H.—l

The average size of the annual volume of Transactions and Proceedings is 640 pages and about 40 plates. The funds at the disposal of the Board of Governors of the Institute have consisted only of the annual 'grant by Parliament of £500, an annual contribution from the Wellington Philosophical Society as an equivalent for rent of the library-room and the use of the lecture-hall, and a small sum arising from the sale of volumes. Nearly the whole of the funds are spent in the printing of the volume of "Transactions," only a very small amount being devoted to the maintenance of the library in the way of binding books. Nor is the information contained in these volumes confined to the colony, as they are widely distributed to the chief libraries in all parts of the world. Forty-seven of the most distinguished men in science and literature, who have rendered special service to New Zealand, have been elected honorary members, while there are seventy-five corresponding societies and institutions that exchange their publications with the Institute. About 300 volumes per annum are acquired in this manner, a great number of which are placed in the General Assembly library. The Board, having in view the publication of certain important memoirs relative to the natural history of New Zealand, the production of which will require a larger expenditure for proper illustrations than can be fairly charged to the annual income, have succeeded in saving up a small sum every year for the purpose of meeting this charge without interfering with the publication of the current work. If the vote of Parliament is reduced to an amount that will not cover such current expense, the Board will find it necessary either to reduce the size of the volume by rejecting papers, or to make a call on the societies, which will give great dissatisfaction, as it will draw on funds that are at present locally applied in a most useful manner. Considering the success of the Institute, and the great influence it has exercised in giving New Zealand a prominent name among scientific workers in all parts of the'world, it might be injurious to the colony if the work of the Institute were seriously crippled. . Under these circumstances, the Board earnestly trust that the full amount of £500 will be voted as hitherto. James Hectob, Wellington, 24th July, 1893. Manager.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £1 18s. 6d.

Authority; Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB93.

Price 3d.]

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