REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE, 1870.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1870 Session I, D-24

D.—No. 24.

REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE, 1870.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY. WELLINGTON. 1870.

D.—No. 24.

Government Printing Department, Sib,— Wellington, 24th August, 1870. In accordance with the practice adopted during the last two years, I have the honor to submit a Beport on the operations of the Printing Department for the twelve months ended 30th June, 1870. The Eeport would have been submitted at an earlier date had not the press of work during the Session prevented the necessary attention being devoted to the books and to the compilation of the tables appended to it. The demand for printing of all descriptions has greatly increased during the past year, and a large increase in the quantity and value of the work is noticeable in the Eeturn showing the amount of work performed. The organization of the Armed Constabulary necessitated a large amount of printing, in the shape of forms, departmental books, regulations, &c.; and, later on in the year, the commencement of operations under the Government Annuities Act likewise involved a considerable amount of printing of various kinds. The reduction in the tariff of charges for telegrams has had the effect of very materially increasing the number of forms printed for the Telegraph Department, the number being 1,627,958 as against 714,908 for the previous year, thus showing an increase of 913,050 copies for the past twelve months. Under the head of " Judicial " in the Eeturn is included the second edition of Judge Johnston's New Zealand Justice of the Peace, which was published during the month of May last. The work was printed at this Department under an arrangement made by the Government with Judge Johnston, by which they agreed to take a certain number of copies as an equivalent for the labour performed. In fulfilment of the terms of this agreement, the Government have been supplied with 219 bound copies of the work. The Appendix to the Journals of the House of Eepresentatives, for the first time in the history of the Colony, had to be published in two volumes, owing to the number and bulky character of the papers presented to Parliament during last Session. They contained 1,762 pages, showing an increase of 562 pages over the volume for the previous year. The various works printed at the Department during the year are enumerated in the subjoined table, specifying the size, and the number of pages of each. The list comprises nineteen publications in all, being four more than were given in my last Eeport, and is exclusive of the forms and other job ■work executed for the various Departments of the Government throughout the Colony.

LIST of "Works published at the Government Printing Department.

REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

Description of Work. Size. Number of Pages. Appendix to Journals, House of Representatives Statutes, 18G9 Journals, House of Representatives Order Paper (volume), House of Representatives Journals, Legislative Council Order Paper (volume), Legislative Council ... New Zealand Justice of the Peace (2nd Ed.) Hansard, 2 vols. Supplementary Catalogue, General Assembly Library ... New Zealand Gazette Kahiti (Maori Gazette) Statistics of New Zealand Colonial Museum and Laboratory Report Armed Constabulary Regulations Telegraph Regulations Government Insurance Regulations Post Office Regulations Extracts from the Merchant Shipping Acts ... Collection of Imperial Acts affecting the Constitution of Now Zealand Foolscap folio. II 1) II 9) ii ji >l 3> n ii Demy 8vo. Royal 8vo. ii ii Foolscap folio. 1,762 292 298 142 312 106 1,244 1,590 20 695 126 310 20 84 40 34 22 122 50 ii ii ii ii Royal 8vo. Foolscap 8vo. Demy 8vo. ii ii i> ii Royal 8vo. Demy 8vo. Among the more important publications issued from the Department during the yi iccupiea a conspicuous place, both on account of its size and the labour entailed upon ;ar, the Hansart ;ho Deparfcmen.1

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REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

