H.-32

2

newspapers continue to be removed from the Library and are not returned. The result is that when the files come to be collated for binding purposes it becomes necessary to replace the missing numbers, delay and expense thus being caused. Owing to the paper-shortage, publishers seldom keep a stock of back numbers, and in certain cases it has been found impossible to obtain duplicates of the missing periodicals, the result being that the bound volumes will be incomplete. Kven where duplicate copies are available, a, greatly enhanced price has often to be paid. I would earnestly appeal to all who use the Library during the session to assist me in preserving the files intaot. The Space Question. The necessity for the provision of increased shelving accommodation has been repeatedly mentioned of late years in my reports. It is with great pleasure that I have now to report that arrangements have been made whereby the offices now occupied by the Valuation Department in the old Parliamentary Buildings will be handed over to the Library Committee probably some time in October next. The Minister of Internal Affairs has taken a personal interest in the matter, and the thanks of all who are interested in the progress of the Library are due to that gentleman. Later on I propose to submit to the Committee a scheme for the utilization of the extra accommodation which will be made available. Miscellaneous. Copies of the Library rules, with lists of persons on the full and sessional privileges, have been circulated. The issue of monthly lists of the new books added to the Library has been continued. The Library orders for books and periodicals purchased in London have, as usual, received every attention from Messrs. Sotheran and Co. and Messrs. Street and Co. I have to tender my thanks to the Chairman of the Joint Library Committee, Mr. G. J. Anderson, M.P., and to the Chairman of the Recess Library Committee, the Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., each, of whom has been unsparing of time and trouble in his control of Library matters during the year; also to the High Commissioner and the members of his staff for the promptness of his and their attention to such Library business as is transacted in London. Library Account. In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1917, with a copy of the Auditor's certificate. I. have, &c, Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

APPENDIX, Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st March, 1917. Receipts. . Expenditure. 1010. £ s. d. Books and periodicals purchased in (treat £ s. d. Mar. 31. Balanoe brought forward .. 700 3 0 Britain .. .. .. .. 243 ]f> 4 Aug. i:i. Treasury, annual grant .. litlll 0 0 i Books, &0., purohased in New Zealand .. 203 3 1.1 Sept. lit. Treasury, Private Bill fees .. 25 0 0 ' American periodicals .. .. .. II 8 (i 1017. Portrait, Hon. W. ltolleston . . .. 5 5 0 Mar. 30. Stamps, imprest, refund .. 15 0 0 Sundry small accounts .. .. 7 0 4 . Fire insurance .. .. .. 18 0 0 Stamp imprest .. .. .. 15 0 0 Balance at Bank of New Zealand, 31st March, 1017 .. . . 746 0 11 £1,340 3 0 £1,340 3 0 Copy of Auditor's Certificate. The account for the period from Ist April, 1916, to the 31st March, 1917, has been examined and found correct. Bank-certificate produced in support of balance shown in cash-book and in bank pass-book. R. J. Collins, 17th August, 1917. Controller and Auditor-General. Note.—The balance shown at the end of the financial year (.£746 9s. Ild.) will probably be expended in meeting current accounts ami commitments before the receipt of this year's grant. Charles Wilson, Chief Librarian.

Approximate Vast of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (650 copies), £1 IBs.

Authority: Marcus F. Marks. Government Printer, Wellington. 1917

Price 3d.]