PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1917.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1917 Session I, H-36

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1917. NEW ZEALAND.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1917.

Laid on the, Table, of the, House, of Representatives by Leave.

Str, — Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, 9th June, 1.917. I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1917. The tables accompanying the report show the nature, extent, and result of the year's operations. By the balance-sheet it will be seen that the profits upon the year's transactions have been £6,992 Os. 2d., after allowing for depreciation on plant and buildings (£2,625 Os. 3d.). Hansard.- —The number of copies printed during the session 1916 was 8,250, the number of ■ subscribers 142, and the amount received £31 6s. Gazette. —The number printed was 1,690, the number of subscribers 195, and the amount received £309 15s. The amount received in payment of advertisements was £631 9s. 3d. Stamp-printing. —The number of sheets of stamps of various values printed was 1,362,722, the number of stamps 193,723,306, and the value of these stamps £1,892,673 3s. Id. The number and value include impressed stamps. Stereo and Electro Plates. —The number of stereo plates cast during the year was 23,491, the weight being 22,915 lb. The number of electrotypes was 5,816, and the weight 1,549 lb. Railway Tickets.—The number of railway tickets printed was 8,627,548. The largest number was printed in the month of May (1,018,125). Rubber Stamps. —The number of rubber stamps made was 6,401. Work of the Branches. —The year has been a very busy one in all branches, and the machine-room is still working two shifts to enable them to keep pace with the rush of work. Overtime. —Our staff has been considerably drawn upon by ballots and enlistments, which has necessitated the working of a considerable amount of overtime to keep the work under. As the staff is likely to be still further reduced from these causes, it is probable that there will be no alteration in this respect for some time. The work has increased rather than decreased since the outbreak of war, and as a consequence of this and the call upon our men it is necessary to work extra hours. Overtime, however, is being kept down to a minimum. Military Ballots. —The printing and publishing of the military ballots every four weeks has been a great strain on the establishment, and lias necessitated many extra hours being worked by the staff. Each of the last two lists contained from sixty to seventy pages of closely printed matter, and, as over eight thousand copies are struck off, the consumption of paper has been very considerable. Storage Accommodation. —Since my last report (due to the alterations going on in connection with the new wing) the matter of storage has been giving more trouble than ever ; but the alterations now taking place, by which the old machine-room and its basement are to be converted into paper-stores, should, when completed, entirely relieve this unsatisfactory position. When the work is finished our capacity for paper and stationery storage will be greater and more convenient than it has ever been. Paper and Stationery.- —The cost of paper is still advancing, and some lines are 300 per cent, dearer than pre-war prices. The enhanced charges are not the only difficulty : the possibility of a stoppage of supplies has to be faced. The English Royal Commission on Paper has reduced the allowance of raw products to be imported into Britain to 50 per cent, of that imported for the year 1914, which limits the exports to the same percentage. The shortage of raw materials and the use of the factories for munition purposes must necessarily have an effect upon supplies at this end. The problem of getting ships to carry the goods intensifies the trouble.

