H.—32

These figures show that during the period intervening between 1913 and 191.8 77 volumes have been recovered. It should be noted that during the same period 706 volumes have been added to the above classes—Class 910 (Voyages and Travels), 401 ; and Class 920 (Biography), 305. The Library Annexe. For some years past, under the head of " The Space Problem," attention has been drawn in the Library reports to the necessity for the provision of increased shelving-accommodation. it is with satisfaction that 1 chronicle the fact that the space difficulty is in course of being removed by the occupation as a Library Annexe of the rooms previously occupied by the Valuation Department. Communication with these rooms has been provided by a staircase leading from the top stack-room. A certain amount of shelving has been erected, and already a number of volumes, not in common use, have been transferred from the Library basement. During the next recess 1 hope to transfer several thousand more volumes to the Annexe, a portion of which has been temporarily lent to the Pay Branch of the Defence Department. Tables and chairs have been placed in the Annexe, which has been equipped with telephone communication, and is already being used as a spare writing-room. Next year, when the Pay Branch vacates the second portion of the Annexe, I hope to provide accommodation for members to receive persons with whom they may have business to transact, and that in other ways a certain amount of the space not occupied with shelving may be available for the accommodation of members. Portraits. During the year there have been hung on the Library walls photographic portraits of the late Hon. Dr. Robert McNab, M.P., James Macandrew. M.H.E., and E. T. Conolly, M.H.R. A brief record of the parliamentary services of each gentleman is inscribed below the portraits, which are uniformly and suitably framed. Miscellaneous. Copies of the Library Rules, with lists of persons on the full sessional privilege list, have been circulated. The issue of monthly lists of new accessions to the Library has been continued. The Library order for books and periodicals purchased in London have, as usual, received due attention from Messrs. Sotheran and Co. and Messrs. Street and Co. 1 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, Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., for the attention each has paid to Library matters during the year; also to the High Commissioner and his staff for the promptness and care displayed in connection with Library business in London. Library Accounts. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1918, with a copy of the Auditor's certificate. I have, &c Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

APPENDIX. Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st March, 1918. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. 31st March, 1917, balance brought forward 746 911 Books and periodicals purchased in Great Treasury, annual grant.. .. .. 000 0 0 Britain .. .. .. .. 242 210 Private Bill fees .. .. .. 25 0 0 Books, &c, purchased in New Zealand .. 241 18 9 American periodicals .. .. .. 14 2 7 Portraits ' .. .. .. .. 15 15 0 Sundry small accounts and petty cash .. 516 0 Fire insurance .. .. .. .. 18 0 0 (Jheque-book .. .. .. .. 010 0 Balance at Bank of New Zealand, 31st March, 191.8.. .. .. .. 833 4 9 £1,371 911 £1,371 911 Examined and found correct. —Robert J. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General. Note. —A large portion of the unexpended balance at close of financial year ended 31st March, 1918, will, I expect, have been expended (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), £2 108.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lB.

Price 3d ]

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