otherwise repaired. The number, too, of periodicals of various kinds, the back numbers of which are of great value to members, has largely increased of late years, and, as a substantially increased charge is now made for binding, the annual vote for this purpose is being found markedly inadequate. A large number of magazines have been withdrawn from the binding-list, but the enormous increase in the number of books, periodicals, pamphlets, &c., and the files of newspapers, which certainly should be bound if the Library is to meet the requirements of members, has certainly made the position much more serious. In view of the increased cost of binding, the existing annual vote can only be regarded as insufficient, and I would respectfully plead for a fairly substantial increase.

Miscellaneous.

The correspondence of the Library has quite materially increased in volume. Inquiries from all parts of the Dominion for information as to the value of certain rare books, requests for assistance in literary matters, and on questions relative to the Copyright Act, have involved considerable work, Mr. W. F. Johnson having rendered valuable aid in assisting the Chief Librarian in this matter.

Officials of various State Departments continue to make considerable use of the Library during the recess, and in several instances have acknowledged the assistance rendered them in their researches by the Library staff.

The usual monthly lists of accessions have been sent out during the recess.

I have to express my thanks to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Joint Library Committee (the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives and J. McC. Dickson, Esq., M.P.), and to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Recess Library Committee (the Hon. the Speaker and the Hon. Dr. Collins, M.L.C.) for the attention these gentlemen have given the Library matters during the year; also to the High Commissioner and his staff for the promptitude and care with which they have attended to Library business in London.

Library Accounts.

In an appendix will be found the Library balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1925, together with a copy of the Auditor's certificate.

I have, &c.,

Charles Wilson,

Chief Librarian.

APPENDIX.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY.

Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st March, 1925.