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Bearing in mind the difficulty of obtaining stocks of paper and stationery, it is necessary that the greatest care be exercised by all Departments in ordering printing and stationery, and the work of each Department should be carefully reviewed by' its head, so that there may be no over-ordering. No order should be given for more than twelve months' supplies. The sizes of forms should be cut down to a minimum consistent with usefulness, which will result in a valuable saving of paper. Envelopes and paste-boards are more difficult than ever to obtain. Last'year the position was bad in this respect, but it is still worse to-day, and is not likely to improve for some time. The English Royal Commission on Paper made a strong appeal to the public on the question of the necessity for economy in paper, and I quote the last paragraph of their appeal : " The Commission hope that all classes of the community will, in the national interest, do whatever may be possible to minimize the grave inconvenience which must follow the necessary interference with the paper trade of the country." Since this appeal was made the position has become still more acute. Departmental Reports.-- --The condensation of the departmental reports has resulted in a large saving of paper, and this condensation should continue till the paper market grows easier. Statistical tubulated statements should not be printed with reports unless absolutely necessary. Accommodation- -The new building is now complete, and when the maximum advantage is taken of the extra accommodation afforded a great improvement will take place by reason of the better facilities available for dealing with the work. A rearrangement of the office is being carried out so that the best economic use may be made of the extra accommodation. Those branches that are associated are being brought closer to one another, which should result in economy and efficiency. When the work is completed the advantage gained will more than repay the amount expended. The machine printing-room has long been unfitted for its purpose, and advantage was taken as soon as possible to move the machines to the new building. So that the work of the office need not be interrupted this was effected gradually'—only one machine being out of action at a time. Twelve printing-machines have been moved, and have been changed from steam to electric power. This work has been carried out by our own staff of engineers and assistants. Our new machine printing-rooms are well lighted, and the conditions of work ideal ; I do not know,, and cannot conceive, better machine printing-rooms in the southern hemisphere. Machinery.- —Since my last report a rotary printing-machine has been ordered from Home, which will be far in advance of any machine at present in the Department. It will print from reel or from the flat, and deliver either folded or in flat sheets. It will be a great advantage for printing Hansard, Railway Time-table, Agricultural Journal, and other publications of which big numbers are run. Four new monotype casters have been added to our plant, and when set up in their new quarters will be a great acquisition. When these casters are in working-order we should be able to keep pace with demands without the necessity of working two shifts. A Monometer furnace for melting metal into ingots for the casters and linotypes has also been added to our plant. The operating-power for the printing machinery has been changed from steam to electricity, and this alteration is being made in all branches of the establishment. Seventeen electric motors were obtained from the Electric Motors (Limited), Manchester, of which thirteen are already working ; the balance are being put into operation as the various moves are effected. We have on order an up-to-date disc ruling-machine and an additional perforator, and these are expected to arrive any day. Sixteen combined frame and case cabinets were manufactured by the Public Works Department for the jobbing-room during the year. These cabinets (which reflect credit on the Government workshops) are capable of holding nearly a thousand cases, and will, I am confident, prove to be of great value to the Department from the point of view of saving labour. Further labour-saving machinery should be acquired, though I do not propose to recommend other than urgently needed machinery till the war is closed. The question of new binding machinery must, however, be faced in the near future. It is poor policy to work with antiquated and expensive machinery when up-to-date labour-saving devices can be secured. The Staff. —Again I have pleasure in testifying to the valuable services rendered by all those in responsible positions in the Department. The staff has had a strenuous year, and has worked exceedingly well. I have, &c, Marcus F. Marks, lion. Mr. Russell, Minister in Charge. Government Printer.

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PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT. Balance-sheet at 31st March, 1917. Dr. Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. d. Or. Assets. £ s. d. £ c. dTo Capital Account .. .. 99,263 0 5 By Buildings . . .. .. 38,365.14 9 Sundry creditors .. i. 10,068 2 11 Less depreciation '.. 789.16 3 Consolidated Fund Account 12,00116 5 £ s. d.. 37,575 18 6 — 121,832 19 8 Plant—Printing .. 12,304 2 7 Profit and Loss Account (balance to credit of) 6,992 0 2 Less depreciation. . 721 5 6 .11,582 17 1 Plant—Binding .. 3,043 12 8 Less depreciation.. 226 11 6 2,817 1 2 P1 an t — Lithogra- 1,698 9 7 graphic, &o. . Less depreciation.. 126 19 6 1,571 10 I Plant —Engine-room 775 13 3 Less depreciation. . 77100 698 3 3 16,669 11 7 Type .. .. .. 8,665 14 0 Loss depreciation. . .. 645 7 6 8,020 6 6 Furniture .. . . 515 14 2 Less depreciation. . .. 37 10 0 478 4 2 Sundry debtors . . . . . . . . 663 3 9 Suspense Account . . .. .. .. 1,430 2 1 Stock in hamd .. .. .. .. 47,487 13 3 £128,324 19 10 £128,324 19 10 Profit and Loss Account for Year ended 31st March, 1.917. Dr. £ s. d. £ s. d. Or. £ s, d. £ s. d. To Lighting and water. . .. 1,058 1 11 By Manufacturing Account .. .. 1.3,718 11 I Repairs and maintenance .. 1,645 15 0 Stationery Trading Account .. 3,503 16 8 Salaries .. .. . . 3,384 19 9 Publishing Account .. .. 1,132 8 6 Office expenses .. .. 242 0 3 18,354 16 3 Disoount .. . . . . 52 0 3 Freight . . . . . . 768 10 0 Postages ... .. .. 982 14 6 Medical expenses .. .. 131 18 4 Insurance . . . . . . 471 15 10 Depreciation Account .. 2,625 0 3 11,362 16 1 Balance—Profit for year .. .. 6,992 0 2 £18,354 16 3 16 3 Wellington, Bth June, 1917. B. B. Allen, Accountant.

