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be by reverting to the original intention and erecting round the south-west corner of the maxn reading-room a gallery similar to that in the Sociology room. This would increase the shelving in the main reading-room by about one-fourth, and would utilize wall-space which at present is wasted. Another problem to consider is the suitable housing of the New Zealand collection, which at present is locked up in glass cases or behind unsightly wire-netting on the landing, away from observation by the staff and in a very indifferent light. These books ought to be more readily accessible and under better supervision when they are being used. With a staff no larger than we have this can scarcely be accomplished without bringing them into the main reading-room. That would be possible if the suggested gallery were erected or if rooms adjoining could be made available. If the latter course were adopted we could also find a room for a staff-room, which is very much needed. Binding. As the result of a closer understanding with the Government Printing Office better advantage was taken this year of the vote fop binding. Unfortunately, owing to a charge being t carried over from .the previous year, there was only about £300 available for expenditure, and consequently work which should have been done was left over for the current year. I hope this year to be able to make better use of the vote and to do some of the rebinding which ought to be persevered with every year if the book stock is to be kept in proper condition. We have made up some of the leeway in the League of Nations literature, and I hope this year to make appreciable progress with the repairing of many of our old newspaper files, which constitute a most valuable feature of the General Assembly Library and are constantly being referred to. Newspapers are now being bound in a strong serviceable canvas with handles and ties to reduce the wear-and-tear involved in constant use. Donations. During the year donations of books, which have been much appreciated, have been received from the following: Mr. A. de B. Brandon, Mr. J. T. Wilkin (Canterbury), Mr. George Lambert, RearAdmira] J, E. T. Harper, Mr. J. McCombs, M.P., Sir Thomas Henley (Australia), Mr. Will Craig, the Administration of Western Samoa, the Danish Consulate, the Consul for Belgium, the Consul-General for Japan, and the Institute of Pacific. Relations. Recess Privilege. ' ; Though the recess was exceptionally short, 822 persons enjoyed the privilege of using the Library as compared with 944 during the preceding recess and 817 for the,recess before that. The number of books taken out was also well up to last year's average —a total of 9,818 in lam glad to say that the loss of books this year has been infinitesimal. It has been, with few exceptions, due to causes beyond the control of the borrowers. The occupations of the recess privilege-holders were stated as follows : Accountants, 20 ; advertisement agents, 3; . analyst, 1; architects, 2; artists, 8 ; auctioneer, 1; bankers, 7; biologists, 2; builders, 2 ; chemists, 2 ; Civil servants. 102 ; clergymen, 21; clerks, 83; commercial travellers, 5 ; company-directors, 3; conchologist, 1; custodian, 1; dairy worker, 1; dentists, 4; domestic duties, 84; drapers, 8; draughtsmen, 16; engineers (electrical), 4; engineers (civil), 6; engineers (mechanical,) 6; farmers, 2 ; friendly-society secretaries, 2 ; gardener, 1; horticulturist, 1; inspectors of schools, 5 ; insurance agents, G; interpreter, 1; journalists, 21; labourers, 5; land-agents, 5; law clerks, 19; library assistants, 5; manufacturers, 7; medical practitioners, 11; merchants, 15; messengers, 9; meteorologists, 1; municipal employees, 11; musician, 1; naval officers, 2; no occupation (retired), 79; nurses, 13; optician, 1; photographers, 2; police officer, 1 ; printers, 8; salesmen, 15; saddler, 1 ; seaman, 1; secretaries (company), 4; settler, I; sharebrokers, 2 ; shipping-managers, 4 ; shop-assistants, 7; solicitors, 32; steward, 1; students, 31; surveyors, 3; teachers, 73; timbermerchant, 1; trade-union secretaries, 4; typists, 15. The Library Committees. The following meetings of the various Library Committees were held: Legislative Council, 1; House of Representatives, 2; Recess, 1; Joint Library, 3; Joint Selection, 1. The Staff. It is again my sad duty to report the death of one of the oldest members of the staff— Mr. W. F. Johnson. After many years' faithful and efficient service Mr. Johnson had just gone on leave with a view to retiring, when his death occurred. His wide knowledge and reliable and conscientious work made him a very valued member of the staff. The vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Mr. G. Crossley. The many changes that have had to be made during the last year or two have only been possible by the sympathetic co-operation and advice of the Library Committee and the very loyal and cheerful services rendered by the staff. Although we have unfortunately been short-handed during the last two recesses, the willing exertions of all members of the staff have enabled us to carry out much of the heavy work of shifting books and at the same time to keep the stack-rooms and reading-rooms tidy and clean. The regularity with which members of Parliament have registered any books taken out of the Library has contributed materially to the smooth running of the issue and reference departments. The balance-sheet for the year, with the Auditor-General's certificate, is appended. I have, &c., G. H. SCHOLEFIELD, Chief Librarian.

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