H.—32

2

back as 1556, are of considerable historical interest, and many are of high value from a typographical point of view. All are in good order as regards the letterpress, but a fifth of them need rebinding. I do not, however, propose to recommend this rebinding until such time as it will be possible to have a special case made for the collection, the proper housing and display of which would no doubt act as an incentive to the donation of other valuable collections. The Chevalier Pictures. Last year, by resolution of the Library Committee, I was charged with the cataloguing of the pictures and drawings known as the Chevalier Collection, now hung in the Joint Committee-room. Printed labels identifying the subjects of the pictures have been placed on the frames, and a more detailed description of the pictures is now being printed in catalogue form. The catalogue should be ready for distribution to members very shortly. Miscellaneous. Copies of the Library rules, with lists of persons, the full and sessional privilege-lists have been circulated. Selections of old or little-used novels have been made and placed from time to time on the troopships. Altogether some two thousand books have been donated for patriotic purposes. The last selection made was of 163 volumes which were placed on board the troopship " Willochra," the ship's library having been destroyed in connection with the outbreak of smallpox on that vessel. The number of works dealing with New Zealand history, topography, &c, stored in the two cases in the lobby outside the main reading-room is now so great that the cases are inconveniently crowded. A new case is required immediately. I have applied to the Public Works Department to supply the same. The issue of monthly accession lists of new books has been continued, and have been, I think, of considerable service to members. During the recess, upon instructions from the Minister of Public Health, the Hon. G. W. Russell, M.P., I selected and purchased £50 worth of books to form the nucleus of a library for the King George V Hospital for soldiers at Rotorua. The books were entered in a register, catalogued and labelled, and prepared for issue, the necessary ledgers and circulation cards, with full instructions for the working of a lending-system, being also supplied. I have recently been engaged in forming a similar library for the Hanmer Hospital. I have to tender my thanks to the Chairman of the Joint Library Committee, G. J. Anderson, Esq., M.P., and to the Chairman of the Recess Library Committee, the Hon. Sir William HallJones, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., each of whom has been unsparing of time and trouble in his control of Library matters during the year, also to the High Commissioner and his staff for the promptness of his and their attention to such Library business as is transacted in London. The Library orders for books and periodicals purchased in London have, as usual, received every attention from Messrs. Sotheran and Co. and Messrs. Street and Co. Library Account. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1916, with, a copy of the Auditor's certificate. I have, &c, Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

APPENDIX. • Balance-sheet for the Year ended 3.1st March, 1916. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. March 31, 1915, balance forward .. 581 9 6 Books and periodicals purchased in Annual grant .. .. .. 600 0 0 Great Britain .. .. .. 242 19 8 Private Bill fees .. .. .. 50 0 0 Books purchased in New Zealand . . 238 1 4 Stamp imprest refund .. .. 15 0 0 American periodicals .. .. 13 6 6 Extra newspapers and advertising .. 11 0 0 Books bought at auction .. .. 7 0 0 Sundry small accounts .. .. 3 11 0 Pire insurance .. .. .. 18 0 0 Stamp imprest .. .. .. 15 0 0 Cheque-book .. .. .. 0 6 0 Balance at bank .. .. .. 700 3 0 £1,249 9 6 £1,249 9 6 Copy of Auditor's Certificate. Account to the 31st March, 1916, has been examined and found correct, and the balance shown is found to coincide with the bank pass-book. R. J. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General. Note.—The balance shown at the end of the financial year (£700 3s.) will probably be exhausted in meeting current accounts and commitments before the receipt of this year's grant. Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (750 copies), £2.

By Authority : Mabcus F. Mabks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l6.

Price 3d.]