brown and bituminous coals won from New Zealand coal-fields—to which has also been added samples of certain by-products from them, such as coke, briquettes, car-bonettes and derivative oils. .Another group shows the limestones and marls used for agricultural and cement-making purposes, while still another contains sands, clays and earths employed or available in the Dominion for glass manufacture, building-brick, fire-brick, pottery and tile-making, clarifying liquids, and many other purposes. The building-stones of the Dominion are also well represented, and in this connection attention can scarcely fail to be focussed on two displays of dressed and polished New Zealand marbles, diorites, granites, etc., specially designed and executed by Messrs. Fletcher Construction Company Ltd. A further exhibit calling for note is that showing samples of New Zealand petroleum and a number of by-products recovered from it, by New Zealand Refineries Ltd., New Plymouth, while a large miscellaneous group serves to show how wide a variety of other ores and minerals the Dominion produces.
Apart from the minerals, many other exhibits lend life and attractiveness to the section. One that cannot fail to draw the attention of all visitors is a large model depicting, on sheets of glass, the underground workings on the numerous levels of the Martha and Grand Junction Mines, Waihi. These mines have yielded gold and silver to the value of upwards of £22,250,000. They contain numerous reefs, on which it has been estimated nearly 100 miles of development work has been carried out. The positions of the many reefs at the different levels are shown, as well as their widths.
Thus the model should be most interesting to all visitors engaged in mining operations, and everything is so clearly shown that even those unfamiliar with mining should form from it a good idea of what a large mine is like underground.
The New Zealand Geological Survey is represented by large geological maps of the North and South Islands respectively, and a low-relief map of the thermal region of Rotorua, while two large mural paintings in full colour, a group of animated dioramas, as well as many striking photographs, serve to illustrate varying features of mining activity in the Dominion in gold and coal-mining, dredging, sluicing, drilling for oil, etc. A number of interesting models of mine head-gears and mine timbering are also shown, and a fine display of explosives used in modern mining practice. This latter exhibit has been prepared by Messrs. Nobel Proprietary Ltd.
The principal feature of the National Broadcasting Service exhibit is the group of studios used for broadcasting programmes from the Exhibition. These studios are acoustically treated on the most modern lines and, of course, are of sound-proof construction, using double walls and ceilings to exclude noise and to prevent the transmission of sounds from one studio to another. Specially designed doors with "floating" panels and close-fitting padded jambs prevent noise from entering by this path.
Large sound-proof observation windows give the public clear views of action in the studios, and of the supervision and control of the broadcast by the technician in the control-room.
The equipment provided in the control-room is of the most modern type, and includes all the necessary facilities for signalling, "mixing", and controlling programmes. Altogether, these studios constitute a small, but complete, broadcasting centre.
Other features of the exhibit are the displays of technical equipment used in broadcasting engineering. Of these, perhaps the most interesting is the recording apparatus. At specified times, demonstrations of the recording of programme matter are given with this equipment, and thus visitors may see in actual operation a machine which plays a very important part in present-day broadcasting.
Cathode-ray oscillograph tubes giving a variety of instructive displays, form another interesting feature of the display section of the stand, as do exhibits of a number of types of transmitting tubes, small and large.
Other demonstrations of technical equipment, which cover the whole range of activities in broadcasting engineering, are given from time to time.
Interesting aspects of the Naval Service are shown in the exhibit of the New Zealand Naval Forces.
To-day wireless plays a vitally-important part in the defence of the British Empire, including our own country; the power and utility of modern wireless is fittingly displayed in a wireless-controlled ship which may be operated by the visitor.
The first "Leander" to be built was a sailing ship, and a section of that ship is shown. The present "Leander" is a modern cruiser of 7140 tons and now flagship of the New Zealand Naval Forces.
The principles of the action of torpedoes are shown in an 18in. torpedo, ex H.M.S. New Zealand, which has been sectioned.
Two special items are the Maori piu piu and tiki presented by a Maori chief to Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey in 1913 and worn by him when in command of H.M.S. New Zealand in action during the Great War. A full account of this interesting item will be found in the exhibit.
Great interest also attaches to the uniform of the late Admiral Sir
Large models of H.M.S. New Zealand, H.M.S.
The warships of which paintings are shown on the walls have all visited New Zealand.
The Post and Telegraph Department has two Courts—one a working Post Office, including money-order and savings-bank, telegraph and telephone. Souvenir home savings-bank boxes, bearing the Centennial emblem, have been specially manufactured and enclosed in neat little cartons with address labels ready for posting. These boxes are on sale at that office. Attached to this Court is a Post and Telegraph philatelic bureau and stamp exhibition, which includes displays of stamps from overseas as well as issues of New Zealand and its dependencies. Dies, plates and rollers used in the preparation and printing of stamps are also exhibited.
The second Court contains interesting working exhibits included in which are:
A Pageant of Progress.
This exhibit depicts by a cavalcade of events the romantic development of the Department during 100 years, the principal events in each five-year period being shown in colourful models and cut-outs in a panoramic setting on a moving escalator with which is synchronised a sound film with commentary, lighting and changing sky effects.
Air-mail Map.
Mechanical air-mail map showing the Empire, Pan American and South African routes. Grouped in front of the map are three binnacles containing press but- tons. On a member of the public operating the buttons, coloured lights indicate the route taken by the air-mail and the approximate number of days taken to fly to each point.
Cook Strait Communication Services:
This exhibit is in the form of a relief map representing part of the North and South Islands in the area surounding Cook Strait. It is arranged to give some indication of the multiplicity of communication services between the two islands, including telegraph and telephone cables and also communication service with ships and aircraft. Arrangements have been made by means of illuminations to indicate the location of submarine telephone cables, and, as each is illuminated, a corresponding descriptive sign is illuminated to indicate the service given by the particular item represented. This applies also to radio stations and to such special facilities as marine radio beacons, which are employed in conjunction with lighthouses as navigational aids to shipping in Cook Strait. Another service represented is that of messages to and from ships in radio communication with the mainland. As with the radio beacon, arrangements have been made to reproduce representative morse signals to give an accurate idea of the way in which the signals are transmitted and received. In connection with the radio beacons, an interesting feature is the manner in which the several beacon stations around Cook Strait transmit in an orderly sequence. The signals emitted from Baring Head, for instance, are followed immediately by those from Cape Campbell. By this arrangement, the navigator of a vessel making use of the radio bearings is enabled to compare one with another without complicated adjustment of his receiving apparatus, and by means of reception from several stations can, if desired, determine his actual position entirely by radio.
A Radio-Telegraph Transmitter:
This is a full-size item of equipment as used in the Department's radio stations for communication with ships at sea, aircraft in flight, and intercommunication with the Pacific Islands.
The Magic Dial:
The purpose of this exhibit is to show the manner in which ultra-short radio waves can be used for communication purposes. A number of electrical devices are arranged on the stand, and in order to control their operation a telephone dial mounted on a small box is employed. This box is entirely disconnected from the other apparatus and may, if desired, be carried about within the confines of the stand. The box is virtually a low-power, ultra-shortwave radio transmitter, and, by transmitting signals in accordance with the number indicated by the dial, a sequence of operations in a receiving set is-established which, in turn, switches on the particular device it is desired to operate.
A Radio-Telephone Channel in Miniature:
Telephone communication between this country and Australia, with extension to other countries, is maintained by means of shortwave radio stations operating on wavelengths between 20 and 40 metres. In addition to the radio transmitters and receivers themselves, there is a complicated arrangement of exchange apparatus and radio aerial systems employed for this service. Some indication of the nature of the latter is given in this exhibit, which is really a model transmitter and receiver connected to miniature aerial systems such as are employed for communication with Australia. Owing to the limitations of space the apparatus has been made to work at a much shorter wavelength—between 2 and 3 metres. The network of wires and receiving and transmitting aerials is necessary in order to obtain directional transmissions and to realise a minimum of interference with telephone conversations.
Looking at Sound:
In telephony and in radio transmission it is necessary to deal with the electrical counterpart of sound waves in air. Sound waves are used to control electric currents which, when required, are again converted into sound energy. The object of this exhibit is to give visual demonstration of the nature of the electric currents corresponding to sounds of different kinds. A number of buttons are arranged whereby pure musical sounds of different pitches may be produced in a loud-speaker and simultaneously observed on the screen of a cathode-ray oscillograph. It will be observed that sounds of different pitches produce different patterns on the oscillograph, illustrating the high and low electrical frequencies of the various portions of the musical scale. To indicate the nature of the electric currents involved when music or speech is transmitted, an additional button provides for passing speech through the-equipment, reproducing it on the loudspeaker, and simultaneously showing it on the-oscillograph. The complicated nature of the speech waves in comparison with the-pure tones is very marked when observed visually.
Teleprinter Exhibit (Working Exhibit):
Standard tape transmitters and tape printer: This is the standard machine-used by the Department on circuits linking the larger provincial towns with the main centres. It provides for messages being sent in both directions simultaneously at a speed of six letters per second. The messages to be transmitted are first converted into a series of holes on a tape by means of a keyboard perforator—a machine somewhat like a typewriter—and this tape feeds into a transmitter which causes electrical signals to be sent over the line. At the distant end of the line these electrical signals operate a printer, and cause the letter corresponding to each particular series of electrical signals to be printed on a paper tape.Page Printer: This machine, as used in New Zealand, is for special point-to-point services, such as between aerodromes and between meteorological offices and aerodromes for weather reports, etc. The depression of a key causes a certain set of electrical signals to be sent to the distant station where the receiving machine prints the letter corresponding to the key depressed. The received message is printed in page form, special signals causing the page to move onwards one line and to move back to the beginning of a line.
Display of Old-Type Telegraph Apparatus:
This consists of a display of telegraph equipment showing the development in. design from the early days of telegraphy in New Zealand to the present time.
Underground Cable Manhole:
An underground cable manhole with side walls cut away to enable the interior to be seen. Cables, which consist of paper-insulated copper conductors enclosed in a lead sheath, are laid in pipes in the ground, the manhole being the point at which
Mole Plough:
An exhibit of the essential parts of a mole drain-plough in action in the laying of a cable.
The blade of the plough supporting the mole to which is attached the cable being drawn in, is shown in section below ground. The use of the mole drain-plough, which is hauled by a tractor, enables cable to be laid much more cheaply and quickly than by manual methods. It is applicable mainly on country roads.
Telephone Cables:
Short samples of various types of telephone cable.
Line Construction:
Certain statistical comparisons between cable and aerial line communication requirements.
Films:
A number of selected films illustrating certain phases of the Department's activities are shown in the Cinema at intervals.
Historical Display of Telephones:
This exhibit consists of a series of telephone installations showing the improvement in design and appearance of subscribers' telephones from one of the earliest types used in New Zealand to the most modern and efficient types now in use.
The earliest type shown is a Blake Telephone, which was first used in New Zealand in 1877; the latest type is the very efficient handset telephone.
The Small, Private Automatic Exchange:
This exhibit shows the type of equipment supplied for use in large business premises to provide an efficient telephone service for from 20 to approximately 200 telephones. Such an exchange enables a number of telephone extensions to communicate automatically with one another, and to originate and receive calls to and from the public exchange. The installation consists of two units—an attendant's switchboard and an automatic switching unit. The switchboard is for the purpose of extending incoming calls to the required extension. The other unit contains the mechanism to enable the extensions to call one another automatically, or to call any subscriber on the public exchange without the aid of an attendant.
An Inlaid Table.
A table manufactured from 22 New Zealand timbers and made by Mr. J. Williamson who was employed in the Post and Telegraph Workshops for 16 years.
The Public Trust Office exhibit is situated in the south-west corner of the New Zealand Government Court, and adjoins the cinema and the entrance to the Motor and Transportation Pavilion.
The volume of the Office business and the confidence that the growth will be continued are evidenced by the exceedingly well-appointed office buildings erected throughout the Dominion. In keeping with the style of architecture adopted for
The many activities of the Public Trust Office are described at its exhibit, where an officer in attendance will gladly answer any inquiries and furnish full particulars of the functions of the Office. Booklets dealing with the growth of business and explaining the facilities offered to clients and testators are available for the information of visitors.
In the Transport Section of the Government Court some of the Public Works Department's activities are displayed in the form of models.
Several of the largest modern bridges were chosen as subjects to convey to the public the different types of construction now in practice in New Zealand.
The scale of the models is one forty-eighth full size, or one inch to four feet, and they are all constructed to the same scale to enable comparison to be made.
The largest model is that of Mohaka Viaduct on the Napier-Gisborne railway. It is 20 feet in length and eight feet in height, and is constructed mainly of metal' sections riveted and bolted together.
The Karangarua River bridge on the West Coast (South Island) Road near Weheka—a suspension bridge of 420ft. span, with concrete deck and steel-plate girders—is shown in a model 15 feet in length, made with metal towers and girders, wire ropes and steel anchor bolts.
A concrete arch bridge of 180ft. span over the Waiau River on the Napier-Gisborne Railway is shown by a model constructed from laminated wood.
Modern road bridges are represented by models of Manawatu River bridge in Manawatu Gorge; Hutt River bridge at Silverstream, and Clutha River bridge at Balclutha. These models range from 12ft. to 16ft. in length, and laminated wood has been used chiefly in their construction.
An overbridge, typical of those being erected to eliminate level crossings, is represented also. A section of concrete wall at present being constructed on the seafront of the new Plimmerton-Paekakariki Road is also shown in model form.
