11

H.—2o,

The machine-room is commodious; the machines are well arranged, and are all worked from one shaft. A valuable addition has recently been made to this branch of the establishment, by the introduction of several new printing machines. They are of the most approved construction; run very smoothly, and produce fair average work. These machines will greatly increase the power of production of the office, and enable the Printer to turn out a very large amount of work. The machines were all at work when I saw them; and the condition in which they are kept is very creditable to the workmen. The majority of the presses were also at work. They are all well worn, but the pressmen produce very good work from them. The Stereotyping branch which has been added to the establishment, is found to be most useful in taking stereos of standing matter, forms, coats-of-arms, &c., and as many copies can be taken as is desired. The process insures correctness, relieves the letter, and is a great saving to the Government. The Bookbinding branch has also been added to the printing establishment, and the necessary machinery has been introduced for the use of the binder. The various machines (i.e. pressing, folding, and cutting) appeared to be all in good working order; and the facilities they afford for the production of work are very considerable. The presses in the Lithographic branch are in good order, the stones of excellent quality, and the work produced first class. The Stamp branch appears to have everything necessary to facilitate the workmen. The presses are made extra strong, to sustain the great pressure required to print from the plates. The perforating machines are large and powerful; and the drying closet, which is heated with gas, is all that can be desired to dry the gum on the stamps with rapidity. Altogether, the office appeared to me to be well conducted, the several branches to have all the necessary convenience for performing their work with efficiency and despatch, and the work produced to be excellent. The inventory gives the prices of the various articles contained in the establishment. The total estimated value of the plant and machinery I consider to be £5,308 os. 7d. I have, &c, C. Knight, Esq., Auditor-General. Thos. McKenzie.

B. LIST of PRICES paid for PRINTING BALLOT PAPERS in the respective Provinces.

Province or Town. Number Printed. Size of Page. Number of Pages. Amount Paid. Government Printing Office Scale. Voucher No. .uckland felson [okitika rreymouth Canterbury 7,050 3,100 4,500 4,200 1,500 200 500 500 500 700 1,800 Pep. 4to. >» j» ?> » 10 4 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 £ s. 11 3 9 6 *11 5 4 10 3 5 0 14 1 5 1 0 1 0 1 10 5 10 d. 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. 8 16 3 9 2 3 19 9 3 5 11 1 13 4 0 9 0 0 13 0 0 13 0 0 13 0 12 0 1 13 6 5,805-71 9,450-71 12,875-71 6,764-71 6,494-71 6,495-71 12,972-71 5,701-71 71-71 5,703-71 July 30-73 „ ttago >» jj „ ... « 3) ... „ Invercargill „ Wakatip >) iJ )J 24,550 27 50 8 8 25 13 2 * This amount orij finally stooi I as £17, but; E5 15s. was st ;ruck off the acec runt before payment. —Prii se of paper (di ruble foolscap' ), 15s. 9d. per rei cm. By 1 .uthority: G: roEGCJ DlDSBUBTj Government Printer, Wellington.—1874. Price 9d.]