H.—36.

1932. NEW ZEALAND.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932.

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

Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, Bth August, 1932. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1932. The tables accompanying the report show the nature, extent, and result of the year's working. Gazette.—The number printed of each issue was 870, the number of subscribers 463, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £2,709. Hansard. —The number printed of each issue for session 1931 was 7,075, the number of subscribers 133, and the amount received from subscribers and sales £232. Stamp-printing. —Stamps to the value of £9,305,794, and postal notes to the value of £29,638 were printed. Stereo and Electro Plates. —The number of stereo-plates cast during the year was 28,314, of which 1,169 were nickel-plated, the weight being 22,843 lb. The number of electrotypes was 102, and the weight 151 lb. Rubber Stamps.—The number of rubber stamps made was 972. Railway Tickets. —3,313,772 railway tickets were printed, the largest number (505,017) being printed in November. Work of the Year.—There has been a substantial diminution in the volume of work handled, the turnover showing a reduction of approximately £71,500 as compared with that of the previous year. Owing to the unsettled condition of affairs, it is difficult to estimate the future printing and stationery requirements of Departments, but the present indications are that bed-rock has been reached. The Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch dealt with 61 maps of survey districts ; 7 city,, borough, and county maps ; 48 sale plans and posters ; and 123 miscellaneous maps, plans, cheque forms, debenture forms, and diagrams. 1,905 half-tone, line, and three-colour blocks were made, in addition to 220 bromide prints, 191 lantern-slides, and 75 enlargements. The Stationery Office dealt with 12,527 requisitions for stationery and publications, the total sales amounting to £30,368. These requisitions comprised 118,024 items, and, in addition to parcels, 2,651 cases of stationery were despatched. Cash orders numbered 7,652. In addition, 60 typewriters of the value of £870 were issued. Paper.—Prices of paper have fallen, and purchases were made at very satisfactory rates. The economical use of paper stocks has been a feature of the year's working. The issues for the year amounted to £27,930, comprising 50,473 packages of paper and boards and 8,143,000 envelopes. Machinery. —The purchase of new and improved folding-machines to replace the obsolete machines at present in use in the Binding Branch is now under consideration. Information is also being obtained in connection with a type-casting machine with a view to installation as a means of eliminating the distribution of foundry type. Accommodation. —The work of erecting the new boiler-house and installing the new centralheating system was completed during the year. The system is giving satisfaction. Finance. —The year's working has resulted in a loss of £3,249 Is. 10d., after charging an amount of £9,596 6s. 6d. as interest on capital. 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., W. A. G-. Skinner, The Hon. the Minister in Charge. Government Printer.