All these models have been constructed to show the main features of the- structures clearly, but on account of the small scale, it has not been possible to include many of the details. However, the more interesting features both of construction and design are demonstrated, and, also, in order to give an idea of scale parts of the structures, are displayed in actual size.
The drawings and photographs exhibited in this section are typical examples of buildings designed in this branch, and illustrate the progressive and up-to-date nature of the work carried out.
The aim in design has been to adhere as closely as possible to the inviolable canons of traditional architecture, avoiding extreme schools of modernism, yet embodying logical current trends, such as simplicity and functional ism, dictated by new, building materials, methods and conditions.
This basis, combined with considerations of cost consistent with stability, convenience, and the importance of building, is the policy adopted in the designing of all buildings in the office of the Government Architect.
The Railways Court is designed to show the railway system in full operation and to indicate prospective developments. The main feature—a model railway—is emphatically a model, not a toy. It is actually the scaling-down of a real railway—a miniature system which human midgets could use. If the average man is regarded as a Gulliver, the little railway is one suitable for Lilliputians.
The Court, with a length of 182 feet and a width of 36 feet, has space enough for a very impressive, spectacular display. Along the whole of the floor level, with a width of 15 feet, rising to a height of 6 feet, there is a full relief model of a typical area of New Zealand through which the railway runs. Above that realistic landscape is a platform, with a complete range of railway mechanical and electrical exhibits. Curved stairways give easy access to the public at each end of the platform/ from which the railway can be viewed as well as from the floor. As a suitable background to the working and stationary exhibits there is a mural decoration, 135 feet in length and 6 feet in depth, depicting the progress of the country's railways from the beginning to the present year, with impressions of probable developments. This historic mural is flanked by maps of New Zealand, showing the whole system of rail and road services and the lines under construction.
Even a bare outline of details of the model railway shows the elaborate preparations to ensure a memorable demonstration of the various operations. There is a suburban station of the island type, with platform and. verandas, locomotive shed and goods-shed, all electrically lighted; station and goods yards lighted by two floodlight towers; loading bank, two tanks, turntable; viaducts; bridges and overbridges; tunnels; cattle-stops and other incidentals.
The total length of track is 1000 feet, including about 775 feet of main line, of which 500 feet is visible. There are 24 sets of points and crossings. The station-yard points are operated by electric mechanisms, and, together with yard signals, are controlled by a full-sized 23-lever all-electric interlocking machine with an illuminated diagram of the yard in the control box, visible to the public on the exhibit platform.
At junctions of single and double-line tracks, automatic points are operated by approaching trains; a miniature level crossing is fitted with automatic flashing lights. The movements of trains are controlled by automatic light signals, which are spaced around the visible track. There are 19 single-unit and four double-unit colour light signals operated by 35 track circuits. In operation, a signal at "Danger" automatically cuts off the traction feed, thus stopping the train; immediately the signal clears, power is restored, and the train starts. Station-yard signals are controlled by the interlocking machine.
One of the model trains is a complete "Limited" express, consisting of a "K" locomotive, two first-class and three second-class carriages, two "sleepers" and a van with 320 passengers. The other is a complete goods train consisting of vehicles for horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, calves, chilled meat, fruit, coal, motor-cars, luggage and a brake-van. There are also working models of a railcar (New Plymouth type) and a multiple-unit (a coach and trailer).
Rolling-stock, station buildings, passengers, staff and livestock are painted in true detail. There are also model trees, houses, motor-cars, ships, and persons for the landscape setting.
The exhibits on the platform include a representative selection of types of work produced and operated by the various branches of the Railways Department. For instance, there is an operable all-electric interlocking machine; the cab of a "Ka" locomotive; an air-conditioned sleeping cabin; a section of 85 lb. track; an exhibit of castings and forgings, and a large range of other highly-interesting railway features. There will be plenty of movement in this portion of the Railways Court, as well as on the model railway, for the Department is arranging to have demonstrators to set many of the working parts in motion, and the public will be able to go through and inspect the details of most of the exhibits, and even personally operate some of them.
The State Advances Corporation of New Zealand has its office in the northwest corner of the Government Court.
While intended, primarily, as an information bureau, exhibits explanatory of the development, policy and administration of the Corporation have been provided, and these will prove both interesting and instructive to callers. Two rooms are available to visitors; the large general office contains the models, graphs and other exhibits, and a smaller room is used as a private office where members of the Corporation's staff may be consulted by visitors.
Among the exhibits are charts and graphs showing the growth of the Corporation and of its predecessors, the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand and the Advances to Settlers Department. Directly opposite the entrance there is also a large mural which is explanatory of the expansion of the Corporation's business. Further graphs and diagrams provide, in a concise form, a comparison of the aggregate advances, the total repayments and the existing loans administered by the Corporation.
Other items of considerable interest are the models, photos, and plans of houses, the originals of which have been erected under the Corporation's Plan Service Scheme. Each model is true to a scale of iin. to one foot, and shows the house, in miniature form, standing in its own grounds. The photos are of dwellings actually completed in various parts of New Zealand with the assistance of Corporation loans and under the supervision of its Property Staff.
In addition to the dwellings there is a section devoted to rural buildings in which models of a farmhouse and cowshed are displayed. These are typical of the types that the Corporation recommends for use on small farms.
On one wall of the main office there are illustrations of good practice in construction as recommended for use in the erection of an ordinary New Zealand resi dence. Typical defects in construction and the best methods of overcoming these defects are illustrated. It has always been the practice of the Corporation to encourage sound methods of construction and good planning.
Having regard to the close association of the Corporation with the owners of house property and similar assets, it has been considered appropriate that special reference should be made to the ravages of the timber pests common in New Zealand. Although the display which is provided is limited to those insects causing the greatest amount of damage to our wooden buildings, sufficient is shown to indicate the necessity for precautionary measures. Insects in various stages of development, typical examples of the damage they cause, and the necessary precautionary measures are illustrated. It should be the task of every property owner to assist in the extermination of these timber pests, and the Corporation is prepared to assist its mortgagors in this direction.
An informative Brochure dealing with the history, organisation and business activities of the Corporation has been prepared for issue to interested visitors. A pamphlet relating to the Corporation's Special Building Loans is also available.
The Corporation's staff at the Exhibition are available at all times and are pleased to give visitors any information regarding the activities of the Corporation. Inquiries are welcomed.
The Tourist and Publicity Department's Court at the Centennial Exhibition occupies a floor space of approximately 1150 square feet. It features the activities of the Department in New Zealand and overseas, the display being prepared on modernistic lines, both as regards artistry and design. Divided into eight sections, it provides a comprehensive review of the trend of the Dominion's tourist business, past, present and future.
Special attention has been devoted to each of these sections in order that the story of the Department's activities be clearly portrayed, the new display technique employed, which involves the use of a variety of moving exhibits, proving invaluable in this connection.
The centre of the exhibit is devoted to the New Zealand end of the organisation, and also to its work overseas. An ingenious automatic map locates the position of each of the Department's agents throughout the world, their activities being displayed on an adjoining panel, which also marks the location of the main attractions and holiday resorts of the Dominion.
The photographic work of the Department, which includes still photography in its various branches from the scenic whole-plate to enlargements of practically any size, is exhibited in striking fashion in Section No. 1. This section also deals with the film work performed, and sets out photographically in most illuminating fashion the actual making of a "sound" film. A scale model of the Department's film and photographic studios at Miramar is also on view in this section.
A unique means has been adopted in order to display the growth of the tourist business in New Zealand from the year 1901 onward. This takes the form of an animated barometer, lighted in a novel manner. Adjoining this exhibit is a display of an interesting method of advertising New Zealand scenery. This unit, which is mechanically operated, provides a most unusual and beautiful effect, with an impression of drifting clouds, rippling waters, and colourful sunsets.
Another interesting exhibit takes the form of a translucent screen upon which dissolving scenes melt one into the other. Diagrams are used to show the form of advertising carried out overseas, a constantly-changing series of pictures portraying the main features. In this section, also, appear samples of the counter display-units showcards, etc., prepared at the Department's studios.
The popular Chateau in the great Tongariro National Park forms the theme of a display carried out by a beautifully-painted panel. This also carries two suggestions for the hotels of the future which are to be planned to meet an increasing Tourist traffic. One of these buildings has been modelled in third-dimensional style backed by an artistic colour setting.
Specially-designed posters advertising the Department's service to the traveller, and displaying something of the beauty of New Zealand scenery have a prominent place. In addition, a large photographic poster placed in front of the Court
One of the most outstanding exhibits in the Court is a moving display showing a modernistic figure in uniform pointing to a panel on which appears the slogan "The Service We Give." The hands of a clock flying round the dial emphasise the saving of time effected through booking with the Department's Travel Service. Realistically rolling waves, through which a liner makes her way, assist in further animating this attractive display, the whole being finished off in a smart colour scheme. This display may be regarded as typical of similar moving exhibits being sent overseas at the present time.
The principal medium used throughout the entire Court consists of sprayed' lacquer work finished with chromium moulding and glass, the whole space being illuminated by concealed Neon lights providing a soft and attractive colour scheme.
The skilful control of a motor vehicle in fast-moving traffic requires quick reactions, efficient sight and hearing, good judgment and a sense of responsibility.
To test the various psychological and physical factors which, together, make a skilful driver, and to gauge his potential and acquired skill, a number of instruments have been devised, the most important of which are the "Vigilance" machine-and the "Vision" machine included in the Transport Department's exhibit.
The "Vigilance" machine consists of the essential controls of a motor-car. The person being tested sits in the driver's seat of the machine. He has the impression of driving along a road and is required to meet certain emergencies and to keep the car, which tends to wander, on the correct side of the road. Various situations are presented to him, and his reactions are recorded by the machine. At a given signal, he has to apply the brake as quickly as possible, the time taken in the operation being measured in hundredths of a second.
The "Vision" machine measures the various visual factors important in skilful driving. These include colour blindness, keenness of vision, astigmatism, susceptibility to glare, tunnel vision and the time taken to recover from the effects of dazzling lights.
The machines will gauge the skill and driving ability of the person tested and" will indicate to him in what respect his ability is below or above the average. For instance, a driver may discover that his eyes are more than normally susceptible at night time to the after-effects of glare, or that he is less able at night time accurately to estimate relative speeds and distances. By allowing for these differences during night driving, his chances of being involved in a serious accident are Very much lessened. The tests will also throw light on a number of major driving problems and will assist in the formulation of remedial measures.
The principal exhibit of the C.B.S. is the Mobile Broadcasting Station 5ZB. Located near the main Tirangi Road entrance, this station is on the air every day and night of the Exhibition. News and views and general information about the Exhibition and its activities, descriptive commentaries, interviews with visitors, and general programmes are broadcast on a wavelength of 1360 kilocycles. The station is available for inspection by visitors, and its gay appearance—cream with a long scarlet "radio flash"—will undoubtedly attract a good deal of attention.
The station, which is built in an ordinary railway carriage, recently completed a thousand miles' tour through the North Island, broadcasting at Masterton, Hastings, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Whangarei, Napier, Wanganui and Hawera on the way. The tour was a remarkable success and interested crowds visited the unit at every town on the route. It is a complete broadcasting station on wheels, consisting of studio, control-room, sleeping quarters, bathroom and kitchen, the last-named for the accommodation of the staff, which lived on the train throughout its tour. According to the staff, there was much pleasure mixed with business as they travelled in such a luxury caravan. Every visitor should make a point of inspecting and every visitor should make a point of hearing 52B—the Exhibition Studio.
In addition to operating the Mobile Station 5ZB, the Commercial Broadcasting Service has. built a lounge at the Exhibition for the comfort and relaxation of visitors—a very welcome idea which is sure to be appreciated. There is much to be seen at the Exhibition, and the ZB's realise that visitors will be glad of a quiet, comfortable corner in which to rest awhile. The lounge is an ultra-modern, streamlined edifice, situated in the New Zealand Manufacturing Industries Section. The decorative motif is symbolic of Radio, with aerials,. radio waves, and a huge microphone. Inside are comfortable armchairs providing a restful atmosphere, which visitors are bound to enjoy after their tours of inspection. All round the walls are posters illustrating features, station programmes, and photographs of all ZB personalities and artists, which will be of interest to those to whom these folk are just "voices." A handsome radio receiver providing restful music completes the picture.
Maori activities at the Exhibition centre around a carved meeting-house measuring 77ft. by 34ft. The building is designed on traditional lines by an expert in Maori architecture, and is illustrative of the highest form of Maori art and mural decorations. The carvings have been executed by the leading craftsmen of the present day. Each figure depicted in the carving represents a celebrated hero in Maori tradition. The interior walls are adorned with carved panels interspersed with decorative designs composed of reeds and coloured native grasses harmoniously combined to produce that artistic effect which is so characteristic of the Maori.
Stalls are provided adjacent to the meeting house where Maori people representing various tribes display and sell Maori works of art and where the public have an opportunity of viewing and purchasing exhibits of carving and weaving.
These crafts are in progress in the building during the period of the Exhibi-. tion, and visitors are thus afforded a unique opportunity of seeing the Maori at work on his traditional arts.