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Return of Printing and Stationery issued to Departments for the Year ending 31st March, 1917.

Printing. Stationery. I Advertising Department Agricultural Department Agricultural Journal Audit Office Bacteriological Laboratory Bankruptcy Department Cambridge Sanatorium . Cook Islands Administration Crown Law Office Customs Department Defence ,, Units ,, Discharged Soldiers' Information ,, Military Service Boards ,, N.Z. Munitions and Supplies . . ,, Recruiting Boards Education—Head Office ,, Examination Branch ,, School Journal ,, Teachers' Superannuation Fund Electoral Department Friendly Societies £ s. d. 46 16 6 I .662 10 5 3,665 8 9 108 16 0 2 17 0 64 17 0 18 16 0 165 13 6 215 9 6 700 15 4 15,642 0 10 £ s. d. 17 19 3 878 .14 11 0 17 9 •64 16 3 24 19 3 31 16 7 8 14 6 0 .13 9 30 16 0 531 1 8 9,295 11 8 25 9 8 56 8 5 91 9 8 103 8 10 53 19 2 622 1 10 13 .16 1 0 5 6 1 5 0 II 19 I 0 1 9 3 0 II Gazette „ Extracts General Accounts for Departments General Assembly—Bills ,, Hansard ,, Joint Account ,, Statutes Geological Survey Government Accident Insurance Government Life Insurance Government House Government Statistician Hector Observatory Hospitals and Charitable Aid House of Representatives—Appendix . . ,, Journals . . ,, Miscellaneous ,, Order Paper Immigration Imperial Government Supplies Internal Affairs ,, Ministers' Office 92 14 0 31 2 9 266 9 9 2,491 17 10 I ,548 5 7 963 18 8 3.149 0 7 44: I. 6 204 1. 6 143 3 0 7.673 17 3 26 14 6 122 8 0 497 3 6 3,640 18 0 909 3 9 I,861 17 0 422 1 6 108 0 8 I .224 10 1 159 12 3 5,156 14 4 5 13 0 100 .12 6 4,003 4 6 209 3 0 234 17 10 427 13 0 3 10 0 120 19 0 I ,154 12 0 265 5 1 I.072 14 6 1.923 5 3 I.786 9 0 685 16 9 705 5 5 6 11 5 3.341 12 4 85 2 0 14 4 6 66 11 6 I ,291 7 3 61. 16 0 308 0 5 3344 1 7 131 4 9 368 6 10 566 15 3 583 19 3 1,058 19 6 2,368 3 3 3,726 19 0 15,524 13 9 79 6 6 0 4 0 65 7 1 12 9 2 206 7 7 44 0 4 496 11 8 16 0 10 7 I 8 83 8 10 10 7 6 128 15 9 586 9 0 216 13 I 860 12 6 Justice Kahili Labour Department .. Land and Deeds Department Land and Income Tax Department Lands for Settlements Lands and Survey Legislative Council—Journals ,, Miscellaneous ,, Order Paper Marine Department Meterologieal Department Mental Hospitals Mines Department Museum Department National Provident Fund Native Department Pensions Department Patents Department Police Department Post and Telegraph—Head Office ,, Controller of Stores Prime Ministers' Office 305 1 8 239 15 10 335 0 3 6 1.3 1. 1.211 12 9 0 11 6 183 7 6 6 17 3 161 .1 2 10.1 0 6 30 15 9 130 7 9 259 0 0 1.15 3 6 24 14 8 679 10 0 50 8 5 443 17 8 29 8 11

