ALMANACS FOR 1579.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5355, 15 January 1879, Page 2

ALMANACS FOR 1579.

This is the poriod of the year when the new almanacs come to hand. The following have been received :— New Zealand Insurance Company's Book Almanac.—This little book is fully as interesting as any of its predecessors. A large amount of information is given about the company which issues it, —the various branches in different parts of the world, the names of agents, &c. The usual calendar follows, which is tilled with notices of recent disasters both by sea and land. At the end of the book are many valuable hints respecting insurance,—how to avoid fires, the class of offices in which to insure, &c. The cover of the book is beautifully lithographed by Messrs. Wilsons and Horton, aud the last page contains an illustration of the com. .pauy's premises of the district at which the almanac is issued. Those circulated at Auckland contain an illustration of the premises iu Queen-street, those issued at Dunedin, an illustration of the Dunedin premises, aud so on. The contents, their classification, and the manner in which the printing and lithographing have been done reflect credit upon all concerned in the getting of it up. New Zealand Insurance Company's Sheet Almanac.—The company issues two of these. The small one ha 9 the calendar for each month attached to it, lithographed in large-sized letters and figures, so that the day of the month can be read at some distance. The other sheet almanac contains a circular card at the back, which has to be shifted each day to point to the day of the month. Both are lithographed at the Herald Office in the best style of the lithographer's art.

Soutii British Insurance Company's Sheet Almanac.—This also is lithographed at the Herald Oilice in a very creditable manner, and has mouthly calendars in larger-sized print than the body of the almauac. Tha border is of a rich and chaste design, and ii printed in several colours.

Brett's Aucklanb Almanac.—This wellknown publication keeps up its old character for usefulness. Among other features worthy of notice is a summary of the census returns taken last March in Is'ew Zealand. The '>rtrait gallery " is more extensive than that in former numbers. The present issue contains the portraits of Sir Geo. Grey, the Hon. Col. Wliitraore, Hon. Jas. Macandrew, Hon J. Sheehan, Hou. J. Ballance Hon. K. Stout, Hon. J. T. Fisher, Hon! Hoani Nahe, Judge Fenton, Dr. Campbell and the ex-Mayor of Auckland, Mr. H.' Brett. A short lithographed notice of each of the gentlemen whose portraits are given also appeats.