A feature of Maori representation is a series of entertainments presenting his ancient and modern choral music and dancing, including the ever-popular poi dance and stirring ngeri (dancing) and ha.ka (war dance), the prelude to war in olden days. The public have the opportunity of hearing the most outstanding vocalists of to-day and items are rendered by various Maori choirs from different parts of the Dominion. In addition to these items there are demonstrations of the ancient games and pastimes of the people and the ceremonial appertaining to the welcoming and farewelling of guests.
All performers wear the picturesque Maori costume.
At the Maori Court of the Centennial Exhibition the visitor obtains an insight into the culture, custom and language of the race who occupied these shores before the advent of the European, and in addition are assured of much enjoyable entertainment.
Machinery Section
This exhibit consists of a full-sized diesel-engine-driven power-grader manufactured entirely in New Zealand to drawings and specifications prepared by the Public Works Department, the power unit being a British-made diesel engine of approximately 55 B.H.P.
The unit is raised on the stand, with the wheels free from the floor to enable the traction and power-control mechanism to be operated under throttled engine power throughout the whole period of the Exhibition.
To add to the educational value of the exhibit, a number of selected working drawings from which the machine was manufactured are on exhibition in the appropriately designed stand.
The exhibit is located in the Engineering Court.
In New Zealand, where the foundations of our economy are so firmly planted in the soil, it is imperative that the closest co-operation should exist between agriculture and the State. The units of agricultural and pastoral production are necessarily smaller than those found in the manufacturing industries, and the average farmer has neither the opportunities nor the capital resources of the manufacturer for the economic development of his property. Unlike the factory, the farm is not sheltered from the elements, the cycle of production is longer and subject to greater fluctuations than mechanised processes, and history has shown that prices for foodstuffs and raw materials are subject to wider variations than the returns for manufactured commodities.
One does not imply that the farmer should receive privileged treatment at the hands of the State, but at the same time, if he is to maintain his place in the national economy, the special circumstances of his calling must be taken into account by Governments in different countries. This principle is particularly applicable to New Zealand, which enjoys the highest external trade per capita in the world, and where practically the whole of that trade on the export side is made up of farm products. If either the price or the quantity of our exports decline, there must necessarily be a corresponding reduction in our imports, and an increased burden from overseas debt commitments. A healthy situation in our agricultural activities, therefore, must be reflected through the remainder of our economy.
In New Zealand, the aid to the farmer on the production side comes in on overwhelming measure from the Department of Agriculture, which carries out investigational, instructional and regulatory services in every phase of our primary industries.
The Department is under the control of the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, and the administrative officers are Mr. A. H. Cockayne (Director-General) and Mr . E. J. Fawcett (Assistant Director-General). From this central control the Department branches out into five divisions, the functions or which are as follows:
Live Stock Division (Director: W. C. Barry):—
Control of diseases of animals; inspection of live stock, meat, slaughter-houses
and town-supply dairies; rabbits and noxious weeds inspection; animal husbandry and advice to stock-owners; instruction in poultry-keeping, pig-raising, and wool-growing; operation of live-stock quarantine stations; registration of live-stock brands, slaughter-houses and town-supply dairies.
Animal Research Division (Director: J. F. Filmer):—
Investigation of diseases of animals and animal nutrition; operation of Ruakura Animal Research Station; operation of Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratory.
Dairy Division (Director: W. M. Singleton)—
Instruction in manufacture of butter, cheese, casein, etc.; inspection of dairy factories and factory-supply dairies; dairy-farm instruction; advice regarding formation of co-operative dairy companies, and factory buildings and plant; grading of dairy produce for export; C.O.R. testing of purebred dairy cows; official herd test; supervision of herd-testing associations; investigation in dairy bacteriology and chemistry; registration of dairy factories, etc.
Fields Division (Director: R. B. Tennent):—
Agricultural instruction (advice in grassland management, top-dressing, ensilage-making, farm crops, etc.); direction of experimental areas and co-operative experiments; certification of seed potatoes, seed wheat, grasses and clovers, and other seeds; registration and inspection of fertilisers; hemp grading for export; instruction in milling; grain-grading; fostering of Young Farmers' Clubs; direction of Flock House, Bulls.
Horticulture Division (Director: W. K. Dallas):—
Instruction in fruit-production; horticultural advice; viticulture; direction of experimental orchards; inspection of orchards, vineyards, nurseries, and imported fruit and plants; instruction in bee-keeping; inspection of apiaries; grading of honey for export; instruction in tobacco culture; advice regarding orchard shelter-hedges, etc.; registration of orchards, nurseries and apiaries; operation of Te Kauwhata Horticultural Station.
In April, 1913, a group of enthusiastic people in England formed what was known as the Imperial Air Fleet Committee, and in a letter addressed to the High Commissioner for New Zealand, wrote:—"There is a growing feeling that the time has arrived when some special effort should be made to strengthen the resources of the Empire in aerial craft, in view of the great advances now being made in this direction by foreign powers."
It is interesting to trace the events which led from these early days up to the creation of the Air Department, under the administration and control of which a modern Air Force has been established, commercial aviation has been developed on sound lines, and aero clubs function to the definite advantage of the people. The first unit of the Imperial Air Fleet—a monoplane christened "Britannia"—was offered to, and accepted by, the New Zealand Government, and arrived on September 29, 1913. On the outbreak of war the Britannia was shipped with the Main Body and handed over to the War Office. The same committee subsequently presented to the Dominion another aircraft, the Nottingham, which was handed over to the British authorities for the use of the Royal Flying Corps.
After the war the British Government made a gift to the New Zealand Government of two De Havilland 9's in replacement of the Britannia and Nottingham.
Training of pilots was first undertaken by flying schools at Kohimarama and Sockburn. At these schools nearly 300 New Zealanders received training up to the standard of the Royal Aero Club.
In 1920, the British Government, in order to assist and encourage the formation of Air Forces in the Dominions, offered a free gift of 100 machines to each.
The New Zealand government finally accepted a gift of 33 machines. Not having any place to store them when they arrived, they were loaned to the two flying schools. In 1923, it was decided to form a Reserve of Officers and to give them annual refresher courses.
With the acquisition of Wigram Aerodrome in 1923 definite progress was made, and the formation of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, to be a part of the Permanent Military Forces, with headquarters at Wellington, and the New Zealand Air Force, to be a part of the Territorial Forces, was gazetted on June 14 of that year.
From 1924, the permanent personnel were kept busy, for in addition to training the Territorial Air Force they carried out a great deal of valuable air survey-work on behalf of the Government Departments and local bodies throughout the Dominion. They also co-operated with the Military and Naval Forces in their normal training programme, and, in addition, were galled upon to carry out multifarious duties in connection with Civil Aviation, e.g., courses for ground engineers, testing of pilots, inspection of aerodromes and landing grounds.
From 1928 onwards, the development of the Aero Club movement gave added impetus to all forms of air activity. The clubs, which were formed with the general object of the advancement of aviation, performed most valuable work in training pilots in light aeroplanes.
Air Force pilots rendered valuable services during the Murchison earthquake in June, 1929. Aircraft worked from the beaches, flying in all weathers, carrying urgent medical stores, wireless equipment and officials of the Health and Public Works Departments.
In 1929, the Territorial Air Force was organised as a wing consisting of four squadrons, while R.A.F. titles were adopted as from December of that year.
In January, 1930, the New Zealand Permanent Air Force had its first experience of service operations. An officer and two mechanics, with a De Havilland Moth Seaplane equipped with wireless, proceeded in the H.M.S. Dunedin to Samoa, where it carried out valuable reconnaissance work during the Mau trouble. Air Force and Aero Club pilots rendered wonderful service during the earthquake in Hawke's Bay. Between February 4 and 15, 1931, 22 light aeroplanes flew approximately 45,000 miles.
On February 27, 1934, the New Zealand Permanent Air Force was re-designated the "Royal New Zealand Air Force", and two years later the services.of a senior officer of the R.A.F. were made available to advise the Government on the organisation and development of air defence.
The most historic year in the annals of the Dominion Air Force proved to be 1937. The Air Station at Wigram was re-organised as a Flying Training School, and the training of pilots for both R.N.Z.A.F. and R.A.F. was commenced, and the base at Hobsonville was allotted the task of training the ground personnel. Of greatest importance was the passing, during 1937, of two Acts of Parliament, the one setting up an Air Department to deal with all air matters, and the other constituting the R.N.Z.A.F., administered by its own Air Board instead of by the Army Board as in the past.
Since 1937 the R.N.Z.A.F. has extended rapidly in personnel, equipment and stations.
Under the control of the Civil Aviation Section of the Air Department, commercial aviation has made equally rapid progress. Airlines now function throughout the Dominion to regular time-tables, and have built up an excellent record of safety, punctuality and confidence.
Under the same control, aero clubs throughout New Zealand have advanced on parallel lines of efficiency and service, not only to the members, but to the nation and Empire, in givinq initial instruction to ever-increasing numbers of candidates for the R.N.Z.A.F. and R.A.F.
All branches of aviation are subject to the control and examination of the Air Department which, by a regular exchange with the Air Ministry of officers (both Air Forces and Civil), keeps the standard of air activity to the highest degree of efficiency.
The peace establishment of the Territorial Force provides for the training of 16,000 men. It is definitely not a case of "Every young man should be in the Territorial Force"—it is rather a case of "None but the best are wanted in the Territorial Force"
Quality, not quantity, is the aim of the Force. A volunteer Army is dependent on the spirit of service, not only in the fit, keen men who join up, but in the community-backing which they must have.
Given a national appreciation of its importance, every unit will soon have a waiting list.
Interesting Training.
Territorial training consists of weekend camps, annual camps, out-of-camp training, and courses of instruction. Annual camps and courses are normally of six days; most units do four weekend camps, and, in addition, a number of evening parades.
Weekend Camps:
These are held during the summer months in selected out-of-town localities. Free transport and rations are provided, and interesting work in the field is carried out.
Camp:
Camp is the climax of the Territorials' year, and it is here that keenness and enthusiasm becomes so apparent. Those who have experienced it are all unanimous that nothing equals a Territorial Camp. Who can resist the thrill when the troops come surging down the road, or flash their messages across the skies, or build bridges, or bring the guns into action? Then sports, dances, concerts, good food and plenty of it, and pay for rank and for keeping fit.
Interesting outdoor work, good food and plenty of it, sports, entertainment and, best of all, good companionship.
Our-of-Camp Training:
This consists of attendance for the annual musketry course—always looked forward to by all ranks.
Evening parades, which are entirely voluntary, are held during the year. Many units provide supper after voluntary evening parade:, and have arranged recreational facilities, and provision for games and physical training, and other social amenities such as dances and concerts.
Courses of Instruction:
During each year, over 80 different six-day courses are held at the Army and District Schools for all Territorials, from the newly-joined recruit, who has never fired a rifle, to the Colonel, who, in war, will be responsible for the lives and welfare of 600 fellow-citizens. There is a particular course for every phase of service and of specialist training. Officers and N.C.O.'s of the Engineers, Signals, A.S.C. and Medical Corps hold their annual courses at the Army School. Among other subjects there are courses on light and heavy machine-gun, mortar, anti-gas, tactics, drill and duties, signalling, first-aid, physical training.
Uniforms.
All Non-commissioned Officers and men of the Territorial Force are issued with a smart uniform for walking out, full-dress occasions and service dress, including pair of boots, renewable every three years, and a greatcoat.
Working kit, in the shape of khaki denims, is provided for camps, etc., and khaki shorts are issued wherever they represent the most comfortable form of dress.
Motor-transport drivers have a special working uniform of khaki overalls and the fore-and-aft cap. Motor-cyclists, in addition to the above, are provided free with leather knee-boots, gauntlet gloves and a beret, either black or khaki.
Medals and Badges.
After 12 years' efficient service, a Territorial is eligible for the award of an Efficiency Medal.
Attractive badges are also awarded for proficiency and skill at arms, including markmanship, both with rifle and machine-gun, signalling, range-taking, gun-laying.
Pay and Allowances.
No true volunteer joins the Army because of the money he will get out of it, but, on the other hand, no volunteer Territorial should be out of pocket by undertaking this public duty.
Twelve shillings a day for annual camp and for courses of instruction! The amount is made up of 7/- pay and 5/- camp allowance. That makes the New Zealand trooper, gunner, private, etc , the highest-paid volunteer in the world!
Everyone gets 5/- per day camp allowance for camps and courses, plus pay for the days travelling to and from camp.
"Regimental Funds" to the value of 8/- per soldier, are paid to the unit for social and other expenses.
Fares to and from all parades (over a reasonable walking distance) are also paid to all territorials!
The financial conditions are excellent.
Education in New Zealand.
If you have not been inside a New Zealand school during the past 25 years you may feel some reluctance to enter the Education Court. Schools, as you remember them, perhaps, were given up mostly to chalk and talk, to pencil and paper, to the drilling of the three R's, and you may wonder what they could offer for exhibition beyond the blotted copy-books of your memories. Should this be your state of mind, you are due for a pleasant surprise when you visit the Education Court sheltering beneath its great revolving globe. 'Surrounded by an amazing display of works of art, of children's crafts in metal and wood and fabrics, of delicate examples of engineering skill, of photographs and models of bright school buildings and grounds like well-kept parks, you may well wonder what it all has to do with education as you knew it.
