H.-32

2

P rsuant to the desire of last session's Committee, the New Zealand books are now kept under lock and key in a handsome case, for which the Library has to thank the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. W. Hall-Jones. The case, which was specially designed by Mr. Campbell, the Government Architect, is in keeping with the doors and other woodwork in the Library. Works dealing wholly or mainly with New Zealand are now all kept together, being arranged in alphabetical order. Members are reminded that, according to a resolution passed last year, these books are strictly " reference," and must not be taken outside the building. Large as is the case furnished, it is already crowded, and as the books now being rebound come in and others are added there will be no space available for them. I would therefore respectfully suggest that application be made by the Joint Committee this session to the Minister for Public Works for a somewhat similar case. General. The various members of the Library staff have worked well during the year, and I have heard of no complaints from either members or visitors. I have to thank the High Commissioner and his staff for their careful transmission of our orders, and attention generally to our requirements. It is only fair also to our London agents, Messrs. Sotheran and Co., to say that, as in previous years, they have executed our orders with great promptness. Where, as is often the case, the price of a book has had to be left to their discretion, they have treated us very liberally, and the firm deserves special praise for the trouble to which they have gone in securing copies of out-of-print and rare New Zealand books, the pickingup of which, as I know from the experience of my English trip, is a very tedious operation, and entails unremitting attention to the catalogues of second-hand booksellers. A good many books have been bought locally, and Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited), S. and W. Mackay, and R. Holliday and Co. have been very considerate in letting us have new books on approval. The High Commissioner has again very thoughtfully sent us many interesting and valuable pamphlets, especially on the fiscal question. The thanks of the Library are also due to Mr. J. Mackay, the Government Printer, who has done an exceptionally large quantity of binding both promptly and well, and assisted in other ways which need not be specified. Visitors. The number of persons who signed the Visitors' Book during the recess was 2,746. A great many visitors do not sign. Library Accounts. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ending the 31st March, 1905, with a copy of the auditor's remarks thereon. I have, &c, Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

APPENDIX. Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st March, 1905. 1904. Receipts. £ s. d. 1904-5. Expenditure. £ s. d. March 31. Balanoe in bank .. .. 523 16 4 Repayments of Agent - General's imprest Nov. 21. Treasury annual vote .. 600 0 0 accounts for books, periodicals, packing, „ 23. Treasury private Bill fees .. 125 0 0 freight, and insurance .. .. 575 18 3 1905. Books and periodicals bought locally .. 247 14 3 Feb. 27. Stamp imprest refund .. 15 0 0 Stamp imprest.. .. .. .. 15 0 0 Fire insurance .. .. .. .. 20 0 0 Sundry accounts .. .. .. 4 2 7 Cheque-book .. .. .. .. 0 5 0 Balance in bank on 31st March, 1905 .. 400 16 3 £1,263 16 4 £1,263 16 4 Copy of Auditor's Certificate. This account from the Ist April, 1904, to 31st March, 1905, and the vouchers relating thereto have been examined, and found correct. The balance in the bank, £400 16s. 3d. (as stated), is correct, and agrees with the bank pass-book. (Signed) J. K. Warburton, Controller and Auditor-General.

Note.—The balance shown at end of financial year (£4OO 16s. 3d.) will be entirely exhausted (in meeting accounts current) before the receipt of this year's grant. Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,450 copies), £1 9s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington.—l9os. Price, 3d.]