3

H.—32

cations, which are not very frequently consulted, to the basement. This would give us much more room for the shelving of works more frequently in demand. I propose to ask the Public Works Department to carry out some considerable additions to the shelf-space in the basement. Were this done the space difficulty would be postponed for three or four years to come. In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to the High Commissioner and his staff for their careful attention to my numerous requests during the year; to our London agents, Messrs. Sotheran and Co. and Messrs. Street and Co. for their promptness in executing the orders which have been sent to them; to the various members of the Library staff, whose work during the recess has been considerably increased by reason of the larger number of privilege-holders; and, finally, to the Chairman of the Recess Committee, Mr. W. Fraser, M.P., who has been unsparing in his attention to the general supervision of the Library-management. Library Accounts. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1909, with a copy of the auditor's certificate. I have, &c, Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian. i APPENDIX. Balance-sheet for the Yeak ending 31st March, 1909. 1908-9. Receipts. £ a. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance brought forward, 31st Maroh, 1908.. 462 6 6 Purchase of books and periodicals in London, Treasury grant .. .. .. .. 600 0 0 freight, and marine insurance .. .. 383 6 5 Stamp imprest refund .. .. .. 15 0 0 Purchase of American periodicals .. .. 26 10 8 Purchase of books looally .. .. .. 340 5 6 Stamp imprest .. .. .. 15 0 0 Insurance .. .. .. 18 0 0 Cheque-book .. .. .. .. 0 5 0 Advertising and extra papers .. .. 8 4 2 Other small accounts .. .. .. 914 4 Balance in Bank of New Zealand, 31st Maroh, 1909 .. .. .. .. .. 276 0 5 £1,077 6 6 £1,077 6 6 Copy op Auditor's Certificate. Account to the 31st March, 1909, has been examined and found correct, and the balance as shown is found to coincide with the bank pass-book. J. K. Warburton, Controller and Auditor-General. Note.—The balance shown ac the end of financial year (£276 os. 5d.) will be entirely exhausted (in meeting accounts current) before the receipt of this year's grant. Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £2 19b.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—1909.

Price 3d.]