11—36

1929. NEW ZEALAND.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1929.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sir, — Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, 31st July, 1929. I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1929. The tables accompanying the report show the nature, extent, and result of the year's working. Gazette. —The number printed of each issue was 1,120, the number of subscribers 532, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £3,193. Hansard. —The number printed of each issue for session 1928 was 6,900, the number of subscribers 138, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £199. Stamp-printing.—Stamps to the value of £2,910,152, postal notes to the value of £24,960, and Post Office investment certificates to the value of £51,070 were printed. Stereo and Electro Plates.—The number of stereo-plates cast during the year was 42,142, of which 2,567 were nickel-plated, the weight being 26,851 lb. The number of electrotypes was 4,235, and the weight 518 lb. Rubber Stamps.—The number of rubber stamps made was 1,927. Railway Tickets. —7,124,493 railway tickets were printed, the largest number (984,463) being printed in October. Work of the Year. —All branches of the Department have been kept fairly busy, but there has not been the same necessity to employ extra hands to keep pace with requirements. During the year the Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch dealt with 56 maps of survey districts and boroughs, 70 sale plans and posters, 4 large county maps, 426 miscellaneous maps, plans, cheque forms, debenture forms, and diagrams. A large number of half-tone, line, and three-colour blocks were made, in addition to a number of bromide prints, enlargements, lantern-slides, and transparencies. The Stationery Office dealt with 13,924 requisitions for stationery, the total sales amounting to £39,017. These requisitions comprised 122,124 items, and, in addition to parcels, 2,768 cases of stationery were despatched. Cash orders numbered 6,857. In addition, 329 typewriters, of the value of £4,909, were issued. Paper. —Stocks throughout the year have been well maintained, prices showing a decline on those of last year. The issues for the year amounted to £41,058, comprising 69,700 packages of paper and boards, and 14,158,000 envelopes. Machinery. —During the year several new machines designed to give a greater output were installed. These are working satisfactorily. New folding-machines are required in the Binding Branch, as the machines at present in use are obsolete. Modern frames and make-up cabinets are al»o required in the composing-rooms. Accommodation. —The question of providing adequate accommodation for several of the branches requires early consideration. The portion of the building occupied by the Stationery Office is too small to enable the work to be handled in the most economical manner. Additional space is also required in this branch for the display of Government publications. Finance. —The year's working has resulted in a profit of £2,813 7s. lOd. after charging interest on capital and depreciation in full. The result is satisfactory. Staff. —I have pleasure in testifying to the whole-hearted services of those holding responsible positions, while the staff generally has worked well. I have, &c., W. A. G. Skinneb, The Hon. the Minister in Charge. Government Printer.