H.—2o.

9

broken up, has to be re-set; long papers are printed, and only three or four copies pulled. Small numbers of circulars are printed, which it would be much more economical to lithograph. When a small number of copies of any lengthy document are required, and it is not absolutely necessary that they should be printed, it would be found to be a considerable saving if the copying were done, as it might be, at 3d. a folio. The issue of Parliamentary papers, free and otherwise, in New Zealand is very large—l,3so copies being printed, bound, and stitched. In Victoria the number varies from 750 to 950; and in New South Wales it is believed to be somewhat lower than in Victoria. With these remarks, I have the honor to conclude my report. J. G. Anderson, The Auditor-General. Chief Clerk, Audit Office.

PROFIT and LOSS ACCOUNT of the GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, for 18 Months, to 31ST DECEMBER, 1873.

'llE !OLONY OT [EW iEALAND ON .CCO' WT OF THE -OVEBNMENT 'einti: IFMCB. De. 'o value of work done, viz.,— Printing Binding Lithographing Photo-lithography Electrotyping dies Stamp Printing £ s. d. 24,674 5 7 976 18 8 996 15 5 1,509 16 8 67 10 0 1,629 1 0 Cb. By Stock, as taken 30th June, 1872 Cost of additions to stock during 18 months to 31st December, 1873 CoBt of paper, supplied from Government Store, per Storekeeper's account and Treasury account 7 per cent, to cover freight on ditto Cost of stamp paper issued by Colonial Secretary Cash paid for salaries, overtime, &c, per Treasury account Ditto, working expenses Ground rent Eent of portion of Government Store occupied with printing materials, say Proportion of expenses in connection with Store Interest on value of permanent plant, 18 months Value of ink consumed in printing stamps Profit and loss ... £ s. d. 3,828 4 4 4,408 10 8 5,407 13 3 378 10 8 135 5 0 16,798 11 2 628 11 8 157 10 0 I 30 0 0 50 0 0 452 8 8 i 91 10 0 5,267 16 8 Balance 7,780 4 9 £37,634 12 1 £37,634 12 1 Balance £7,780 4 9 2.—Stock Accom t, Buildings, &c. To value of buildings and stock, as taken 30th June, 1872 ♦Cost of additions to permanent plant, &c, to 31st December, 1873 £ s. d. 3,828 4 4 4,408 10 8 £8,236 15 0 By Talue of stock, &c, as taken 31st Decern- £ s. d. ber, 1873, per inventory 7,780 4 9 Depreciation carried to Profit and Loss 456 10 3 £8,236 15 0 To value of stock, &c, aa per inventory, brought down £7,780 4 9 'Printing materials Permanent alterations to Buildings, gas fittings Stamp materials ... *- Printing machinery Type, printing furniture, &e. Stereo and electro materials Photographic ditto ditto £332 12 2 1,739 3 7 37 0 4 656 18 0 1,166 13 10 25 5 9 298 14 9 152 2 3 [Note. —The above Bbows a depreciation of about £5 10s. 8d. per cent.; the actual depreciation is, however, between 6 and 7 per cent., a large number of valuable dies for postage Btamps haying been manufactured on the premises.] £4,408 10 8 3.—WOBKING EXPENSES ACCOUNT. To coals and firewood Repairs to engine, boiler, and machinery Oil cotton waste, &c. Gas £ s. d. 205 3 4 By transfer to Profit and Loss 120 6 6 41 5 3 261 16 7 £628 11 8 £ s. d. 628 11 8 £628 11 8 2—H. 20.