a—l

XII

LITHO.-PRINTING BbANCH. The two printing-machines have been kept constantly at work, the output being 350,320 copies of 1,187 separate printings, or 591,076 pulls. The hand-presses contributed 20,593 copies to this result. Printing was executed for nineteen departments of the Service. The want of a new printing-office is very much felt; the wear-and-tear on the stones consequent upon the frequent handling in trucks, and the loss of time in traffic by the printers, are serious. Mr. Eoss has taken 562 plates for photolithographs, and made 6 silver prints. The work in the photo, gallery is increasing, as the camera is frequently employed in producing maps for landsale purposes when the draughtsmen are not available for the duty. I may state that the draughtsmen and printing staff have worked well and willingly. Accounts. Mr. Bull, the Accountant, states the number of vouchers which have been entered and signed during the nine months ending 31st March, 1892, was 8,355, against 9,110 for the twelve months previous, representing an expenditure of £177,903, as against £149,275 for the previous year. There were 87 agreements with 47 local bodies for roadworks prepared during the nine months, representing grants to the extent in all of £23,391, and payments were made on account of the grants amounting to £13,448. In the face of the above figures, I need hardly add that the work in this branch of the office has been exceptionally heavy.