1.—14.

23

C. WILSON.

11. But it takes up so much space? —The space required is not great, but the novels take up more time in issuing them backwards and forwards than any other books. They are so frequently taken out and brought back that it is a distinct disadvantage; but they do not occupy much space. 12. Hon. Mr. Bowen.~\ In most libraries of this sort the novels are confined to standard novels'/ —The only one I did not ask about was Brisbane, but in every one of the other parliamentary libraries I went to there was no fiction. 13. Except standard books? —Yes, purely standard classical fiction. 14. Books that have stood the test of time? —Yes. 15. Hon. Mr. Paul.] In this one-room system would you have all the Government publications and technical works—everything in one room?—ln the British Museum they have about two hundred thousand volumes in the one room, and those that are required quickly are necessarily close at hand. In Ottawa they have practically all in the same rotunda. There are divisions into classes just as you have them in this library, but the bulk of the books commonly in use are in the one great room. The drawback in regard to that class of building is the difficulty of extension : you have to allow for a larger building than you require at the commencement. IG. Can you express an opinion as to the suitability of the present library buildings for Government Departmental Offices?—l am a book-man, but I would suggest that it would do for a Colonial Museum. The large room upstairs would be admirable for a museum or picture-gallery, it being well lit for that purpose. In regard to the stack-room, I trust that we shall not have a stack-room in the new library —it was a grave mistake and a great waste of money. /17. It is only fit for storage purposes ?—Yes.

Ap/rrozimate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,500 copies, including plans,), £68 13s. 6d.

Authority : John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

Prict Is. 3d.]