H.—22

14

Special attention has been given to departmental annual reports, and recommendations have bee:n made to effect reduction in their size, and in the co-ordination where possible: of their matter. The Committee also reviews all proposals regarding the production by the Government of scientific, historical, and other publications, and publicity material, institutes inquiries into the cost and extent of the publications, and recommends according])-. All free, complimentary, and exchange lists of Government publications have been reviewed ; and the Committee deals also with all applications for addition thereto. By collecting spare volumes of official publications from some Government Departments, and placing them, where required, publication costs have been reduced, and scope still exists for further work in this direction. For the year ended 31st December, 1922, the, economies effected by the Committee were assessed at £2,220. The reduction in the number of pages in all departmental reports in 1922 was 24 per cent., compared with the previous year. Stapp. It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the efficiemt service rendered by officers of all grades, and the true spirit of co-operation of my sectional officers and heads erf sub-de;partmcnts. Changes in the: personnel anel location of the staff have been confined to the minimum consistent with the requirements of the Department. Of the controlling officers; Mr. Brooker has been promoted from the position of Accountant to that of Secretary of the Stores Control Board, and the Assistant Accountant (Mr. Pyne) has been promoted to fill the vacancy. The valuable assistance given by other Departments is acknowledged with thanks.

Approximate Cost oj Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (G25 copies), £16 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 923.

Price 6d.]