H.—24.

The number of copies issued to members of the public has largely increased since 1936, but it will be more convenient in annual reports of the working of the Act to summarize the position as at 31st December of each year. In addition to the foregoing, large numbers of separate and selected regulations have been issued both to Government Departments and to members of the public, and a considerable number of subscriptions to the first bound volume have already been received. The numbers printed of each issue average from approximately 1,100 to 1,500 copies, in addition to the requirements of the Department by which the regulations are administered. Advantage is being taken of the new method of publication, with the assistance of the Government Departments concerned, to bring up to date and re-enact, or, where proper, merely to revoke, some of the older regulations in force, dating back as far as 1862. At present only regulations enacted prior to 1910 (but with later amendments) are being dealt with. It is hoped gradually to deal similarly with regulations of later date, so that before long the whole of the subsidiary legislation in force of general application will be comprised in the volumes of the new series instead of being scattered through the volumes of the Gazette. A greater measure of uniformity in the formalities of drafting has, with the co-operation of departmental draftsmen, been obtained than was found possible under the methods of promulgation previously in force. Mere notification in the Gazette instead of publication in extenso being now all that the law requires, there has been a substantial reduction in the bulk of that publication. Section 7of the Eegulations Act, 1936, provides that when regulations are reprinted they shall be issued with the incorporation of subsequent amendments, the reprint being certified by the Attorney-General. Up to 31st December, 1936, five sets of regulations were reprinted with amendments under this section. H. G. R. Mason, Attorney-General.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (546 copies), £1 15s.

By Authority : E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 937.

Price 3d.]

2