15

H.—l2

over a week, whereas had they been doing the work by the old hand methods, to comply with the request for two such additional, tables would have been equal to doing the whole job over again. These machines are revolutionizing statistical analysis and accounting of all kinds. Their use is being rapidly extended, and the manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demands. The Powers are five months behind on their contracts, and the Hollerith are 400 installations behind, which will take them eleven months to supply, notwithstanding that their factory plant and space were quite recently doubled. These conditions, with an almost unlimited market and demand at home, made them reluctant to quote at all for far-away New Zealand, with its probably very limited demand, and I consider myself fortunate in being able to secure the terms and proposals I did. The adoption of either a Hollerith or Powers outfit involves our sending a man to their factory for training in the building, repair, and care of the machines. In considering the application of these tabulating-machines to the work carried on in New Zealand Government Departments I am convinced that there is great scope for their employment either on accounting-work or on statistical analysis. I have no hesitation in recommending, in the, strongest possible terms, that a small plant of these machines should be procured and installed in the Census and Statistics Office. The plant could be used to test how far the machines would prove economical on any class of work desired by any Department. Remembering the conditions under which the machines give the best service, I think that, from the point of view of both efficiency and economy, it will be found advisable to centralize the machines in one office, as in Canada, and see that they are operated by experts, properly cared for, and kept in continuous work. In regard to the selection of either Hollerith or Powers plant, I recommend the latter as more suitable and serviceable for all-round purposes. Before closing this report some brief reference to our statistical publications should be made. Representations were made to me at the High Commissioner's Office in London as to the lack of suitable literature for distribution, and of up-to-date information as to conditions in the Dominion. Certainly one of the disappointments of my tour was to find how little was known anywhere of New Zealand—practically no references to New Zealand were ever seen in the English or American newspapers. Apart from the need for specialized pamphlets, interestingly written and well illustrated, for the immigrant, the business man, and the tourist, I think something more is required from the Statistical Office. At present the Statistical Office issues a Monthly Abstract of Statistics and two annual volumes —the Official Year-book and the statistical volume —the latter being in four parts. The defect of the Monthly Abstract of Statistics is that it is mainly a mass of tables and figures. Much could bo done to make it interesting and more informative if the few notes and comments now made were extended with further information as to conditions, &c, throughout the country. I am sure that this could be made to supply a much-felt want in the High Commissioner's Office, London, and with very little additional work or cost. So far as the Year-book is concerned there is room for improvement, and it is hoped that more attention can now be paid thereto. The scope and object of the volume is all right, and the crux of the problem for its improvement lies in the employment of properly trained and qualified men in the senior positions on the staff. With regard to the annual volume of statistics, this purports to give in detail all the statistics in regard to the Dominion, and is, as to scope and form, &c, a legacy from the past. I noticed that in the other countries visited the growing tendency is to issue from the Statistical Office a special report on each particular branch, which includes, besides the detailed tables, an analysis of their contents, with comments, &c., as to progress or movement. This, I think, is on improved lines, as it facilitates collaboration between the professional, administrative, and statistical experts in the writing-up of the data. In conclusion, 1 desire to say that I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded me of gaining such extended experience and knowledge of statistical work in other countries, and I trust the statistics of the Dominion will benefit thereby. Malcolm Frasee, Government Statistician. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

Approximate, Cost of Paper —Preparation, not given ; printing (550 copies), £20

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Price flil.]