in its production. Coming at a time when so much other printing is required, both for the Government and the Legislature, its production is attended with many inconveniences and drawbacks. These I have this Session endeavoured to overcome by the employment of a much larger staff of Compositors than heretofore; and, in order to afford accommodation for them in the present building, a Night Staff had to be organized, and another Sub-Overseer and Reader temporarily appointed. 1 have, however, found no reason to alter Ihe opinion I previously expressed respecting night-work. Not only as regards the health and convenience of the men, but also on the ground of economy, day-work is to be preferred to night-work wherever possible. With regard to the suggestion made to the Reporting Committee last year, that this work should be done on the " piece " system adopted on morning newspapers, I stated at the time that it would, in my opinion, neither diminish the expense of printing nor expedite the publication of the debates; and I have since been strengthened in that opinion by the experience of Victoria. The Commissioners appointed to report on the Printing Office lately recommended the Government Printer of that colony to apply that system to Hansard work, and in accordance with their wishes the system was introduced, but was, after a short trial, given up, and the work again performed on time. This makes the second trial the system has received in Victoria, the first being in connection with the printing of the Gazette, some years ago, and which also failed. "With regard to the circulation of Hansard, I may state that out of 1,000 copies published in weekly parts, about 700 copies are issued free of charge. This extensive free issue interferes greatly with their sale; still the amount realized from this source during the last twelve months was £112 15s. lid., being an increase over the previous year's receipts of £32 15s. I now propose briefly to refer to the Eeturns which will be found appended to this Report. The first table shows the amount of work performed during each month of the year, the value of the game, and the amount paid in wages during the said period ; to which a column is added showing the net receipts for the year. The total number of copies printed of all the forms, books, &c, issued from this Department, was 4,516,599, representing in value £11,133 19s. 2d. The amount paid in salaries during the year was £6,903 Is. 10d., being £327 less than was paid on this account during the previous year. The gross receipts from Gazette advertisements and the sale of Government documents more than realized my expectations. They were estimated last year at £1,000, whereas they have exceeded that amount by £42 14s. 2d. The revenue from the Gazette was estimated at from £450 to £500; it actually reached £520 11s. 4d., thus showing a very satisfactory increase over the previous year's receipts on this account of £331 7s. 3d. The passing of the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act Amendment Act of last year rendered it unnecessary any longer to advertise the applications for registration of Gold Mining Companies in the Gazette, and the receipts have in consequence of this change in the law been affected to the extent of from £250 to £300 during the past year. The following is a statement of the receipts for the past twelve months under the several heads specified •. — Amount. £ s. a. By Gazette Advertisements and Subscriptions ... ... ... ... ... 520 11 4 By sale of Mansards ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 112 15 11 By sale of Parliamentary Papers ... ... ... ... ... ... 74 9 3 By sale of Aels ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 257 3 8 By Miscellaneous Kcccipts ... ... ... ... ... ... 77 14 O £1,042 14 2 Less Commission ... ... ... ... ... 64 11 3 Paid into Bank to credit of Public Account ... ... ... ... ... £978 2 11 The Eeturns lettered C, D, and Edo not require any special notice in this Report. The number of Duty Stamps printed is considerably less than in previous years ; but this is attributable to a change in the law which renders the use of impressed stamps necessary where formerly adhesive stamps were permitted to be used. The quantity of paper consumed in the Department, as shown in Beturn E, exhibits an increase on several of the items, as compared with last year's return, while the total cost for the same is £124 14s. lOd. less. This is owing to the contract for the supply of printing papers being taken at a much lower rate than in previous years. Before concluding this Eeport, I beg to direct the attention of the Government to a want which is very much felt, especially during the Session, when so many extra hands are employed. The composing room occupied by the Hansard Staff is greatly overcrowded; and this overcrowding, combined with the unavoidable use of a large number of kerosene lamps, renders the atmosphere extremely unwholesome and injurious to health. In a room about 30 by 12, fourteen men have at present to work during the whole of the night, with nine kerosene lamps burning at the same time. This overcrowding cannot but to some extent impede the work, and interfere with the order and regularity of the establishment. I would therefore suggest that the composing room occupied by the Hansard Staff should be enlarged to at least double its present size, in order to afford the extra accommodation required.

REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

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The reading closets arc also inconveniently small, and in too close proximity to each other. The work of reading requires the undivided attention of the Readers to enable them to perform their duties properly; and it is therefore desirable that their attention should not be distracted by the sound of each other's voices, or by the noises which proceed from the adjoining rooms. Three other rooms are also very much required: one for the purpose of a store in which to keep the surplus stock of type and material when not required for use —the stock at present being scattered about the office in several places, as well as in the Stationery Store. Another room is required for a publishing office, in which to pack up and address all parcels for delivery to the Government Building* or to the Post Office. This work is performed in one of the reading closets at present, much to the inconvenience of both the Reader and the publishing Clerk. The third room is required for carrying on! the work of stereotyping. This useful auxiliary to a printing office has not yet been made available/ although the necessary apparatus was procured some time ago. The reasons which have prevented ita: being used up to the present time have been the want of a convenient room, and the difficulty of procuring the services of a skilled Stereotyper. I have however caused inquiries to be made in Melbourne, and have lately heard of a man whose services will probably be available as soon as the requisite accomodation is provided. Some small additions were made to the building last year, which were absolutely necessary ; but to render the printing office thoroughly efficient, and prepared to meet the heavy demands which are made upon it during the Sessions of the Assembly, extensive alterations will be required in the direction above indicated. With more extensive premises, more material and machinery will also be required. But I think the increased facilities for the economical and efficient execution of work would speedily recoup the outlay incurred; and I trust therefore the Government will approve of the suggestions contained herein, and give instructions to the Colonial Architect to inspect the building, and. report on the best means of giving effect to the same. A Lithographic Branch in connection with the Government Printing Department was established in the beginning of the year 1867, and the services of a Lithographer engaged. The limited nature of the plant has of lato proved unequal to the heavy demands made upon it by the various Departments ; and although the services of an extra pressman have been temporarily engaged, and several additions made to the plant, the large amount of work required has necessitated a portion of it being done elsewhere. The establishment of a Lithographic Branch may be regarded as a valuable acquisition to the Public Service; and now that its usefulness is so generally recognized and appreciated, it is very desirable that some steps should be taken to place it on a more efficient footing, not only as regards plant and appliances, but also by supplying a want which has frequently been experienced, namely, the services of a first-class Lithographic Draughtsman. The work done by the Department has been of a varied and useful character, and it is gratifying to learn that competent judges have borne frequent testimony to the general excellence and skill displayed in its production. It may be classed under the following heads—Treasury Bills, Cheques, Autograph Circulars, Maps, Plans, Sections, Charts, Geological Maps, Maori Genealogical Tables, Diagrams illustrating Military Operations, Botanical, Architectural, Marine, Telegraph, and various scientific subjects. I subjoin a brief summary of the work that has been executed by the Lithographic Branch during the past financial year, at a cost to the Government (exclusive of paper) of about £400. A portion of the work having been, printed in colours, rendered two or more printings necessary in some cases: —• Treasury Bills ... ... ... 3, representing 2,060 copies. Autograph Circular* ... ... ... 288, „ 9,386 „ Maps, Plans, Charts, Returns, and Diagrams of various subjects ... ... ... 76, „ 64,195 „ Franking blank forms ... ... ... ... 3,703 „ Savings Bank forms ... ... ... ... 17,350 „ Cheques, Deposit and Disbursement Account ... ... 77,500 „ I have, &c, Geoeqe DrosBTrET, Government Printer. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington:

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Table A. RETURN showing the Quantity and Value of Work executed in the Government Printing Department; also, the Amount paid as Salaries, and the net Amount of Receipts by the Government Printer, for the Financial Tear ended 30th June, 1870.

Table B. RETURN showing the Amount of Work executed for the several Departments during the Financial Year ended 30th June, 1870.

Table C. TABLE showing the Number of Men employed during each Month throughout the Tear 18G9-7O (exclusive of the Government Printer).

