H.—l9

34

made out, or before an estimate to obtain' authority for work is given, will reduce this ot a very minimum. It is no saving to estimate for a building or work and not include drainage (lighting if required), roading or access to same, fencing, &c. Instances frequently occur in which it is thought the work is completed being immediately followed by requests for items above quoted often into £200 to £300. It must be kept in mind that halls are to be without wooden floors, and only store-rooms and offices require lining ; in fact, the halls are shelters. 19. Transport. To arrange registration and classification of all suitable transport vehicles and harness (see Table of Duties). After the preliminary arrangements for railway transport necessary to be decided at Headquarters have been settled by Q.M.G. and Director of Railways, the A.Q.M'.G. and A.D.S.T. to assist the Railway authorities in every way to successfully carry out the moves. This also applies to moves by sea, coaches, and river steamers. The above refers to large concentration or moves; local moves, such as training-camps, to be arranged between A.D.S.T. and Railway as usual. 20. Supplies. The study of and issue of proper specifications and tender forms, under various conditions for obtaining supplies ; the proper binding acceptances of tenders where necessary in conference with the Public Tenders Board ; compilation of ready reckoners for use in above and for issues at supply-depots. When authority is given in special cases for a unit to draw 2s. a day in lieu of ration and Is. 6d. in lieu of forage at camps it must be distinctly understood this amount includes fuel, light, cost of regimental or civilian cooks, rations, vegetables, &c. No bills or receipts are necessary to attach, to voucher. The number of men per daily state at 2s. and horses at Is. 6d: to be claimed for on the voucher, for days of attendance only. Authority for above allowance in lieu of rations, &c, must be specially obtained from 0.C.D., and only granted where it is not possible to more economically issue rations from supplies. At camps where issue of rations and forage is authorized the scale must be laid down. If no special scale is authorized or -mentioned, the scale laid down in regulations to be adhered to. Any articles supplied not thereon mentioned to be paid for by the unit. Contracts must always be arranged, or in smaller camps quotations may be obtained from local traders, the lowest as a rule to be accepted. It may sometimes be expedient to divide the purchase and supplies between traders ; in such cases the price paid must be alike for each line of goods. District Storekeepers in Districts. 21. Equipment and Ordnance Stores. . • Mobilization Store for Wellington District to be built at Palmerston North as soon as possible. Coast-defence equipment retained at Wellington to save freight back and forward, for ordinary camps, Trentham rifle meeting, &c. 22. Local Purchase. A proportion of all available stores will always be maintained from Headquarters in each District Mobilization Store. Before any local purchase is made it must first be ascertained if such cannot be supplied from store. A.Q.M.G., in conjunction with the District Storekeeper, must ensure that local purchases are reasonable, and conform to Public Works contract schedule where possible. For articles and stores not therein contained at least three quotations on forms provided for that purpose should be obtained,, and when ho special reason exists the lowest should be taken. Firms should be notified when competitive quotations are being obtained. Form G. 11 is being revised to enable triplicate to be made out in one writing or typing. , 23. Inspection. Regular inspection to be made by Q.M.G. or a selected inspecting officer of all mobilization stores, ledger receipt and issue, books, &<■,., magazines, depots, &c, in districts; likewise all regimental clothing and stores in charge of units and areas and sub-areas. The A.Q.M.G. or District Storekeeper in each district to periodically conduct similar local inspections of equipment and stores on issue to groups or units. 24. Requisitions. Requisitions for clothing to be accompanied by a statement showing the number or quantity on hand, and stating why the requisition is necessary- viz., (a) New posting, (b) replace worn-out and unserviceables destroyed by accident or medical order. A circular of instruction will be issued to all concerned in the care of equipment, stores, and clothing to ensure uniformity of treatment, issue, andreceipt. This especially refers to Q.M". Sergeants of Territorial units and areas. (a.) Issue of oldest date of ammunition. (6.) Folding and turning of all clothing and perishable articles, (c.) Care of arms and metal stores ; cleaning of same. (d.) To ensure that articles issued to individuals are signed for, otherwise recoveries at law .cannot be made,