D.—2.

Stokes. Mr. H. Baxter, Stores Manager, reports as follows : — The value of stores (purchased under the Railway vote) on hand on the 31st March, 1909, at the various depots amounted to £284,496 12s. 7d., as against £233,134 18s. 7d. on the 31st March, 1908, an increase of £51,361 14s. The value of stores on hand on account of additions to open lines amounted to £30,692 13s. 9d. on the 31st March, 1909, as against £39,117 14s. 2d. on the 31st March, 1908, a decrease of £8,425 os. sd. The total value of stores on hand has therefore increased during the past year by £42,936 13s. 7d. The stock is in good order, has been carefully and systematically inspected, and is value for the amount stated.

The conduct of the staff as a whole has been very satisfactory. I have, &c, T. RONAYNE, The Hon. the Minister of Railways. General Manager.

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