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" APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC. " The Koyal Commission on Paper desires to draw the attention of the public to the consequences of the restriction upon the import of paper and papcrmaking materials, which they have been appointed by the Government to carry out. The restriction reduces the import by one-third, and this reduction cannot fail to effect seriously the supply of paper and paper-made goods of every kind. " Newspapers, journals, and magazines will not only be reduced in size or weight, or both, but it is hoped by the Commission that the existing system of putting such publications on sale or return will be carefully reconsidered by the publishers. The system has already been abandoned by a large number of publishers, and it will be in the national interest if the system is wholly abolished. " Other directions in which the public convenience can be affected are very numerous. Strict economy should be observed in the use of stationery, wrapping-paper of all kinds, cardboard boxes, and paper-made receptacles. " The Commission further urge upon the public and public authorities to save waste paper of every kind, schemes for the collection of which are being organized by trade collectors, municipal bodies, and other agencies in many parts of the country. The quantity of such materials —waste paper, rags, &c. —which may thus be collected is very great, and will go far to replace the shortage of imported materials. Particularly, business men are asked to dispose of account-books, vouchers, and similar goods which it may no longer be necessary to keep for reference. " The Commission hope that all classes of the community will, in the national interest, do whatever may be possible to minimize the grave inconvenience which must follow the necessary interference with the paper trade of the country." Condensation of Departmental Reports, <&c. —There has been considerable cutting-down in the reports presented to Parliament by the Departments, but there might be still more economy exercised without interfering with the effectiveness of the reports. Another method in which economy might be practised is for Heads of Departments to see that the strictest care is exercised in the orders for printing and stationery. These orders are frequently too large, and at present, when stocks are getting low and stores are so difficult to secure, the utmost care is necessary to keep down their requirements to the lowest limits, more especially in view of the enhanced prices for almost all stores. Accommodation. —The new building will be completed very shortly, and should, for some few years at any rate, afford much relief to the congested condition in all branches of the office. It is intended to rearrange the establishment to the best advantage, and by thus bringing together those units of the Department that are more closely associated with one another in their work best serve its economical interests. This will involve much time and labour, as it will be necessary to keep the current work going whilst the move is being effected. Machinery. —New lithographic machinery is urgently required, and on the termination of the war I shall make suggestions for the improvement of our present out-of-date machinery in this branch. One of our most important requirements is a rotary printing-machine capable of printing from the roll or from the flat sheets, and fitted with folding-appliance and automatic feeder. By having a machine capable of delivering either folded or in flat sheets we should be able to deal with all our large jobs (Hansard, School Journal, Agricultural Journal, railway time-tables, telegraph forms, &c.) in a much more satisfactory manner than at present. Such a machine would be a great labour-saver, and on much of our work, taking into consideration the folding, would quadruple the output. A machine that would satisfactorily carry out our requirements in this respect is at present under consideration. New casters and accessories for the monotype machines are an urgent necessity, and must be provided at once if we are to maintain efficiency. Our present casters are unable to keep pace with demands, and the moulds are becoming much worn. It is sometimes necessary to work the casters the whole twenty-four hours, which is not economical. Our perforating and ruling machinery needs adding to at once, as much of the work is delayed owing to the lack of sufficient machinery of this description. Other labour-saving printing and binding machinery is badly wanted, but the question of its purchase should stand over till the close of the war. Retirement of Mr. Mackay. —Mr. John Mackay retired from the Department on the 31st March, after twenty years' service as Government Printer. The office has gone ahead very considerably since Mr. Mackay took charge, and he carries with him on his retirement the respect of those who have served under him. The Staff. —It is my pleasure to testify to the valuable services given me by all those holdingresponsible positions in the Department. The staff as a whole has worked well. I have, &c, Marcus F. Marks, Hon. Mr. Russell, Minister in Charge. Acting Government Printer