H.—36.

Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch.—The increased use of illustrations in publications is reflected in the additional work performed by this branch. In order to cope with the estimated future expansion, which will need the services of skilled tradesmen, additional apprentices have been appointed and are receiving a comprehensive training. The steady rise in output is shown in the accompanying table:—

Stationery Office. —The large increase in the turnover of this branch during the year could not be dealt with under previously existing conditions, by reason of cramped accommodation limiting the number of staff, and it was necessary to initiate a night staff. This has worked satisfactorily, and has enabled deliveries of the increased supplies of stationery to be made promptly. Details of operations, as compared with those of previous years, are appended:—

Paper.—The general price level of paper supplies showed a marked decrease during the latter half of the year, after a slight increase in the earlier months. The consumption of paper was considerably greater than in the previous year, the total issues amounting to £65,149 in value, comprising 169,882 packages of paper and boards and 7,558,000 envelopes. In addition, 11,003,000 envelopes were issued through the Stationery and Issuing Offices. Machinery.—The main items of expenditure under this head were an offset press with an automatic feeder, a lathe for the Engineering Branch, and three wire-stitching machines for use in the Binding Branch. Staff. —The staff increased from 576 officers as at the Ist April, 1938, to 630 officers as at the 31st March, 1939. No serious accidents at work occurred during the year, every precaution being taken to provide guards wherever machinery in action presented risk in operation. The health of the staff has been good. Work of the Year. —As indicated in the report for the year ended the 31st March, 1938, the Department has approached its maximum productive capacity with the accommodation and facilities available. The increase in production was due to the additional requirements of Departments generally, particularly in regard to work in connection with the General Election, the Centennial Exhibition, and the operation of the Social Security Act, 1938. Finance. —The operations of the year .resulted in a turnover of £356,736, which exceeded that of the previous year by £52,588. The profit for the year amounted to £11,285 os. 9d., after allowing for interest on capital and depreciation. I have, &c., E. V. Paul, Government Printer. The Hon. the Minister in Charge.

2

Year. Number of Maps. dumber of r Jrrocess Blocks. 1934-35 .. .. .. 389 1,805 1935-36 .. .. .. 417 1,800 1936-37 .. .. 463 2,349 1937-38 .. .. .. 537 3,078 1938-39 .. .. .. 393 4,475

Value of Number of Number of Number > of Stationery Value of Year " Requisitions. Items. Typewriters and Typewriters Total Value. supplied. Publications supplied. supplied. £ £ £ 1934-35 .. .. .. 13,828 124,987 223 35,823 3,840 39,663 1935-36 .. .. .. 15,820 137,952 380 44,433 6,406 50,839 1936-37 .. .. .. 16,706 160,486 599 51,127 9,968 61,095 1937-38 .. .. .. 18,657 176,295 881 64,737 14,648 79,385 1938-39 .. .. .. 20,331 184,991 1,248 80,545 20,667 101,212 J