The schools have certainly moved far since some of us sat on those long, wooden benches, and, looking around you in the Education Court, you cannot doubt that the change has been for the good. The three R's are taught as well as ever, but it has been realised that education is concerned with the whole child—with his body as well as his brain, his emotions as well as his intellect, his leisure as well as his livelihood. The things you see around you are not just the "frills" of education.
You will see colour and joy and imagination in the exhibits, but you will also see skill and hard work and self-disciipline. If you can look at this Court with an understanding eye you will know what modern education is really aiming at.
In the past 50 years the school system has changed not only in the kind of education it offers, but also in its extent. Fifty years ago education beyond the primary school was considered a luxury meant only for the gifted or the wealthy few. To-day every child up to the age of 19 years has a right to a free education of the kind for which his interests and abilities best fit him, and no less than 65 per cent, of our children go on to some type of full-time post-primary education. (Interesting diagrams showing the growth of free post-primary schooling are exhibited.) In the Court little attempt has been made to separate the work of secondary and of technical schools, for the two types of school have much in common, and both are in the fullest sense schools of the people, where differences of wealth and rank count for nothing.
The Education Department is the Government authority responsible for the education system, but, although this exhibit is in the Government Court, the Department would not pretend in any sense to claim full credit for it. The school system-can be carried on only because thousands of interested persons, unpaid as well as paid, do the work of education throughout the whole country. The real point at which education goes on is in the relation between teacher and children, and the whole mechanism of administration exists to make this relationship as full and fruitful as it can be. The Education Department controls directly only the native schools, the Correspondence School and cei rain special schools. For the rest, it works through nine Education Boards and 45 Post-primary Boards of Governors or Boards of Managers. Every primary school, again, has its own committee, elected by householders, who know the special needs of the area. It is the Department's business to see that a high standard of education is maintained throughout the system as a whole. Through its handling of Government grants for schools, its inspectors, its grading of teachers and control of the syllabus, it ensures that every child, rich or poor, in town or country, is given, as far as possible, the same opportunity of developing all his faculties in the way that suits him best. How well all these interlocking authorities and their thousands of servants have done their job you will be able to judge from this Exhibition.
In addition to the 88,999 Moon's of the mainland, New Zealand is responsible for the government of 77,880 Polynesians scattered through 28 islands of the South Pacific.
Our island territories are divided into three groups:—
The Mandated Territory of Western Samoa (formerly German Samoa) is administered pursuant to a mandate conferred upon His Britannic Majesty, to be exercised on his behalf by the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand and confirmed by the Council of the League of Nations on December 17, 1920. An Administrator is appointed from New Zealand.
An important activity in Samoa is the New Zealand Reparation Estates. These estates, which formerly belonged either to German companies or to German nationals, were vested in His Majesty, in right of the Government of New Zealand in accordance with the powers contained in "The Treaty of Versailles" They are an asset of the New Zealand Government as distinct from the Administration of Western-Samoa, and the General Manager is responsible to the Minister of External Affairs.
The Cook Islands were formally annexed to the British Empire and made part of the Dominion of New Zealand in 1900. The administration is vested in a Resident Commissioner, appointed by the New Zealand Government. The island of Niue, although geographically within the Cook Islands, was created a separate administration in 1903.
The Tokelau Islands came under the Jurisdiction of New Zealand in 1926, and are now administered by Samoa for the New Zealand Government, acting on behalf of the Colonial Office; there are no European officials resident in the group.
The Administrator of Western Samoa and the Resident Commissioners, Rarotonga and Niue, are charged with the administration of the executive government of their respective territories, subject to the control of the Minister of External Affairs or the Minister for the Cook Islands, as the case may be. The necessary liaison between the Minister and the various Administrations is the responsibility of the Department of External Affairs and Cook Islands in Wellington. Other functions of this Department are the management of the N.Z.G.M.V. "Maui Pomare," which provides a four-weekly service between New Zealand, Western Samoa and Niue Island, and the control of the orange and banana exports from Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue Island.
Full information regarding the tourist attractions and trade and commerce of New Zealand's island territories can be obtained from the Department of External Affairs and Cook Islands.
The Department was established, on a very modest scale, at Auckland in 1864, State printing requirements being handled by a staff of 10, the present staff numbering over 600. On the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington in 1865, the staff and equipment were transferred also, and established on the site now occupied by the Avon Hotel in Lambton Quay, opposite the present premises. Shortly afterwards, the supply of stationery to Government Departments was undertaken by the steadily-growing organisation. As the colony developed and the functions of government expanded, so the Department increased in size, and the extent of its operations widened. In 1885 further accommodation was provided by the erection
Work of This Department
State printing requirements of all descriptions are dealt with by this Department, which, through the Stationery Branch, also supplies to other Departments all their stationery requirements.
With the years and the growth of the Dominion, old-established State activities have increased their operations, and new Departments have been set up. As a natural result, the work handled by this Department has steadily increased in volume, and, with the rapid progress of printing invention, in variety of machinery and processes. The Government Printing and Stationery Department is now capable of handling all the classes of work required by Government Departments. In a short account of this nature, it is not possible to describe in detail the different operations, but a brief review of the various types of work executed may be of interest.
These are: First in importance, the requirements of Parliament, such as Hansard, Order Papers, Bills, Reports and Statutes, which are executed during the session of Parliament; then the New Zealand Gazette, published weekly, the official channel for proclamations, Statutory Regulations and other official announcements, followed by Telephone Directories, Education Gazette, School Journals, Awards of the Arbitration Court, Lands and Survey Department Maps, Government Publicity Folders, Pamphlets and Posters,' Trade and Shipping Reports and other statistical publications. The foregoing list is by no means exhaustive, and does not take into account the printing of multitudinous forms for the Departments. It indicates, however, that the products of this Department are read or used by practically everyone in the Dominion.
"Health is one of the greatest blessings which any individual can enjoy. There was a time when questions affecting the health and physical comfort of the people were received in the legislative halls with covert sneers and careless indifference, but that time has happily passed away. Public health ... is becoming more and more the pressing question of the day."
The Colonial Secretary, the Hon. William Gisborne, spoke these words when, in 1872, he introduced the Bill setting forth the first Public Health Act of New Zealand. Since that time the public health organisation of the country has steadily widened in scope as increasing scientific knowledge has indicated methods whereby life could be lengthened and made happier and more effective.
The Health Department to-day concerns itself with all aspects of preventive and curative medicine. At headquarters the Department is organised into several divisions, namely: Public Hygiene, School Hygiene, Dental Hygiene, Hospitals, Nursing and Maternal Welfare. For the purposes of local administration the Dominion is divided into health districts, each under the charge of a Medical Officer of Health with a field staff of medical officers, inspectors and nurses.
Through these combined forces the health of the people is safeguarded. Supervision is exercised over water and food supplies, sanitary conditions, and infectious diseases. Positive health teaching is given on important matters, such as correct diet. The welfare of the mother and child receives prominence in the Department's work. By regular medical inspection of school children, by dental care and education, by the distribution of free milk, by the establishment of health camps, and by numerous other activities there is being exerted a beneficial influence on the physical and mental vitality of the young.
The Department pays special attention to the well-being and health of the Maori race, and for this purpose employs a large staff of district nurses in Maori districts.
In addition to the foregoing, the Department administers legislation relative to the training, registration and control of various professional groups, including medical practitioners, dentists, nurses and midwives, masseurs and opticians. It also interests itself in and renders assistance to many activities allied to its own, such as medical research.
Through its Hospitals Division, the Department exercises an oversight of the public hospitals of the Dominion and of the administration of Hospital Boards.
Thus it will be seen that the Department is constantly furnishing the public with scientific knowledge on a host of subjects bearing on individual and communal health. The Department's display in the Government Court is designed to interest, educate and stimulate to further study those who find a key to happiness and prosperity in the promotion of health and disease-prevention.
Towards the end of 1936 the Department of Housing Construction was fdrmed. Early in 1937 tenders were let and construction began on 385 houses at Miramar and Lower Hutt, Wellfngton. By September, 1939, construction had started in 110 towns, and 5000 houses had been completed, with an additional 2500 in course of erection.
The detached house set in its own grounds is generally the ideal type of accommodation for New Zealand conditions. For those whose needs are small and purses light, semi-detached houses of various types were evolved.
In laying out each housing scheme definite systems of grouping are adopted. Dwellings are symmetrically set back, staggered, or grouped about some central feature. On hilly sites they are arranged to conform to the natural contours of the land. Dwellings are planned so that the most is made of any view, and are placed to expose the site to the sun as much as possible. Living-rooms are given the choice aspect, the maximum sun and view. Great care is exercised to ensure that porches are sheltered from prevailing winds.
The average area of single-house units is approximately 1050 square feet. In-each group of houses 15 per cent, have four bedrooms, 40 per cent, three bedrooms, 35 per cent, two bedrooms, and 10 per cent, one bedroom. As a rule, the kitchen is not regarded as an eating-place, but as a workroom, and is fully equipped with cupboards, bins, drawers, safe, drying cupboard, terrazzo sink-top and electric or gas range. An electric or a gas hot-water service is installed. A wireless aerial is provided in the roof space. As a rule, houses are constructed with timber framing; 50 per cent, of houses are finished externally with brick veneer, 30 per cent, with weatherboards, and 20 per cent, with plaster on metal lath. Concrete construction is used
To many people the multi-unit type of dwelling affords more freedom for the pursuit of their particular interests. To meet this need the Department is erecting 50 flats at Berhampore, Wellington. Other schemes for various localities are under consideration. The site at Berhampore is close to playing fields and fine sea beaches. The centre of the development is to be laid out in lawns and gardens. The smallest flats have a living-room with bed-recess, and a kitchen and a bathroom. The largest flats have a living-room, three bedrooms and a kitchen and a bathroom. Ample laundry facilities are provided. A recreation hall has been designed to serve as a social centre for the tenants.
Large-scale operations have made it possible to carry standardisation of house parts to greater lengths than has been customary in New Zealand. Chimneys, fireplaces, windows, doors, kitchen fittings, hardware, fences and gates, etc., are of standardised types and patterns. In most districts the sections have been planted with trees and hedges, which, in later years, will add materially to the amenities of the developments.
The title of the Department indicates the extent of its many activities. Established under the provisions of the Board of Trade Amendment Act, 1923, the Department's principal function in its earlier years was the administration of the Board of Trade Act, 1919, which is described as an Act to make better provision for the maintenance and control of the Industries, Trade and Commerce of New Zealand. Since that time the work of the Department has expanded greatly, and this expansion may generally be measured along with the process of industrialisation and development which has become increasingly manifest to those acquainted with recent history in New Zealand.
In general, the activities of factories, the establishing of new industries, the care and welfare of industries already established all come within the scope of this Department. The fixing of prices and the prevention of profiteering are features of the work undertaken. Of such and similar functions much could be written, although it is not proposed to deal with these in detail, but rather to refer to certain of the major activities.
The Bureau of Industry established under the Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936, was set up to develop industrial structure on the most efficient lines. Under the Act, the Bureau is the authority for the issue of licences for these industries which have been brought within the licensing provisions of the Act. There are nearly 30 such industries, including the soap, footwear, radio, bakery, cement, fishing, pharmacy and petrol-reselling industries. In addition to the licensing of industries, Industrial Plans are prepared for the more efficient organisation of industries on self-governing lines. An industrial plan may be described as a series of codes of conduct and organisation, and, after being accepted by those in an industry, it is embodied in regulations which an industrial committee administers. An industrial committee consists of representatives of various sections of the industry, together with Government nominees representing consumer interests.
Brief reference has already been made to the Board of Trade Act. This Act contains wide powers to enable full information to be obtained on any branch of industry or commerce in New Zealand, either through holding judicial inquiries or
Along with the work carried out under the authority of the Acts mentioned, it is the function of the Department to render assistance to industry in the study of technical problems, and the engineering and chemical advisers of the Department are available for this purpose. Their concern is to develop the use of New Zealand raw materials, to explore new fields of industrial expansion, and give consideration to the founding of new industries.
The function of the Department under the Commercial Trusts Act, 1910, are aimed at the repression of monopolies in trade and commerce. A schedule to the Act indicates the nature of the commodities in respect of which commercial trusts are prohibited. The main commodities covered are agricultural implements, coal, oil, and any article of food for human consumption, and the Act makes it an offence to give any concession in consideration of exclusive dealing in those articles or illegally refusing to deal in those articles, or conspiring to create a monopoly which can be interpreted as being contrary to public interest. Problems that arise are subject to negotiation and discussion with all interested parties, and almost invariably practices which might have developed into breaches have been discontinued, and the commercial community and the consuming public have the benefit and protection of the provisions of this important Statute.
The Price Investigation Tribunal appointed in June, 1939, under the provisions of the Board of Trade Act, 1919, is a Judicial Body which is charged, through the powers in the Act and Regulations made under that Act, and the price stabilisation Emergency Regulations made under the Public Safety Conservation Act, 1932, with the duty of exercising continuous supervision and control over prices. Under these latter Regulations, all prices were stabilised at the levels ruling on September 1, 1939, and no increase in prices above those levels can be made except with the approval of the Minister. Such applications to raise prices are subjected to full examination, and approval is given to raise prices only where an increase is found to be fully justified.
