H.—36

1940. NEW ZEALAND.

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1940.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, 18th July, 1940. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1940. The tables accompanying the report show the . nature, extent, and result of the year's working. Gazette. —The number printed of each issue was 750, the number of subscribers 387, and the amount received from sales and subscriptions £1,833. Hansard. —The number printed of each issue for session 1939 was 8,000, the number of subscribers 156, and the amount received from sales and subscriptions £139. Stamp-printing. —Stamps to the value of £11,573,094, and postal notes to the value of £44,800, were printed. Stereo-plates. —The number of stereo-plates cast was 56,624, of which 5,819 were nickel-plated, the total weight being 43,044 lb. Rubber Stamps.—The number of rubber stamps made was 16,304. Railway Tickets. —The number of tickets printed was 7,213,919, the largest number printed in one month being 870,271 in October, 1939. Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch.- ~This branch dealt with 349 maps, plans, and technical diagrams, and produced 3,942 process blocks. Stationery Office. —During the year 19,412 requisitions containing 183,766 items were dealt with. The total sales amounted to £75,836, including £4,686 for 266 typewriters supplied. Paper. —The price of paper has increased rapidly and is at present considerably higher than at the date of the last report. While the Department has supplies on hand for the present, it is essential that strict economy be exercised in ordering printing requirements. The total issues amounted to £69,700 in value, comprising 167,499 packages of paper and boards and 7,736,000 envelopes. In addition, 15,835,000 envelopes were issued through the Stationery and Issuing Offices. Machinery.—There were no large additions to the plant during the year. Staff. —The staff decreased from 630 officers as at the Ist April, 1939, to 604 officers (including 6 officers on leave prior to retirement) as at the 31st March, 1940. There were no serious accidents at work, and the health of the staff has been good. Worh of the Year. —The work performed, while less than that for the previous year, is still at a high level. Finance. —The operations for the year resulted in a turnover of £313,082, and a profit of £2,875 after allowing for interest on capital and depreciation. I have, &c., E. V. Paul, Government Printer.

The Hon. the Minister in Charge.