D.—2

XV

STORES. Mr. H. Baxter, Comptroller of Stores, reports as follows : — Tho value of stores, material, and plant (purchased under the Railways vote) on hand at the 31st March, 1920, at the various stores, depots, and sawmills amounted to £834,384 15s. 9d., as against £559,984 12s. 9d. on the 31st March, 1919. The value of stores on hand on account of additions to open lines amounted to £46,378 9s. 3d., as against £19,439 os. Id. on the 31st March, 1919. Tho value of stores on hand on account of Railway Improvement Authorization is £14,176 3s. Id No stocks were held on this account on the 31st March, 1919. The whole stock is in good order, has boon systematically and carefully inspected, and is value for tho amounts stated.