Wheat, flour and bread are controlled under Board of Trade Regulations in the interests of fair prices and stable supplies. All milling wheat is purchased by the Wheat Committee at fixed prices, and any deficiencies in the home-grown crop are met by importations of wheat for milling in New Zealand Flour millers buy their wheat from the Wheat Committee, and the Committee distributes and sells the output of the mills. Flour prices are fixed by reference to the cost of wheat used in manufacture, plus an allowance for manufacturing and overhead costs to the miller, and the quality of flour is supervised by the Wheat Committee, each mill being allowed a share of the market. Bread prices are fixed in relation to the price of ingredients and cost of baking. In the price scheme an allowance for delivery costs is made where bread is not sold over the counter.
Under Board of Trade Regulations the supply of gas is controlled to ensure purity, constant pressure and calorific value, and a reasonable price. Gas examiners
Fertiliser is an essential for our pastoral industries and is of the greatest importance to those interested in dairy produce, meat or wool. During the nine years in which the Department has exercised supervision over the manufacture and sale of superphosphate, the quantity used has doubled, and, despite certain increases in costs of production, the price to the consumer has been reduced by over 20 per cent.
Prior to the appointment of the Tobacco Board under the Tobacco Growing Industry Act, 1935, conditions in the industry had been in a chaotic condition, owing to the fact that the production of leaf had borne no relation to demand or consumption. Organisation was brought about by the licensing of growers and the control of the sale and purchase of leaf by warrants issued in terms of the Act. Policy matters of vital importance have engaged the attention of the Board, among which were the formulation of a long-range plan for the growing and manufacturing sides of the industry/ the raising of the price paid to growers, the fixation of a minimum price below which leaf cannot be sold, the establishment of standard grades for leaf, and possibly the fixation of prices in relation to such grades, the establishment of a Research Station in the district, and the formulation of a comprehensive research programme.
The Department is responsible for the Cinematograph Films (Issue of Exhibitors' Licences) Regulations. The main feature of the Regulations is the employment of a licensing system in regard to motion-picture theatres. No new theatre can exhibit films without prior consent of a licensing officer. A thorough investigation of the needs of the particular district is carried out by the Department, and the operations of theatres in the immediate vicinity form the subject of examination, taking into account the seating accommodation, the position regarding the supply of films, and the financial return of theatres. In addition, provision exists in the regulations to call upon existing exhibitors to provide modern amenities in their theatres.
One of the most modern aids to industry is the development of standard specifications to simplify and define production, to provide a yard-stick to measure the quality and performance of goods, and to stimulate progress by concentrating effort. The New Zealand Standards Institute, a Division of the Department, makes this service available to the Dominion by providing facilities whereby the consumer, manufacturer, and distributor may have a round-table conference and may voluntarily agree on sizes, materials and strengths and many other characteristics of products. The decisions are reduced to writing and form Standard Specifications and Codes. Since its inception three years ago, the Standards Institute has had Standards agreed upon and promulgated for fencing-wire, hides, hardwood poles, illumination value, the treating of concrete, electric plugs and sockets, portable fire extinguishers, pollard, flushing cisterns, the estimation of acidity in cream, milk and whey, New Zealand building timbers, and for the construction of earthquake-resisting buildings. In addition, 263 British Standard Specifications for all sorts of materials, equipment, and methods of manufacture have been adopted as New Zealand Standards.
Overseas, the Department maintains permanent officers for the development, primarily, of our export trade and, generally, for the guidance and assistance of New Zealand business men; while, in addition, there are Honorary Agents in China, Hong Kong, Ceylon, South Africa, Fiji, and Eastern Canada. The permanent officers stationed in Belgium, Canada, U.S.A., Australia, and in the United Kingdom have directed their attention to the negotiation of Trade Agreements, and their knowledge of trade and financial matters is available to all.
The Department is responsible for the organisation of State displays at major exhibitions within New Zealand, representation at smaller shows and fairs throughout the Dominion, and State participation in overseas exhibitions. Within New Zealand the Department has organised displays of Government Departments at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, 1939-40, as before in connection with the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, 1925-26. At smaller shows and fairs the Department has participated, the object being to make known the assistance offered by the Department to manufacturers and traders. Overseas the Department has organised State representation at many exhibitions to publicise the Dominion's many attractions— both sporting and scenic—its manufactures, economic resources and cultural achievements. In connection with this work may be mentioned New Zealand representation at the following exhibitions: Wembly, 1924; Johannesburg, 1936; Glasgow, 1938; Golden Gate, 1939; New York World's Fair, 1939, and the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, where the Department has participated on nine occasions since 1926.
At quarterly intervals the Department issues a Bulletin dealing with the Finance, Trade and Industries of the Dominion, the publication being distributed widely both in New Zealand and abroad. Recently the "Directory of New Zealand Manufacturers" was published, and this directory forms a complete record of the various types of products of the factories, and the addresses of the manufacturers concerned.
Wherever possible, New Zealand-made good have been made use of in the construction and furnishing of all works and buildings in the Exhibition, and visitors Will be surprised to learn of the wide range of local products.
As one enters the Government Court the soles of shoes are cleaned by grids and mats made locally, and a specimen of New Zealand craftsmanship in a lino cut is in full view on the floor of the vestibule.
Throughout the Court all timbers, wallboards, nails and paints are New Zealand products; also fittings (electrical and sanitary) and doors and windows are from local factories. The Fire-alarm system which is installed is a New Zealand invention and the Fire Extinguishers are made in the Dominion. Mention should be made-of the Ventilation System, which changes the air four times an hour, and which was designed, made and installed by a New Zealander. Another innovation is a Cabinet" Projector entirely produced here. The furniture in use throughout the Court, as well as kitchen and other equipment, is all New Zealand-made.
An Officer from the Department of Industries and Commerce is in attendance and will furnish any particulars upon request.
Introductory:
The year 1940 provides a particularly fitting occasion for reviewing the origin and functions of the Department of Internal Affairs. Only this Department has a history extending over the full period since New Zealand became a British possession. Immediately British sovereignty was established in 1840 a Colonial Secretary's office was established (called the Department of Internal Affairs since 1907, when New Zealand was raised from the status of a Colony to that of a Dominion), and, in the early years, many of the functions which have since become the separate work of
Centennial:
It is, therefore, appropriate that this Department should have the control of the arrangements for the celebration in 1940 of the Centennial of organised govern ment in New Zealand.
Constitutional Functions:
The Department handles the various constitutional functions in regard to:—
Archives:
Because of its constitutional functions, the Department has accumulated, in the course of years; many historic documents, among which may be mentioned:—
King George V Memorial Fund:
The Department was charged with the arrangements for the National Appeal for subscriptions for the establishment of a Fund to commemorate the reign of King George V.
Local Government:
The general control of Local Government throughout the Dominion is entrusted to the Department. Consequently it is responsible for the administration of such important Acts as the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, the Counties Act, 1920, the Town-planning Act, 1926, and similar Acts relating to the activities of all types of local authorities.
General Activities:
Among the more general activities of the Department may be mentioned the various Governmental functions in relation to:—
Distinguished Visitors:
The Department organises and controls the tour through New Zealand of any member of the Royal Family, arranges State functions, and attends to the reception and entertainment of distinguished visitors generally.
Alexander Turnbull Library:
The Alexander Turnbull Library is under the control of the Department. This library, which originated as the private collection of Mr. Alexander Turnbull, is one of the "show places" of the Dominion. Not only does it contain an excellent collection of manuscripts, first editions, and examples of early printing, but it is maintained by the Department as a complete library of New Zealand literature.
Conclusion:
From the above, it can be seen that the Department is responsible for a wide variety of functions affecting the general administration of the Dominion.
The New Zealand Department of Labour was inaugurated in June, 1891, to collect labour statistics and, by providing information and transport to workers, to cancel the unequal demand for labour in different parts of the country In the 48 years of its existence, the Department has acquired control of many other branches of social legislation, and its main duties now are to administer the majority of the labour laws; to provide protection for the general public by inspections of weights and measures, and footwear; and by the administration of the Fair Rents Act.
The labour laws under the control of the Department are many and varied. Hours, wages, sanitation and other conditions for workers in factories, shops and offices are contained in the Factories Act and Shops and Offices Act, and upon the] basic provisions of these Acts may be built the superstructure provided by the Indus trial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. Under this Act workers and employers can form themselves into industrial unions and associations registered under the Act, and by submitting disputes to Conciliation Councils and, if necessary, the Court of Arbitration, or by voluntary agreement among the parties, enforceable awards and agreements governing working conditions may be obtained. For workers who do not choose to register under this Act, industrial agreements under the Labour Disputes Investiga tion Act are possible, the essence of both these Acts being that points of difference between employer and employee are to be settled without recourse to strikes and lockouts. By the Agricultural Workers' Act, 1936, wages, holidays, and other conditions for workers on dairy-farms are provided, and this Act has since been extended, with the necessary modifications to apply to other types of farms. Sharemilkers are protected by a separate Act. The Department's inspectors carry out regular supervision of all these provisions, and also inspect the accommodation of shearers and agricultural workers.
An important duty is that, under the Apprentices' Act, 1923, Departmental officers act as District Registrars of Apprentices, and in many cases as secretaries to the various Apprenticeship Committees, and inspections are made to see that the Apprenticeship Orders and contracts are observed. Both the Wages Protection and Contractors' Liens Act, providing for regular payment of wages in cash or approved cheque and for the safeguarding of wages payable from contract moneys, and the Workers' Compensation Act, providing for compensation for death or injury to workers in the course of their employment, are also administered by the Department.
Departmental inspectors supervise the safety of workers on scaffolds or in excavations, and the old abuses in private servants' registry offices have been avoided by inspection and registration.
Service to the outside public is rendered by inspection of weights and measures, and of footwear purporting to be made of leather. Considerable work is entailed representing tenants in proceedings under the Fair Rents Act, which provides, among other protections, a basis for the assessment of reasonable rentals.
Among the pioneer workers in New Zealand none played a more exacting part than the surveyor. To him was allotted the task of exploring, surveying and mapping a country which was, for the greater part, a tangled wilderness of fern and forest intersected in all direction by great ranges of hills and mountains.
Mountain torrents, rivers and streams formed further formidable obstacles to progress, so that the pioneer surveyor had to be a man of indomitable spirit in order to carry out his important work. The survey and disposal of lands to individuals for occupation under freehold or leasehold title is one of the fundamental functions of Government in a new country, and on this account the activities of the Department of Lands and Survey had a very early beginning and played an important part in the settlement of New Zealand.
During the early years efforts were concentrated upon the work of exploration and survey of lands held by the Crown so as to complete schemes of roads and subdivisions, and large additions were continually being made to the area thrown open for public application. In addition to ordinary selections, areas were allotted on systems of special settlement, such as immigration, military grants, and others.
Foremost in the control of the New Zealand Land Company settlements at Wellington, New Plymouth, and Nelson, were surveyors who inaugurated a system of survey to meet requirements of the district they controlled.
In 1840, when New Zealand was established as a Crown Colony, one of the most important administrative offices was that of Surveyor-General. He was responsible for the administration of the survey of the lands of the Crown. The office, however, was abolished in 1895, for, owing to the difficulties of communication, it became necessary to establish at each centre of settlement a Survey Office under the control of a Chief Surveyor. During the period of Provincial Government until. 1876 each Provincial Office instituted a system of survey adapted to the needs of the district. These systems were not uniform in character, and in many districts it was not possible to guarantee with any degree of accuracy the location of the boundaries of sections. Each system had its merits, but continual complaints from the Inspector of Native Surveys, who was responsible for the issue of native land titles, led to a conference of Chief Surveyors at Wellington in 1876. As an outcome of this conference the Government decided to obtain a complete report on the survey systems of the various provinces and submit to the Government a recommendation.
This report was presented to the Government and, as a result, it was decided to appoint a Surveyor-General who would be responsible for the establishment of a uniform system of survey, controlled from a central office in Wellington. As a result, in a few years, a complete triangulation network had been thrown over the whole Dominion. Twenty-nine initial stations were established throughout New Zealand, to which all surveys within their respective districts were related. By these means the overlap of boundaries was overcome, and it became possible for the Crown to guarantee the areas and measurements of all future lands alienated from the Crown.
For the purpose of land designation and simplicity of record, the Dominion was divided into 1005 Survey Districts, with sides of 1000 chains. These Survey Districts, which were generally divided into 16 blocks, became the index of reference for location purposes. This system has been in operation in New Zealand ever since, except that it has been found necessary to carry out a geodetic triangulation owing to the overlaps in the original circuits. The early triangulation treated the earth as a plane surface, that is, no account was taken of the curvature of the earth. The geodetic triangulation network was commenced in 1912 and at present, 1939, the whole of the North Island and one third of the South Island has been completed.
The Field Staff of the survey branch of the Department carry out surveys required under the Land Act, Public Works Act, Native Lands Act, and Land Transfer Act, and also specialised surveys, such as triangulation standard traverses, maintenance of survey marks, precise levelling, and typographical surveys. The office
During the period of the Provincial Government (1853-76) each province had its own staff dealing with the survey, disposal, and administration of Crown lands; but, following the abolition of the Provinces, a national system for both surveys and general land administration was inaugurated. Under the provisions of the Land Act, 1877, land districts were established, each district being under the control of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, who was also Chairman of the district Land Board. The head of the land administration was the Minister of Lands, whose executive officer was the Secretary of Crown Lands (later termed the Under-Secretary), while the Surveyor-General controlled the surveys of the colony, a local Chief Surveyor being appointed for each land district. The basic principles of this system obtain to-day.