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Return of Printing and Stationery issued to Departments for the Year ended 31st March, 1917 — continued.

Printing. Stationery. Prisons Department Public Health Department Public Service Commissioner . . ,, Stores Tender Board ,, Superannuation Board .. Public Trust Office .. Public Works Department Railways- -Head Office . . ' ,, Accountant . . . . ,, Day tickets ,, Chief Engineer ,, Mechanical Engineer ,, Stationery Clerk . . ,, Stores Manager ,, Stores, Petone „ Ticket-printer ,, Time-table Chief Traffic Manager Registrar-General Royal Naval Auxiliary Patrol Stamp Department State-guaranteed Advances State Coal—Head Office ,, Christchurch Depot ,, Dunedin ,, Greymouth ,, Wanganui ,, Wellington State Fire Insurance Tourist Department Treasury Department Valuation Department. £ B. d. 194 18 0 890 13 2 136 L6 1 74 19 0 90 6 0 2.235 II 10 1,038 19 2 1 .063 6 3 68 13 3 769 19 4 1 18 6 37 6 0 9.236 14 5 2 15 0 26 8 9 994. 10 0 1,444 11 2 177 2 0 755 4 0 19 2 0 489 L 9 393 17 7 9 18 6 6 s. d. 146 II II 242 15 8 159 1 2 0 16 9 14 15 I 902' 13 7 1,207 18 6 18 7 II 10 3 11 0 3 LI 91 1 4 16 1.0 9 155 5 10 5 7 10 356 16 9 48 13 4 1 14 0 3 10 0 2 0 6 IL 9 5 2 II 0 32 1 7 295 1 9 88 5 11 205 2 1 247 17 4 35 4 8 14 6 3 16 0 0 504 5 4 222 4 0 1,691 14 7 282 0 6 Totals 118,567 0 1 23,185 4 7 Summary. 1916- -April May June July August September October November December 1917 —January February March 5,590 3 11 10.005 8 4 9.769 7 0 9,887 6 7 10,764 8 0 10,201. 10 4 9,939 0 6 8,916 19 9 9,610 13 8 7,21.9 L4 9 10,831 10 I 1.5.830 17 2 689 1.8 7 2,026 0 2 2,033 15 6 1,642 7 5 1,978 13 7 .1,66.1. 4 2 1,804. 1 9 2,709 1 8 2,359 5 0 1,552 2 10 1,794 15 0 3,057 0 I Totals Less by Ret .urns-book 11.8,567 0 1 23,308 5 9 123 1 2 118,567 0 1 23,185 I 7

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Return of Adhesive and Impressed Stamps printed from 1st April, 1916, to 31st March, 1917.

Approximate Cotit of Paper. —Preparation, not j, f ivun; printing (70u oopies), £-1 15a.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. —1917.

Price 6d.\

1 Description. Sheets. Stamps. Value. I Postage Duty Railway Postal notes Letter-cards Post-cards 819,215 6,706 3,500 230,370 167,004 72,000 62,927 1,000 171,559,584 803,360 420,000 2,363,700 1,503,038 1,152,000 502,922 1,000 15,417,702 £ s. d. 1,123,693 19 0 614,765 0 0 1,250 0 0 10,274 14 10|9,230 12 3" 4,727 2 10 I,142 4 0 6 4 4| 127,583 5 9 Newspaper wrappers Embossed envelopes Impressed stamps Totals 1,362,722 193,723,306 1,892,673 3 1