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skilled research department for the use of members. They should be able to obtain there—(i) Necessary books ; (ii) assistance in drafting questions or private Bills ; (iii) material for debate upon topics before the legislature ; (iv) information of which they are in need. . . . The need for it is more urgent as legislative problems become more complex ; and most Assemblies contain libraries which imagination could easily transform into the kind of research bureau here outlined." Besides Congress, about thirty of the American States have developed such information services in connection with their libraries. That of Wisconsin, established by the late Dr. C. McCarthy, is an outstanding example of usefulness. Many members of the New Zealand Parliament will recognize that three out of the four desiderata mentioned by Professor Laski are provided by the General Assembly Library, and the Law Drafting Department provides the fourth. During the year a considerable amount of research into political, e. Gnomic, and social questions has been carried out, and a large amount of valuable information on these subjects is now at the disposal of members in a form more conveniently available than hitherto. The Select List on Social Insurance, which was published recently, is an instance of what is being undertaken. In order to carry out this work it has been found necessary to relieve one member of the staff as far as possible from routine duties so that he can devote his full time to this work, which, I am confident, will be more appreciated each year. The co-operation of all members of the Staff in this part of the Library work is much appreciated ; they have all shown themselves well qualified to supply information when it is asked for by members. Donations. Amongst a number of gifts received during the year I would specially mention the volumes of the Marlborough Express, presented by Miss T. Johnson (Waipawa), various volumes by the ConsulGeneral for Japan in Sydney, and a number of old New Zealand publications (chiefly official) from Sir George Hunter, M.P., which have enabled us to fill up gaps in these important sets. The National Committee, for the Celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Canadian Federation presented a commemoration medal struck at the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint and a copy of a memorial volume, "The Evolution of Government in Canada" (William Smith). Recess Privilege. Though the recess was broken by the holding of a short session in December, the number of persons who made use of the recess privilege was larger than ever before—946, as compared with 822 in the previous recess and 944 in 1926-27 (when the recess was extended to nearly nine months). The number of books taken out under the recess privilege this year was 12,212, as compared with 9,818 last year and 12,694 in 1926-27 (the long recess). These figures show strikingly the increased use that is being made of the Library. lam glad to say that losses of books by recess-privilege holders are very rare, and due to causes beyond their control. Library Committees. By the holding of the short session the Recess Committee lapsed, and, as no new Committee was appointed, there could be no meetings. The meetings held during the year were : Legislative Council Committee, 1 ; House of Representatives Committee, 1 ; Joint Committee, 1 ; Joint Selection Committee, 1. lam glad to say there have been no changes in the staff during the year. All the members of the staff now understand the duties .assigned to them, and by the willing manner in which they carried out the exceptional work involved in the stocktaking everything went smoothly. Members of Parliament have again assisted the staff towards efficiency by the regular manner in which they have entered any books taken from the Library and their promptitude in returning books which are in demand. 1 would also like to record my appreciation of the sympathetic consideration given by the Library Committee to all matters put before them. The balance-sheet for the year, with the Auditor-General's certificate, is appended. I have, &c., G. H. ScHOLE FIELD, Chief Librarian. LIBRARY FUND ACCOUNT. Statement for Year ended 31st March, 1929. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance, Ist April, 1928 .. .. 279 15 1 By Purchase of books and periodicals in— Annual grant .. .. .. 900 0 0 United Kingdom .. .. .. 622 10 5 Private BUI fees .. .. 100 0 0 ' New Zealand .. .. .. 178 12 10 Sundry refunds .. .. .. 0 12 10 Australia .. .. .. 5 13 0 United States .. .. .. 22 19 4 Insurance premiums .. .. 30 16 9 Petty expenses .. .. .. 1 5 10 Balance — £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand .. 418 9 6 Petty cash .. .. 0 0 3 418 9 9 £1,280 7 11 j £1,280 7 11 | ' rr— - uu G. H. ScHOLEFIELD, Chief Librarian. Examined and found correct. —G. F. C. Campbell, Controller and Auditor-General.

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