The various tenures governing the disposal of Crown land haye undergone many changes over the years since settlement commenced in New Zealand, and it is impossible in this article to discuss the various phases in detail.
The freehold by direct purchase for cash or by purchase on a system of deferred payment was favoured by some of the earlier administrations. Later, leases with perpetual rights of renewal, as well as the lease in perpetuity (a straight-out lease for 999 years at a uniform rent) were introduced.
In addition to the disposal of land on settlement conditions, the disposal of large areas of pastoral country suitable for sheep-grazing has been a feature of land administration.
In the early nineties the growing scarcity of land suitable for public selection became increasingly apparent. The necessity of quickly settling as much of the country as possible had resulted in a great deal of land being held in large runs and blocks, while the rapid development of refrigeration brought about a great expansion of trade, and the public demand became insistent for more and still more farms. It was met in part by opening Crown lands in smaller areas, by offering land that had previously been considered somewhat unattractive, by making available forest reserves that had been milled, and by the purchase of large areas from the natives. These measures, however, proved insufficient, and finally a Land for Settlements Act was passed in 1892 enabling the Government to acquire from private persons suitable properties for subdivision and leasing as farms. Land settlement provisions con- tained in this Act were extended by subsequent legislation, and since the inception of the scheme 735 properties, consisting of over 2,000,000 acres, have been purchased for closer settlement at a cost of nearly £14,000,000, resulting in the settlement of many thousands of farmers on the land.
From the year 1915 onwards, the Department was entrusted with the important work of providing land for settlement by soldiers returning from the Great War. As a result of operations under the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act, 1915, approximately 10,000 returned men were placed on the land, while a further 12,000 were assisted to purchase or erect houses.
Another important work which has engaged the attention of the Department has been the carrying out of extensive land drainage schemes such as those in the Hauraki Plains and the Rangitaiki Plains.
The preservation of bush, including the provision of reserves for general purposes and to meet the recreational needs of the people, has been a prominent feature of the Department's activities. In this connection the number of scenic reserves controlled bv the Department is now 1118, covering a total area of over 819,000 acres, while public domains and national parks comprise an area of over 3,000,000 acres.
From its inception, it has been the aim of the Department to provide, as far as land resources permitted, reasonable opportunities for settlers to take up land from the State. At the present time there is only a comparatively small area of land suitable for settlement remaining in the hands of the Crown, while more or less intensive settlement has taken place throughout the Dominion. Owing to the fact that there is no longer available any considerable area of Crown land suitable in its natural state for subdivisions and closer settlement, the Department has devoted attention during recent years to the improvement of areas of idle Crown land capable of development, and the reconditioning of deteriorated Crown lands. At the present time approximately 150,000 acres of such land is under development by the Department acting in conjunction with the Small Farms Board.
In days gone by the Department, in addition to its ordinary functions of survey and disposal of lands of the Crown, was entrusted with the work connected with immigration, together with some of the functions now carried out by the Department of Agriculture, the State Forest Service, the Tourist Department, and that part of the operations of the Public Works Department dealing with roods and bridges.
To-day the main functions of the Department may be summarised as follows:
The functions of the Marine Department may be grouped under four main headings, viz., Mercantile Marine, Harbours, Inspection of Machinery, and Fisheries, ond the following notes give brief details of the work accomplished under each:—
Mercantile Marine:
The Department, by the Shipping and Seamen Acts, regulates the operation of the Mercantile Marine, principally in the interests of safety at sea. Provisions for minimum manning scales, qualification of various ratings and their examinations for certificates, standards of design, strength, etc., and surveys of ships, equipment and gear are made in the Acts and Regulations; these surveys, made periodically, cover such equipment as boats, life-saving appliances, compasses, lights, radio installations and fire-extinguishing apparatus.
The engagement and discharge of seamen, supervision of claims of sick and injured seamen, and general duties relating to employment and accommodation, etc., ore carried out under the supervision of Departmental staff who also conduct all preliminary inquiries into shipping casualties.
Aids to navigation, such as lighthouses, radio beacons, etc., are installed and maintained by the Department at necessary points on the coastline.
The Department also acts generally for the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, London, in administration of the Imperial Merchant Shipping Acts.
Harbours:
While all harbours of importance, except Westport, Picton and Kaipara, are administered by specially-constituted boards, the Department administers the Harbours. Acts generally, and also controls harbours not under Board control.
It administers the General Harbour Regulations, where provision is made for safe navigation of harbours, safety of those engaged in waterside work, and the handling of petrol and fuel-oil on wharves and ships.
Inspection of Machinery:
The Department administers the Inspection of Machinery Acts, designed to promote safety of life in the operation of boilers and other pressure vessels, power-driven machinery, lifts and cranes on land, other than very small machinery. Inspections of these total about 94,000 annually.
All accidents required by law to be notified are investigated by Inspectors. Candidates are examined for certificates as Land Engineers, Engine-drivers and Elec tric-train drivers. About 550 certificates are issued annually.
Fisheries:
The principal work in relation to sea-fisheries is regulation of the industry to prevent irrational and wasteful exploitation of fisher/ resources, and the legislation
and regulations are designed for this purpose. To maintain an understanding of the-nature and extent of the fisheries, the Department keeps in touch with fishery activities and developments. Special observations are made in connection with the various species, and scientific understanding of their life-history has been advanced. This, with the collection of statistics of fishing operations, is essential to proper control and administration.
The cultivation of rock-oysters, picking and sale of which are undertaken by the Department, has been placed on a sounder basis as a result of experimental work and observation.
In regard to fresh-water fisheries, the Department, as the central authority in the making and administration of regulations relating to acclimatised fish, collaborates with the several Acclimatisation Societies which control fresh-water fishing in their districts, excluding the Taupo and Rotorua districts, where the fisheries are administered by the Internal Affairs Department.
At Hakataramea and Te Anau, the Department maintains hatcheries, which were established for the acclimatisation of quinnat and Atlantic salmon, and are now used in connection with the artificial culture and distribution of these species; in New Zealand waters, and for investigational purposes.
A fishery research laboratory is maintained in Wellington, where biologists, undertake investigation of the biology of trout, with special reference to factors governing their propagation, growth and survival in New Zealand, and the study of phenomena connected with the reproduction and distribution of sea fish and shellfish of commercial importance.
New Zealand is a party to the International Whaling Convention, having a direct interest in the industry, as it not only has a station in the Dominion, but also administers the Ross Dependency, where whaling is carried on. The Convention's aim is conservation, now definitely necessary as a result of intensive operations over recent years.
In 1878 the Mines Department was created to control the Crown's mineral resources in New Zealand, and in 1910 the regulation of stone quarries was added to the Department's responsibilities.
The control of the Crown's mineral resources is exercised under the authority of three Acts, viz., the Coal-Mines Act, 1925, the Mining Act, 1926, and the Petroleum Act, 1937.
The Coal-Mines Act deals mainly with the winning of coal, and the Department's functions are the administration of coal-bearing lands belonging to the Crown, the regulation of coal-mining activities whether on Crown or other lands, and the operation of State coal-mines. The Department is actively working two coal-mines near Greymouth, while a third, in the same locality, is in process of development. Another State coal-mine in the North Island is leased to a private company. The Department's entry into the coal-mining industry took place in November, 1903, when coal was first produced from the Seddonville State Mine. This mine, which was situated some 29 miles north of Westport, was closed down in May, 1914. To date, nearly 6,750,000 tons of coal has been produced by the Department from its own coal-mines.
The Mining Act provides the machinery for the granting, through the Warden's Court, of mining privileges to prospect and mine for gold and other minerals on Crown land, and on other lands where the minerals are reserved to the Crown; for the working regulation and inspection of mines; for the registration and control of gold dealers; and for the regulation of other more or less important matters connected with the mining industry.
The Department's functions under the Petroleum Act, 1937, are the control of [ oil petroleum in its natural state in the Dominion, the granting of licences to search ond mine, and the regulation of all prospecting and mining activities.
Another function of the Department is to give advice and assistance to persons, syndicates and companies interested in legitimate mining.
The Department maintains a number of prospecting drills of various types suitable for the conditions existing in the Dominion. These drills are loaned on reasonable terms to bona-fide prospectors, mining syndicates or companies.
The chief aim of the Department is to provide for the efficient and economical working of the mines and quarries of the country; to secure to the miner conditions that will tend to minimise the risk of accident; and to safeguard in every possible way the health and welfare of all persons engaged in the mining industry.
The staff of the Mines Department is made up of clerical and technical officers under the control of the Under-Secretary, who, in turn, is responsible to the Minister of Mines. The inspection staff, consisting of the Inspecting Engineer of Mines and Chief Inspector of Coal-mines, and nine Inspectors of Mines, is responsible for the working, regulation, and inspection of coal-mines, metal-mines and quarries rthroughout the country.
The National Broadcasting Service owns and controls 16 stations throughout Mew Zealand, the most important of these being 1YA, 2YA, 3YA, 4YA, 2YH, 4YZ, and 3ZR. At the present time programmes are being broadcast from these stations at the rate of approximately 48,000 hours per annum.
In order to maintain a constant supply of material with which to keep the programmes alive, the Service keeps in touch with broadcasting organisations in many other countries.
Some of the plays broadcast are written by New Zealanders, but as the supply from this source by no means meets the demand, it is necessary to acquire broadcasting rights from overseas. The Service contacts radio-play writers in other countries, and holders of copyright, and by this means the cream of broadcast plays is. secured.
The play-producing section of the Service has developed rapidly, and great care is exercised in the arrangement of a suitable cast for each play. The Service has its own recording studios, and a large number of the plays are recorded and broad- cast in that form from different stations.
Necessarily most of the speakers in the talks sessions must be New Zealanders-In addition, however, many talks are given by visitor's from overseas, and listeners are thus able to hear authoritative views on a variety of subjects. Here, again, the-recording equipment proves invaluable, for many talks which would otherwise not be-available are recorded for present and future use.
Recorded programme features such as serials—as distinct from plays—are imported from many countries and add variety to the programmes.
Practically every section of the community is catered for in the way. of news. There is the news issued daily by the Prime Minister's Department, and the Britishn Official Wireless News; general weather reports and special weather reports for aviators; frost forecasts and warnings for fruit-farmers; broadcasts from the wool sales for the benefit of sheep-farmers; and market reports giving the prices realised for fat stock, produce, fruit, fish, etc. In addition, proceedings in the House of Representatives are regularly broadcast and create great interest.
To many listeners, the Service talks are more important than broadcasts of music and entertainment. The advice given on gardening, for example, is known to be eagerly awaited in thousands of homes. The same may be said of motoring and other useful subjects, which are regularly dealt with by capable speakers.
On the musical side, the best local talent is encouraged, and the performances of local societies are broadcast. In addition, artists of proved ability from overseas, are heard almost every week. The gramophone library is a most extensive one, and is constantly being added to by imported material.
Sport is fully dealt with; broadcasts of horse-races, boxing and wrestling matches, swimming and athletic events figure frequently in the programmes.
Because of its configuration, the Dominion is not an easy country to cover from the broadcasting point of view, but the fact that there are more than 325,000 licensees, proves that New Zealanders are definitely radio-minded.
The call of the sea is just as great to-day as ever it has been, and the Navy-fulfils the ambition of young men conscious of a keen sense of duty to their country.
In New Zealand, excellent opportunities are now available for young men to mould for themselves a career in the Dominion Naval Forces.
Recruits are entered provisionally from all parts of New Zealand by area officers of the Army Deportment and sent to H.M. Naval Base, Devonport, Auckland, for final selection. If selected, a period of training in H.M.S. Philomel is carried out prior to draft to sea service.
Artisans are trained in their respective trades, and certain ratings are sent to Australia for further training. The training of all ratings is such that, as far as possible, they are equipped for civil employment on completion of their engagements.
Rapid progress has been made in the New Zealand Naval Forces during the past few years. At present the New Zealand Naval Forces are composed of two modern cruisers, H.M.S. Leander and H.M.S. Achilles; one harbour training and accommodation vessel, H.M.S. Philomel; and one trawler, H.M.S. Wakakura. The cruisers, which are vessels of over 7000 tons armed with eight 6in. guns and eight 21 in. torpedo tubes, are transferred by the British Government to the New Zealand Government, which is entirely responsible for their manning, maintenance and employment.
In addition to these ships, a surveying vessel, maintained partly by the Imperial' and partly by the New Zealand Governments, is usually employed in New Zealand waters, and two escort vessels, H.M.S. Wellington and H.M.S. Leith, are maintained on the station by H.M. Government in the United Kingdom.
The ships of the New Zealand Naval Forces are manned in about equal proportions by Imperial and New Zealand ratings, there being about 650 of each. The personnel also includes approximately 80 officers and 700 ratings of the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
The policy of the Government aims at manning H.M. ships, maintained in New Zealand, entirely by New Zealand officers and ratings. This policy is being gradually implemented as the personnel become trained. Arrangements are also being made for the direct entry of officers into the New Zealand Naval Forces.
Opportunity is available for outstanding New Zealand ratings to be promoted to warrant rank, and selected candidates are sent to England for the necessary training. It will soon be possible to promote especially suitable young ratings direct to-the rank of Sub-Lieutenant. Provision also exists for selected New Zealand ratings of certain branches to be promoted to commissioned rank in the Royal Navy. Thus the same opportunities are open for New Zealand ratings of these branches as for equivalent ratings in the Imperial Fleet. They are appointed to the Imperial Fleet under the same conditions as ratings promoted from the Royal Navy.
