H.—32

Staff. Mγ. A. D. Mclntosh, M.A., returned in July from his tour of study abroad. The greater part of the year was passed in America, where he spent some time in the Library of Congress. He afterwards proceeded to Great Britain and spent two or three months vifsiting libraries there. Mr. Mclntosh has submitted a valuable report upon his studies and observations, and I have no doubt that the Library will benefit to the full from his experience. During the year Mr. A. W. Dunninghain, 8.A., was appointed Assistant Librarian to the Wellington Public Library. From that position he was recently selected to control the Public Library in Dunedin. Recess Privileges. The number of persons who had the privilege of using the Library during the recess was 1,238. Thi.s represents an increase of 50 per cent, on the number during the previous recess. In this connection I feel that it will be necessary for the Committee to consider seriously the wear-and-tear on the book stock. In addition to being a parliamentary reference library, the General Assembly Library has the character of a national collection, and it should be adding every year to its stock of books for permanent preservation. In the early stages of its history it seems to have been possible to use a much more elaborate binding than we can afford now. The number of persons using the Library was also very much less. Consequently, the older stock is, on the whole, in an excellent state of preservation—as would be expected in a national collection. In recent years the new books added to the library have been subjected to excessive wear-and-tear. Many books which are scarcely twelve months old are already in such a condition that there is little hope of their surviving to become part of a permanent collection. In view of the reduction of our book-buying vote this is a very serious matter, and calls for some decision as to the ultimate direction which the policy of the Library should take. Archives. Steady progress, though not rapid, is being made in connection with the organization of the archives. A considerable quantity of papers has been transferred from Government Departments during the year, and they are being weeded and arranged as opportunity offers. In this connection a considerable expenditure will be necessary for binding when the financial position is easier. Library Committees. During the financial year the following meetings of the various Library Committees were held : Legislative Council, 1 ; House of Representatives, 1 ; Joint Library Committee, 1 ; Selection Subcommittee, 1. I have again to record my warm appreciation of the very efficient work done by the Library staff during the year. Shortness of staff threw upon every member calls for additional work and initiative, which were adequately responded to. I also appreciate very much the helpful co-operation of the Library Committee. The balance-sheet for the year, with the Auditor's certificate, is attached. I have, &c, G. H. SCHOLEFIELD, — Chief Librarian.

LIBRARY FUND ACCOUNT. Statement for Year ended 31st March, 1933. Receipt*. £ s. d. Expenditure. To Balance .. .. .. .. 508 19 5 By Purchase of books and periodicals— £ s. d. Annual grant .. .. .. 750 0 0 United Kingdom .. .. .. 730 !> 3 Private Bill fees .. .. .. 75 0 0 I'nitcd States of America .. .. Bβ l> .'i Refunds, lost books, &c. .. .. 3 3 6 New Zealand .. .. .. 289 2 4 Australia .. .. .. 22 L' r> South Africa, *o. .. .. .. 2 8 0 Insurance .. .. .. .. .'>■"> 0 0 Bank charge and cheque-book .. .. 1 10 0 Petty expenses .. .. .. 0 7 4 £ s. d. Balance, Bank of New Zealand 217 Lβ 6 Less cheque unpresented .. 17 10 0 200 6 5 Less debit balance, petty cash .. .. 0 5 1 20(1 1 4 £1,337 2 11 I £1,337 2 11 G. H. SCHOLEFIELD, Chief Librarian. Examined and found correct.—G. F. C. Campbell, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (410 copies), £2 ss.

Price 3d.]

By Authority : G. H. Loney, Government Printer.—Wellington.

2