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The value of the stocks, including stores on-cost, held in the Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington storekeeping districts at the end of the year, as compared with that of the stocks held twelve months earlier, is shown hereunder. The increase is, in part, a reflection of the rising trend in market prices and costs, and the greatly improved deliveries from British manufacturers which have been experienced during the year. 31st March, 31st March, 1949. 1950. District. £ £ Auckland .. .. .. •• 828,426 1,289,348 Christchurch .. .. • • 398,600 524,143 Dunedin 240,273 301,680 Wellington.. .. .. •• 2,310,360 2,855,212 £3,777,659 £4,970,383 DEPARTMENTAL MOTOR-VEHICLES The Post Office motor-vehicle fleet totals 1,583 units—l,oB3 trucks, vans, and miscellaneous, and 500 cars. The total mileage travelled last year was 12,678,127. Cars averaged 11,159 miles each, and trucks and vans 6,555 miles each, for the year. This fleet is not adequate to meet all requirements. A number of new vehicles were placed in service during the year, and a number of others were disposed of, having reached the end of their useful life. Because of the shortage many vehicles ready for replacement remain in service. Post Office engineering works employ 957 vehicles, the remaining 626 being used on mail conveyance and other Post Office work and on hire to other Government Departments. Further additions to both groups are needed for full efficiency. Because of the shortage, a good deal of hiring from sources outside the Department was necessary during the year, particularly at the four main centres. WORKSHOPS Post Office workshops at the four main centres serve the general purposes of the Department, a good proportion of the work done consisting of maintenance and repairs to motor-vehicles of the Post Office and other Departments. Workshops at other centres are employed predominantly on motor-vehicle work. As circumstances permit, work of various classes, particularly motor-vehicle repair work, is undertaken for other Departments. During the year workshops activities continued at high tempo. The total value of work performed amounted to £666,479, of which £146,175 represents the value of services performed for other Departments. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR-VEHICLES AND ASSOCIATED WORK At the 31st March, 1950, there were 411,632 licensed motor-vehicles in New Zealand. New registrations during the year totalled 38,337. The amount collected in motor-registration fees was £745,031. The premiums collected on behalf of the thirty-seven insurance companies authorized to underwrite business in terms of Part V of the Transport Act, 1949, totalled £608,544. Mileage-tax amounting to £50,662 was collected in respect of 657 vehicles.

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