The New Zealand Naval Forces offer greater prospects as a career for New Zealand boys than ever before.
Every year the cruisers of the New Zealand Naval Forces "show the flag'' in the Pacific Islands, and combined exercises with the Royal Australian Navy are arranged whenever opportunity offers.
The recreational side of naval life is sedulously fostered, and organised recreational facilities are provided in the course of the periodical cruises, as well as in Auckland.
To those who cannot join the permanent Naval Forces, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Royal Naval Reserve offer opportunities. Annual sea training is carried out, and instruction is given at headquarters at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Competition between the four divisions is keen and an annual tournament is held. In addition to normal pay and allowances when under- going sea training in H.M. ships, an annual grant is made to reservists fulfilling pre-
The proud traditions of the Royal Navy are inherent in the New Zealand Naval Forces, and the importance of naval defence needs no emphasis—the opportunity is here for patriotic and adventurous young New Zealanders to join and play a part in building up the Dominion's young Navy.
The Post Office to-day is more than a Department of State. It is best described as a large-scale business corporation employing a permanent personnel of over 11,000, and having a branch in almost every city, town and village in the Dominion.
To most people, the "Post Office" is the post-office counter or the posting-box or perhaps the postman; but behind the post-office counter and the posting-box there is an organisation which works the clock round, keeping channels of communication open. How many people, when they post their letters, ring their friends or send their telegrams, give thought to the mobilisation of the agents necessary to ensure that the letters or telegrams are delivered, or that the telephone connections are properly established? And do they appreciate also the diverse nature of the Department's activities? It probably escapes their observation, for instance, that while postmen are performing their daily rounds in the cities and towns of the Dominion, rural mail carriers are providing a similar service to over 30,000 country households.
The Department's system of postal communication is over 100 years old. It is, in fact, the oldest of the three main services. Though there have been few changes in the actual facilities provided, changes in the modes of mail transport throughout the country have been astonishing—from native foot-messenger to horseback, to sledge and dray, to coach, to rail, to motor-car and to aeroplane. Thus, to-day, journeys which in the early days of colonization took almost three weeks on foot can now be accomplished by aeroplane In two or three hours—a wonderful triumph for science and invention.
The telephone service is so popular nowadays that reference to it seems almost superfluous. Scarcely five years after the telephone was patented it was introduced Snto New Zealand, the first exchange having 26 subscribers. The remarkable improvements effected in the technical apparatus, the improved quality of speech, the wide range of communication now offered, the many complementary services provided, such as the "person to person" call, the "appointment" call, and the "collect" call— all these are factors which have induced the present total of over 162,000 subscribers to avail themselves of telephone service.
The advantages of the telegraph service are well known to almost everyone, but not so well known is the radio-telegraph service, by means of which communication is maintained with ships and with many of the islands in the Pacific. Flashing out their messages at. regular intervals, and maintaining a continuous listening service for ships' distress calls, the radio-telegraph stations of New Zealand provide a sense of security not only to the passengers of ships in the Tasman and South Pacific but also to the many Island peoples.
"Money-order" and "Savings-bank" are almost household terms in connection with the Post Office. In regard to the former, the Department frequently emphasises the advisability of remittances by post being sent otherwise than by cash,
Identified with the Department since 1867 is the Post Office Savings-Bank, which, having nearly one million depositors, can claim that the frequently-applied term "The People's Bank" is not a misnomer. Popular features of the bank are the fact that the amount at credit earns interest, even though it is at call, and that repayment of deposits is State guaranteed. The "letter of credit" system of the Post Office Savings-Bank is a convenience for the travelling depositor requiring funds at one or more places in the Dominion.
Not every person who enters a Post Office nowadays does so on purely post and telegraph business. The registration and relicensing of motor vehicles and radio receiving sets, the registration of persons under the Social Security legislation, and the. collection of fees and the making of payments on behalf of many Government Departments have added very much to the work undertaken by the Post Office.
Truly, during business hours, the public foyers of post offices carry an endless flow of traffic.
This Department was constituted under the Primary Products Marketing Act of 1936, which Act was promoted in order to "make better provision for the marketing of dairy produce and other primary products so as to ensure for producers an adequate remuneration for the services rendered by them to the community," and in view of the necessity, "in the public interest that producers of primary products should, as far as possible, be protected from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices."
The Department commenced to function on August 1, 1936—the opening of the 1936-37 dairying season—and its activities at that time were limited to dairy produce. Under the Amendment Act of 1937 two separate Divisions of the Department were constituted and provision made for such further Divisions as might become necessary in the future. The original organisation became the Dairy Produce Export Division, while the Internal Marketing Division was formed to carry out marketing within New Zealand.
The Export Division has now completed the disposal of its third season's produce. Its operations fall into two categories—(a) the purchase of manufactured produce from dairy factories, and (b) the realisation of such produce on the overseas markets.
Butter and cheese are purchased f.o.b. ocean steamer at "guaranteed prices", which are fixed each season to enable the dairy-farmer to receive a return for his produce commensurate with the cost of production and the maintenance of a standard of living comparable with that of other classes of the community. The prices have been fixed by the Government after a careful study of the many factors involved and after consideration of the recommendations of committees representative of both the industry and the Government. The prices have varied from year to year, but the objects of the legislation have been achieved in that the producer has received o fairly constant net return throughout the period that the Division has been operating,
While everything possible is done to develop markets in the East and elsewhere, the main purchaser of New Zealand dairy produce is still the United Kingdom, and the Department has an organisation with headquarters in London to direct this side of the work. As in New Zealand, where the New Zealand Dairy Board was called on to supply the nucleus of the staff required, so in London the Dairy Board organisation was taken over and expanded, and the Department then had at its disposal the knowledge and experience of officers who for many years had made a study of markets and marketing problems.
The Dairy Board had conducted several attempts at co-operative marketing, which, although not without merit in themselves, had been severely handicapped by reason of the fact that the Board did not have complete control of the whole of the Dominion's dairy produce. The formation of the Department removed this obstacle, and there has now been built up a sales organisation which is held in high esteem by those persons qualified to judge, and by the majority of the exporting countries in the world.
As a result of the maintenance of high quality in New Zealand produce, the regular arrivals of shipments, the prevention of speculative dealings, and the pursuance of a keen publicity programme, the goodwill of New Zealand dairy produce on its chief market—that of the United Kingdom—has been greatly enhanced, and, at the same time, the New Zealand producer has received better and more uniform returns at a considerably-reduced cost of handling and adminis tration.
The Public Trust Office was constituted by Act of Parliament in 1872. It was the world's first institution of the kind, and other States in the British Empire have taken New Zealand's office as a model for similar beneficial enterprises.
The Office is designed mainly to afford, at low rates of commission, a secure and convenient recourse in any case where a person residing either in New Zealand or abroad desires to draw a will, form a trust, or appoint an executor, trustee, agent, or attorney in the Dominion. The Office aims also to relieve those who, for various reasons, may be unable or unwilling to commence or continue the administration of trust property to which they may have been appointed.
The Public Trust Office commenced operations in 1873, at the end of which year 257 estates, of a total value of £17,500, were being administered by the Office. Since then there has been a practically continuous increase in both number and value of estates administered, the records at March 31, 1939, showing 19,244 estates of a value of £61,715,713.
New estates which came into the Office during the year ended March 31 1939, numbered 3089, and represented a value of £6,314,532.
The following is a brief summary of some of the principal functions of the Office:—
The Public Trustee—
During the year ended March 31, 1939, 4919 wills were deposited with the Public Trustee, and 2241 were withdrawn on account of the death of the testator or for other reasons, the net increase for the year being 2678. The number of wills on deposit at March 31, 1939, was 93,152.
In addition to preparing wills in the first instance, the Office affords its clients special facilities for the revision of existing wills to provide for changes desired by them. During 1938-39, 3991 wills held on behalf of testators were so revised.
It is particularly fitting that New Zealand's centennial finds the Public Works Department carrying out the largest programme of work in its history, for the Dominion owes no small part of its progress to the organisation which has been responsible for constructing its railways and roads, harnessing its hydro-electric supplies, erecting its public buildings and aerodromes, and generally meeting the need for irrigation, river protection, land reclamation, flood control and the many other public works necessary for the development and well-being of the country.
The general functions of the Public Works Department may be said to consist of national and local works which are not within the usual scope of private enterprise. If, in the interests of the people, the Government decides to open up settlement or facilitate agricultural, pastoral, or industrial expansion, it is the Public Works Department which is called upon to investigate the possibilities, formulate proposals, and carry the projects through to completion.
In earlier years, roading was an urgent necessity for the purpose of opening up-new areas for settlement and for transporting supplies and produce. Then came the railway era, when, subsequent to the establishment of communities and the increased output in primary production, an improved medium of transport became essential
The advent of motorised traffic accentuated the need for good roads, and gradually the Dominion's arterial and secondary routes have been improved, until to-day, modern, safe highways traverse the country from end to end, linking centres of industrial activity with the remotest farming areas and bringing our magnificent scenic attractions within easy reach of the city dweller.
Another phase in New Zealand's progress in which the Public Works Department has played a distinguished part is the harnessing and development of hydro- electric power. From a humble beginning, this great industry has gone ahead rapidly, and the country's prosperity is strikingly reflected in the ever-growing demand for electricity, to meet which the Department has erected—and continues to expand—a network of transmission lines conveying power from the sources of generation to the far corners of the Dominion.
The construction and maintenance of public buildings is a function of the Department, and since earliest times practically all buildings for housing State Departments and Institutions have been designed and erected by, or under the supervision of, officers of the Public Works Department. Many notable public buildings now grace the country's architecture.
More recent activities of the Department include irrigation and aerodrome construction. Large areas in the South Island have benefited considerably from the scientific application of water to the soil, and productivity has thereby been increased enormously. Aerodromes, both civil and military, have been erected throughout the Dominion, and a chain of emergency landing grounds is being prepared.
In national emergencies, such as earthquake and flood disasters, the Department's organisation has been to the fore in urgent rehabilitation work, and, on the other hand, it has been responsible for Dominion-wide arrangements for the decoration of public buildings, etc., incidental to official celebrations.
As New Zealand has progressed so also has the Department improved its methods of carrying out its work. Modern plant and machinery is increasingly being used, and new innovations are continually being introduced and put into prac- tice by the technical staff, most of whom have been trained in the service but keep up to date with the latest developments abroad in their respective professions.
Administrative officers of the Public Works Department, 1939-40:—
The first public railway in New Zealand was built by the Canterbury Provincial Government—6 miles 26 chains, with a gauge of 5 feet 3 inches — between Christchurch and Lyttelton. The first section, from Christchurch to Ferrymead (now known as Heathcote), was opened on December 1, 1863, and the tunnel section from Lyttelton to Ferrymead was opened on November 9, 1867.
The present gauge of 3 feet 6 inches became the standard when the railways were taken over by the General Government after the abolition of the provincial system.
To-day the lines open for traffic have a total of 3319 route miles, qnd good progress is being made with operations for completion of the South Island Main Trunk Railway (the very difficult northern part), the through connection to West-port from the midland line, and the Napier-Gisborne line.
New Zealand, a country notable for mountains, hills and rivers, has presented plenty of problems to the builders of railways. The far-ranging work has required numerous tunnels, deep cuttings, viaducts and bridges. The 51/4-mile Otira tunnel through the Southern Alps is the longest in the British Empire. The viaduct over the Mohaka River (on the Napier-Gisborne route), with a length of 911 feet and a height of 315 feet, is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The bridge over the Rakaia River, Canterbury, has a length of 11/4miles.
Necessarily the railways have figured very importantly in the development of the country's primary and secondary industries and social system. This usefulness is being increased with the present policy of co-ordination of the railways and the various road services which have been taken over by the Department.
An indication of the size of this great national enterprise is given by some of the figures for the year ended March 31, 1939. The capital invested was nearly £58,750,000; the number of employees exceeded 25,000; the number of passengers by rail was more than 23,250,000, and by road nearly 5,750,000; the tonnage of freight by rail was well above 7,500,000 tons, and by road more than 100,000 tons.
The Present Policy.
Far from feeling any fear of the future in transport developments, the Railways Department, encouraged by the Government, is steadily extending and improving the system. Here is a glimpse of the Department's operations:—
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, with its Advisory Council, was established in 1926 to prosecute and co-ordinate research relating to primary and secondary industries, to advise the Government on all scientific matters, and to take charge of the following Government scientific services: Dominion Laboratory, Meteorological Office, Geological Survey and Observatories.
Farming, as the staple industry of New Zealand, is naturally deriving most benefit from organised research. The Plant Research Bureau, with its five divisions (Grasslands, Agronomy, Plant Diseases, Entomology and Botany) provides a complete scientific service to deal with all plant problems. The improvement of pastures and field crops by selection and breeding, and the control of fungus, bacterial and insect pests, which tend to lower vitality and yield, are the main objectives of the Bureau's work.
A comprehensive fruit research organisation caters to the needs of the fruitgrower and horticulturalist, whether they are concerned with the improvement of stocks, the proper use of manures, the control of disease, or cold storage problems.
