H—36.
1941. NEW ZEALAND.
PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1941.
Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.
Printing and Stationery Department, Wellington, sth August, 1941. Sir, —■ I have the honour to submit the annual report upon the working of this Department for the year ended 31st March, 1941. 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 410, and the amount received from sales and subscriptions £2,136. Hansard.—The number printed of each issue for session 1940 was 7,300, the number of subscribers 136, and the amount received from sales and subscriptions £155. Stamp-printing.—Stamps to the value of £7,673,077 and postal notes to the value of £17,046 were printed. Stereo-plates.—The number of stereo-plates cast was 56,939, of which 4,031 were nickel-plated, the total weight being 39,564 lb. Rubber-stamps.—The number of rubber stamps made was 15,918. Railway Tickets. —The number of tickets printed was 6,832,105, the largest number printed in one month being 726,868 in November, 1940. Photo-litho and Process Engraving Branch. —This branch dealt with 368 maps, plans, and technical diagrams, and produced 2,192 process blocks. Stationery Office. —During the year 18,153 requisitions containing 175,863 items were dealt with. The total sales amounted to £79,624, including £3,090 for 246 typewriters supplied. Paper.—The price of paper is still advancing and maintenance of a regular supply is difficult owing to the shortage of raw materials and the curtailment of shipping. Departments will require to exercise strict economy in the use of stationery and paper of all kinds in order to minimize the serious inconvenience which follows interference with continuity of supply. The total issues for the year amounted to £84,127 in value, comprising 106,562 packages of paper and boards and 5,516,000 envelopes. In addition, 16,131,000 envelopes were issued through the Stationery and Issuing Offices. Machinery.—One small ruling machine was added to the plant during the year. Staff. —The staff decreased from 604 officers as at the Ist April, 1940, to 580 officers (including 48 members of the staff serving with the armed forces and 3 officers on leave prior to retirement) as at the 31st March, 1941. No serious accidents at work occurred during the year. Work of the Year. —All branches were fully engaged during the year, and the volume of work remains at a high level. Finance.—The operations for the year resulted in a turnover of £327,758, and a profit of £14,183after allowing for interest on capital and depreciation. I have, &c., E. V. Paul, Government Printer. The Hon. the Minister in Charge.