H.—32

2

Annual Stock-taking. Owing to the shorter recess period this year stock, was only taken in one instead of the usual two classes, Class 400, Philology, being dealt with. The result of the stock-taking showed that four volumes were missing. The same number were reported missing in 1916, when stock was last taken in this particular class. During the period 1916-22 some seventy books have been added to this class. The fact that a volume is reported missing does not necessarily imply that it is permanently lost, as during the latest investigation several volumes reported missing in 1916 have been found in their places on the shelves. Recess-privilege Holders. The number of persons to whom recess-privilege permits were issued as 549, all classes of the community being represented. The total number of books issued to holders of permits was 4,573, the lowest for some years. No fiction is issued to ordinary-privilege holders, the issue of novels as in previous recess periods being strictly confined to members of both Houses, and to those persons whose names are on the full-privilege list. With the exception of one volume which was lost, and which is being replaced at the loser's cost, and of another volume retained by permission for research work, all the books lent have been duly returned. Miscellaneous. A portrait of the late Donald Reid, sen., M.H.R., has been presented to the Library, and when suitably framed will be placed therein. The usual monthly lists of accessions have been issued to members during the recess, and a large number of books sent out to members in baskets. The Library orders'for books and periodicals purchased in England have, as usual, been entrusted to Messrs. Sotheran and Co. and Street and Co., and have received due attention. The three marble busts, of the late Sir Harry Atkinson, the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and the late Sir John McKenzie respectively, together with the bronze bust of the late Sir John Hall, have been transferred from the Library to the main-entrance hall of the new Parliament Buildings. I have to express my thanks to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Joint Library Committee—the Hon. G. M. Thomson, M.L.C., and Mr. J. McC. Dickson, M.P.—and. to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Recess Library Committee- the Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, M.L.C., and the Hon. Dr. Collins, C.M.G!, M.L.C.—for the attention given by these gentlemen to. Library matters during the year ; also to the High Commissioner and his staff for the. promptitude and care displayed by them in connection with the Library business in London. Library Accounts. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1922, with a copy of the auditor's certificate. 1 have, &c, Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian. APPENDIX. GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY. Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st March, 1922. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Kaiance, Ist March, 1922 .. .. 98 8 8 Purchase of books, periodicals, Annual grant .. .. .. .. 600 0 0 &c.— £ s. d. Additional .. .. .. .. 118 0 0 Great Britain .. .. 424 3 (i New Zealand .. .. 213 8 7 037 12 1 Fire insurance .. .. .. 18 0 0 Sundries .. .. .. .. 5 3 0 Balance, 31st March, 1022 .. 205 13 0 Less unpresented cheques .. 49 19 5 155 13 7 £810 8 8 £810 8 8 Examined and found correct.— G. F. C. Campbell, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approxmate Cost of rapes. —Preparation, not given ; printing (-175 copies), £11 ss.

By Authority : W. A. U. Skinnjjb, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 922.

Price 3d.]