A systematic study of the soils of New Zealand is being undertaken by the Soil Survey Division. Surveys have already been completed in Hawke's Bay, and parts of North Auckland, the Waikato, Canterbury, Westland and Marlborough. In Hawke's-Bay the surveys are being related to the wider problem of land utilisation. Special surveys are undertaken from time to time to determine the suitability of soils for specific crops, e.g., tung, citrus, phormium, and to demarcate areas suffering from mineral deficiencies.
The Dairy Research Institute at Palmerston North works on problems relating to the production of milk and its manufacture into butter and cheese, the transport and storage of dairy produce, and the utilisation of dairy by-products. The Government and the Dairy Board contribute approximately equal shares towards the support of the Institute. This method of finance as between the Government and the industries concerned characterises most of the Department's industrial research organisations.
All sections of the wheat industry—wheatgrowers, millers and bakers—are serviced by the Wheat Research Institute at Christchurch, which has just completed its tenth year of work. The problems of the tobacco-grower are being studied at the recently-established Tobacco Research Station at Motueka. In addition to the leather and shoe and the wool-manufacturing industries, for which research associations have been established, many other secondary industries are receiving help from the Department's activities.
A radio research organisation has been established to study local problems, and to collaborate with similar bodies overseas. The work of the Meteorological Office, which is well known, has assumed increasing importance owing to the rapid development of aviation. The Geological Survey provides essential information on the nature and extent of the Dominion's mineral resources, and is applying the latest geophysical methods in studying geological structures and searching for mineral bodies.
Scientific service for various Government Departments (e.g., Health, Customs, Police, Housing) is the main function of the Dominion Laboratory, but it is also engaged in research relating to fuel, building materials, paints, kauri gum, phormium and the cold storage of fruit. The studying and recording of earthquakes and magnetic phenomena, meteorology, and the maintenance of the Dominion's time service summarises the function of the Department's observatories in Wellington, Christchurch and Apia.
Throughout its activities, the Department maintains the closest co-operation with other scientific bodies in New Zealand and abroad, and with the representatives of industries. This collaboration avoids overlapping, and secures the most effective use of research workers and facilities.
The State Advances Corporation of New Zealand is an important medium
through which advances on mortgage are made available on the security of farm lands and urban and suburban properties. Although the Corporation as at present constituted is of comparatively recent origin, the foundations of its business were laid as far back as 1894, when it became evident that, in order to accelerate the development of the country, it would be necessary to make some additional provision whereby settlers might obtain finance for land development purposes at economic interest rates.
The passing of the Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894, marked the inauguration of a series of schemes designed to provide assistance to settlers for the development of their holdings, and, although the original Act has been amended and extended in many directions since 1894, the underlying principle has always been the development of the resources of the country, both from the point of view of production and of social development.
The growth of the system has been progressive throughout the years, and the provision of advances through a State organisation has been extended from time to time to include:—
Prior to 1934-35, these schemes were administered by the State Advances Office, a Department of State having a centralised office in Wellington, and, in addition, the Department administered various other loan and investment accounts aris-
A radical change was made in the constitution of the State Advances Office in 1934-35, when a public corporation called the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand was established by Statute, with a subscribed capital of £1,000,000, of which half was held by the State and half subscribed by private investors in small sums.
The Corporation, which had extensive borrowing powers, commenced to function in July, 1935, and, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute, progressively took over almost the whole of the mortgages held by the State Advances Office, and the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement mortgages held by the Lands and Survey Department. The total value of the assets so transferred was approximately £55,000,000. Mortgage Corporation stock to an agreed-upon amount was issued to the Crown as consideration for these assets, the balance not covered by the issue of stock being treated as a contingent liability of the Corporation to the Crown.
Shortly after it commenced to function, the Corporation announced a lending rate of 41/8per cent, for long-term mortgage finance on the amortisation principle— a new low level which had never before been reached. Existing mortgagors were given the option, subject to certain conditions, of having their mortgages adjusted to this rate.
In July, 1936, the present Government altered the constitution of the Mortgage Corporation and changed the name to the State Advances Corporation of New Zealand. The private share capital of £500,000 was cancelled, and shareholders were fully compensated by the Government, which now holds the total share capital of £1,000,000. The Board of the new Corporation was also re-constituted and now consists of two joint managing-directors who were joint managing-directors of the Mortgage Corporation, the Secretary to the Treasury, and two other directors.
Generally speaking, the newly-constituted State Advances Corporation assumed the powers of the Mortgage Corporation, and important extensions were made in certain directions with a view to providing additional finance to borrowers for specified purposes and under certain special conditions.
In order to encourage the erection of urban and suburban dwellings, and thus relieve the housing shortage, the Government, as a policy measure, authorised the newly-constituted State Advances Corporation to grant loans above the usual lending margin of 66 2-3 per cent. That this policy, as administered by the Corporation, has materially assisted in the acceleration of home building may be judged from the fact that, from the inception of the scheme in 1936, up to August 31, 1939, loans totalling £3,509,462 have been granted to 3849 applicants.
In addition, 11,224 loans, totalling £11,798,031, for general purposes have been granted since the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand commenced to function in 1935.
The Corporation is also charged with the administration of advances made by the Rural Intermediate Credit Board, which was established by legislation enacted in 1927, and with the provision of further advances to farmers under this legislation on the security of stock and chattels. In addition, the Corporation administers the provision of the Housing Act, 1919, relating to the leasing and maintenance of houses erected by the Government under that Act.
This, then, briefly sketches the history and development of the State Advances Corporation. It remains to be said that, in place of the centralised organisation which originally prevailed, the Corporation has now established branches and sub-
The following table will show the growth of the organisation over quinquennial periods up to 1935, and the annual growth since then:—
* Includes 17,658 mortgages, and current accounts amounting to £11,068,874 ex-Discharged Soldier Settlement loans taken over from the Lands Department in 1936.
It is worthy of note that a sum exceeding £103,000,000 has been advanced since the inception of the State Loans Scheme in 1894, while the balance outstanding on mortgages and other securities at March 31, 1939, amounts to nearly £58,000,000. The accumulated repayments over the period of 45 years total nearly £46,000,000. It is evident from these figures that the Corporation (and its predecessor, the State Advances Office) has played an important part in the financial structure of the Dominion, and that the rapid development of the resources of the country has been assisted very materially by the liberal provision of loan finance at economic interest rates. The organisation, has so expanded in the space of 45 years that to-day it is-one of the largest institutions of its kind in the British Empire, a fact which is not generally realised.
A sound forest policy is based on the assumption that, on Crown Lands, both land and timber belong to the Crown, and that timber-users pay accordingly for the right to fell the raw materials for their industry, or that, alternatively, such rights may be completely withheld. This was the view of the earliest systematised Government of the Colony of New Zealand. (See photographic reproduction on mural of Colonial Secretary's Proclamation of 1841 concerning kauri, spelt "koudi.")
This seemingly simple and logical policy is not, however, easy to put into prac- tice during the developmental period of any virgin country, when the demand for land outstrips the demand for timber. In theory, the policy was adhered to, or at least not revoked. In practice, for full 60 years (1840-1900) it was little conformed to; and Crown lessees and purchasers were allotted both land and the timber on it without charge for the timber and without restriction on its destruction. Far from having the destruction restricted, Crown lessees found that they were usually enjoined, under penalty of resumption of the land by the Crown, to remove the timber with all possible speed by any and every means at their disposal.
By this procedure at least 20,000,000 acres of once-forested land was cleared for plough and pasture in less than half a century.
Under such conditions there was no room or place for a Forest Service with a forest policy, and the numerous attempts to organise one were abortive.
With the approach of the twentieth century signs of cessation of the timber glut and of the satisfaction of the land hunger began to be visible. By slow steps over 25 years (1896-1920), a Forest Service was brought into being; and its principal function came to be recognised to be that of establishing a balance between land to be farmed and land to be held to produce timber.
It is now 45 years since the beginnings of a Forest Service were instituted and progress has been continuous throughout that period. The tasks allotted to the-Forest Service are:—
The Tourist Department deals with every detail necessary in the arrangement of travel. In addition, it operates and controls the leading tourist resorts of the Dominion, which include the Chateau in Tongariro National Park; the Waitomo Caves; the great health Spa at Rotorua; Te Aroha; Lake House, Waikaremoana; Lake Te Anau Hotel; the famous Milford Track, and Milford Hotel in Fiordland in the southern end of the South Island. It also has interests in most of the other resorts. The Department, which has its Head Office in the Government Life Insurance Buildings, Wellington, has Tourist Bureaux established in each of the main cities of the Dominion, with agency offices in various other centres. In these Bureaux and agency offices, tours are mapped out for travellers, all arrangements for reserved seats are made, and accommodation is booked at hotels in advance of departure, so that the traveller has everything done for him prior to setting out on his journey.
Under the title of Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, the Department was established by the late Sir J. G. Ward in 1901, for the purpose of better development of the various scenic and health resorts, the improvement of means of access, and the advertising abroad of New Zealand's attractions to the traveller, the invalid and the sportsman.
Originally, the Department merely gave advice in the matter of where to go and how to get there. The next development was in 1911, when it became expedient to institute a comprehensive booking system, and this now functions in most expeditious form from all the Department's own Bureaux at Auckland, Wellington, Christ-church, Dunedin and Invercargill. The system includes the provision of both standard fixed itineraries, and also of itineraries to suit individual requirements; the costing of these and issue of tickets covering all forms of transport; booking of seats, berths and accommodation; meeting of incoming passenger liners; supervision of baggage transference to hotels, etc. These services are also available as regards itineraries, etc. The Department has its own branches in London (where two officers are stationed at the High Commissioner's Office), at Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles, although the latter does not issue tickets.
In addition to the Bureaux and overseas offices mentioned, the Department has appointed agents in the following New Zealand cities and towns: Greymouth, Nelson, Hamilton, Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Masterton, Dannevirke and Timaru. All these offices also sell tours, while the Department's'district office at Rotorua and the managers of its hotels provide similar facilities.
Overseas, the Department has honorary agents at Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Johannesburg, Durban, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tientsin, Colombo, Calcutta, Bombay, Rangoon and Fiji. All the large overseas travel firms act as agents for the Department, which also has some 70 sub-agents throughout Australia, besides others in different parts of the world.
In order to bring the attractions of the Dominion to the notice of potential visitors, it is, of course, necessary to utilise all the various forms of publicity media, such as booklets, films, slides, photographs, newspaper advertising and articles, radio talks, lectures, window displays, displays at exhibitions, etc. The provision of material for the above is the function of the Publicity side of the Department. In the past 10 months over half a million copies of about a dozen different booklets have been distributed, either to intending or actual visitors, on ships, or to various bureaux and agents throughout the world. Since sound films came in, about 36 scenic films have been made, and copies to the number of several hundred have been printed and placed on theatre circuits all over the world, while many shipping lines have been supplied for the entertainment of passengers. This work is now done by the Department's own studios, which also supply photographic prints, posters, dioramas and other materials, in very large quantities.
The small 16 mm. films for private screening, use of lecturers, etc., are very popular, and over 1400 copies have been made in the past five years.
Advertising campaigns have been undertaken, particularly in Australia, America and Great Britain, with considerable success, but limitation of funds prevents full exploitation of this excellent but comparatively expensive medium which, to be fully successful, requires to be consistent. Space has been taken at many exhibitions overseas and the quality of the exhibits, which usually include samples of manufactures, has drawn many eulogies.
Window displays are arranged in conjunction with travel firms, and photographs, maps, Maori curios, dioramas, as well as manufactures, are utilised to attract attention.
There are numerous honorary lecturers in every part of the world, and the supply of films, booklets, photographs, lectures and other material for them is a large item in the business of the Department.
The Transport Department co-ordinates and controls goods and passenger transportation with a view to securing for the community the greatest possible safety, efficiency and economy. The work of the Department is organised in two branches. One is concerned with the elimination of road hazards, the enforcement of traffic rules and the education of road users in habits likely to facilitate the free and safe flow of traffic; the other controls the licensing of all commercial road-transport services to eliminate wasteful overlapping and to provide the best service to the public. Excluding taxis and town carriers, the annual expenditure on goods and transport services licensed by the Department exceeds £4,000,000. More than 300,000 motor vehicles—that is, one vehicle for every five persons—come under its jurisdiction.
The first branch of the Department's work includes the organisation of the Road Safety Campaign. Reports of all motor accidents causing personal injuries are forwarded to the Department, where they are analysed in detail. From the analysis, plans are formulated for the elimination of factors likely to increase the risk of accident. The Department controls a staff of traffic inspectors, stationed throuqhout
During the past three years, an extensive educational campaign has been carried out among motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians with a view to developing safe and courteous road habits. All means of publicity have been utilised—the Press, radio, leaflets, posters, films, stickers, and many others. The result of these and other road-safety activities is reflected in the steadily decreasing death-rate.
All commercial services for the conveyance of goods or passengers are operated under the licence of a District Licensing Authority. The four Authorities, located in the main centres, and holding regular sittings in country districts, have power to grant, amend, or transfer licences. They aim to co-ordinate the terms of the licence in such a way that working conditions are safeguarded, wasteful competition prevented, and the public receive the maximum service at the most economic price. As an illustration of the benefits of the licensing system, the co-ordination of passenger-service licences has resulted in a saving of 8,000,000 vehicle-miles per year.
ERRATUM. Page 51. The date "1895" should read "1859."