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XVII

STORES^ Mr. H. Baxter, Comptroller of Stores, reports as follows :— The value of stores, material, and plant; (purchased under the Railway vote) on hand at the 31st March, 1916, at the various stores, depots, and sawmills amounted to £428,065 15s. 5d., as against £418,093 19s. lid. on the 31st March, 1915. The value of stores on hand on account of additions to open lines amounted to £25,945 ss. 6d., as against £13,688 18s. lOd. on the 31st March, 1915. . The whole of the stock is in good order, has been carefully and systematically inspected, and is valued for the amounts stated.

The conduct of the staff as a whole has been satisfactory. I have, &c, E. H. Hiley, The Hon. the Minister of Railways. General Manager.

Hi—D. 2.