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REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

Month. Number of Pages. Number of Copies Printed. Value of Work. Amount of Salaries paid (including Overtime). Amount of Receipts by Government PriiS5;r ■from Sale of Documents, &c. July 1869 j August „ September „ October ,, November „ ■ December ,, ... ... January 1870 February „ ..... March „ : April „ May „ June ,, ■< Alterations and Corrections during the year (exclusive of Hansard), 1,7C9 hours j 1,202 1,399 821 881 G37 786 653 483 514 749 629 1,478 294,077 112,090 314,684 294,269 587,038 356,004 101,216 224,718 799,635 260,123 252,315 859,830 £ s. d. 1,222 6 2 1,330 1 0 873 18 10 876 16 6 950 18 6 814 3 6 599 4 0 447 8 6 891 14 0 632 13 0 589 1 6 1,758 5 4 £ 3. d. 872 1 0 1,005 10 4 764 16 6 452 6 8 419 6 8 361. 16 8 356 6 8 340 3 4 401 11 0 528 0 0 543 5 4 884 17 8 £ s. d. 150 14 0 181 0 2 139 13 2 76 18 4 49 0 4 41 12 1 48 16 5 77 18 2 24 17 3 18 8 2 25 19 10 140 5 0 147 8 4 Totals ... 10,232 4,510,599 11,133 19 2 6,963 1 10 978 2 11

Defaetment. Humber of Pages. Number of Copies Printed. Value of Work. House of BepresentatiTes Legislative Council Colonial Secretary Treasury Audit Rcgi strar - Gen oral Crown Lands Stamp Printing Geological Judicial Postal Telegraph Marine Engineer Customs Native Colonial Defence Miscellaneous ... '.,. Corrections and Alterations 4,759 452 827 284 9 248 52 98 31 66 1,455 373 119 38 210 211 355 64,5 671,725 24,000 241,12-:!, 311,712 4,100 85,376 27,032 136,178 20,570 6,220 358,195 550,825 1,627,958 5,750 101,427 45,0C2 134,950 164,446 £ s. d. 4,618 10 6 435 2 6 892 7 6 440 2 G 8 8 0 290 11 0 62 14 6 159 5 0 30 2 6 40 8 6 937 15 0 587 3 6. 1,274 0 0 19 13 0 199 14 0 236 0 0 319 4 0 435 8 10 147 8 4 Amount paid as Wages during the Tear 10,232 4,510,599 11,133 19 2 G,963 1 10

Month. Overseers. Readers. Compositors. Pressmen. Machinist, Engineer. Apprentices, Machine and Errand Boys. Totals. July 1869 ... August „ ... September „ October „ November „ December „ January 1870 ... February „ March ,, April „ ... May „ June „ 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 28 28 28 20 20 14 14 14 20 20 20 34 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 14. 47 47 47 39 38 31 31 31 37 :i1 37 5U

REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

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Table D. RETURN of Duties Stamps issued from the Government Printing Department during the Year ended 30th June, 1870.

Table E. RETURN showing the Quantity of Paper consumed in the Government Printing Office, together with the Cost of the same, for the Year ended 30th June, 1870.

Denomination. X umber of Stamps. Value. One Penny Sixpence One Shilling ... Two Shillings ... 753,800 15,000 75,400 24,900 £ b. A. 3,139 16 8 375 0 0 3,770 0 0 ' 2,490 0 0 Totals 869,100 9,774 16 8

Amount. Reams. Description of Paper. Eate per Ream. 1,896 297 270 498 105 38 248 27 81 7 5 6 7 10 7 290 1,420 Yellow wove Foolscap „ „ Royal „ „ Demy Blue wove Double Foolscap ... Blue laid Demy „ „ Foolscap Creara laid Foolscap „ ,. ., (faint) ... „ „ Large Post Hand-made Imperial » ,, Demy „ „ Medium „ „ Super Royal Double Demy Cartridge Sheets Parchment, 28 x 32, each „ „ 18 x 27, each £ s. d. 0 15 1 0 15 1 0 10 6 0 19 2k 0 18 9i 0 15 10 0 11 11 0 16 8 0 16 1 3 18 4 1 15 5 2 8 2 3 16 6 0 19 10 1 15 5 0 2 8 0 1 31 £ b. d. 1,429 18 0 223 19 9 141 15 0 477 15 4i 98 10 11} 30 1 8 147 15 4 22 10 0 65 2 9 27 8 4 8 17 1 14 9 0 26 15 6 9 18 4 12 7 11 38 13 4 91 14 2 2,867 12 5J