D.—2

20

Stores. Mr. H. Baxter, Comptroller of Stores, reports as follows : — The value of stores (purchased under the Railway vote) on hand at 31st March, 1913, at the various stores and depots amounted to £328,754 18s. 2d., as against £250,764 Bs. 9d. on the 31st March, 1912, an increase of £77,990 9s. sd. The value of stores stock on hand on account of additions to open lines amounted to £37,801 16s. 6d., as against £17,266 18s. sd. on 31st March, 1912, an increase of £20,534 18s. Id. The total stock of stores on hand has therefore increased during the year by £98,525 7s. 6d. The whole stock is in good order, has been carefully and systematically inspected, and is good value for the amounts stated. The conduct of the staff as a whole has been very satisfactory. I have, &c, T. Ronayne, General Manager. The Hon. the Minister of Railways.