H. 36,

1936. NEW ZEALAND.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1936.

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

Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, 30th July, 1936. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1936. The tables accompanying the report show the nature, extent, and result of the year's working. Gazette. —The number printed of each issue was 750, the number of subscribers 476, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £2,427. Hansard. —The number printed of each issue for session 1935 was 7,000, the number of subscribers 137, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £165. Stamp-printing. —Stamps to the value of £4,271,564, and postal notes to the value of £35,881, were printed. Stereo-plates. —The number of stereo-plates cast during the year was 40,691, of which 1,281 were nickel-plated, the weight being 25,734 lb. Rubber Stamps. —The number of rubber stamps made was 8,915. Railway Tickets. —5,464,211 railway tickets were printed, the largest number (626,919) being printed in December. Work of the Year. —The year has been a strenuous one, the turnover showing an increase of approximately £24,600 over that of the previous year. A stage has now been reached where additional accommodation is an absolute necessity. The staff is at present working under conditions which should not be permitted to continue, and steps should be taken immediately to provide adequate accommodation. Unfortunately, owing to insufficient plant, it has been found necessary to work a certain amount of overtime. This was unavoidable, as it was impossible, owing to congestion, to install the necessary machinery and increase the staff. The Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch dealt with 57 maps of survey districts ; 14 city, borough, and county maps ; and 346 miscellaneous maps, plans, posters, cheque forms, and diagrams. Eight hundred half-tone, line, and three-colour blocks were made, in addition to 121 bromide prints, 24 blue prints, and 290 negatives. The Stationery Office dealt with 15,820 requisitions for stationery and publications, the total sales amounting to £44,433. Cash orders numbered 6,990. In addition, 380 typewriters of the value of £6,406 were issued. Paper. —Although the demand on paper stocks has been heavy, all standard lines have been maintained on an economical basis at satisfactory prices. The issues for the year amounted to £37,249, comprising 77,951 packages of paper and boards and 4,131,000 envelopes. Machinery. —Several small additions were made during the year. There is urgent need for a great deal of improved modern machinery, and special attention is being directed to this. Finance. —The year's working has resulted in a profit of £9,681 15s. 2d., after allowing for interest on capital and depreciation. 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., G. H. Loney, The Hon. the Minister in Charge. Government Printer.