SHORTAGE OF PAPER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3304, 11 July 1917, Page 38

SHORTAGE OF PAPER.

GOVERNMENT PRINTER'S VIEW. WELLINGTON, July 4. In his annual report on the Government Printing Office, the Government Printer (Mr Marcus M. Marks) says:—"The_ cost of paper is still advancing', and some lines -are 300 per cent, dearer than pre-war prices. The enhanced charges are not the only difficulty. The possibility of a stoppage of supplies has to be faced. The English Royal Commission on paper has reduced the allowance of raw products to be imported into Britain to 50 per cent, of that imported for the year 1914, which limits the exports to the same percentage. The shortage of raw materials and the use of the factories for munition purposes must necessarily have an effect on supplies at this end. The problem of getting ships to carry the goods inter.sifies the trouble. Bearing in mind the difficulty of obtaining stocks of paper and stationery, it is necessary that the greatest care be exercised by all departments in ordering printing and stationery, and the work of each department should bo carefully reviewed by its head, so that there may be no over-ordering. No order should he given for more than 12 months' supplies. The s ; zes of forms should be cut down to a minimum consistent with usefulness, which will result in a valuable saving of paper. Envelopes and paste boards are more difficult than ever to obtain. Last year the position w 7 as bad in this respect, but it is still worse to-day, and is not likely to improve for some time. The English Royal Commission on paper made a strong appeal to the public on the necessity for economy in paper, and I tpiote the last paragraph of its appeal: 'The commission hopes that all classes of t'jr community will in the national interest do whatever may be possible to minimise the grave inconvenience which must follow the necessary interference with the paper trade of the country.' Since this appeal was made the position has become st'll more acute. The condensation of the departmental reports has resulted in a larsre saving of paper, and this condensation should continue till the paper market grows easier. Statistical tabulated statements should not bo printed with reports unless absolutely necessary."