F.—l.

STORES BRANCH. The following statement shows the value of stores received and issued in the Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington storekeeping districts during the year, and the value of stocks held at the end of the year. For the purpose of comparison the particulars for the previous year are shown also :

The total value of orders placed during the year was £808,704. Of this amount, £314,634 represented the cost of stores for supply from within the Dominion, including £55,519 for stores purchased under contracts arranged by the Stores Control Board. The total value of orders placed during the previous year was £980,491. Particulars of purchases arranged by the Post and Telegraph Department on account of other Departments under the Stores Control Board Regulations are set out hereunder, the figures for the previous year being shown also.

During the year the purchase of 362 motor-vehicles for other Departments and 94 motor-vehicles for the Post and. Telegraph Department was arranged. The figures for the previous year were 404 and 107 respectively. Auckland Stores District. On the Ist March, 1939, a Stores Manager was appointed at Auckland to take over from the Chief Postmaster control of stores activities in that district. Sale of Obsolete and Unserviceable Material. Several auction sales of obsolete and unserviceable material, including worn-out motor-vehicles from various Departments, were held during the year. The total value of property disposed of was £3,855. This sum includes the value of scrap metals. Marine Insurance Fund. Th« insurable value of stores from countries within the Empire and the United States of America covered under the New Zealand Government Marine Insurance Fund was £665,009. WORKSHOPS. The departmental workshops at various centres throughout the Dominion have continued to provide a very efficient service. Where necessary the operations of the workshops have been extended to meet the increasing demands of this and other Government Departments. Equipment has been kept up to date, and increased accommodation provided as required. The total value of work performed during the year was £234,542, of which £29,455 represents the value of services rendered to other Government Departments.

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1938-39. 1937-38. r> • a * t * I Stock on hand, . , . , * * Stock on hand, Receipts.* ! Issues.* l 31st March, 1939. RecelpK Issues.* 3 i at March, 1938. j I I £ £ £ £ £ £ Auckland .. 368,990 314,74-8 195,151 272,554 234,953 140,909 Christchurch .. 143,265 128,179 85,577 107,136 98,113 70,491 Dunedin .. 117,867 98,727 69,621 84,109 75,162 50,481 Wellington .. 792,277 670,421 468,394 630,84.9 532,839 346,538 Dominion totals .. 1,422,399 1,212,075 818,743 1,094,648 i 941,067 608,419 * Excluding transfers within storekeeping districts.

Value of Items purchased. Year ended Requisitions. Items. - —*- On Indent. Locally. j Total. £ £ £ 31st March, 1939 .. 5,299 24,135 21,304 320,201 341,505 31st March, 1938 . . 4,328 21,058 20,088 199,979 220,067