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Motok-vehicles. At the present time the various Departments own over a thousand motor-vehicles, of which approximately half are owned by the Post and Telegraph Department. Although most Departments have kept a record of running and maintenance expenses, there has been no uniformity of method; with the result that the same make of car running under approximately the same conditions has shown widely varying costs, according to the method of costing adopted by the particular Department owning the vehicle. The matter has received consideration on several occasions, and last year it was decided to appoint a special committee consisting of three expert officers, one each from the Post and Telegraph, Railways, and Public Works Departments. The committee investigated the problem very thoroughly, and came to the conclusion that it was practicable to adopt a uniform system, and to enable this result to be achieved drafted sets of suitable forms. The forms provide for a complete history of each vehicle from the time it is purchased until it is finally disposed of, including original cost, interest on capital, and depreciation. Better provision will also be made for recording tools and spare parts. Competent mechanical field inspectors will be appointed whose duty will be to see that the cars are kept in thoroughly efficient condition and not allowed to be running when they are in need of overhaul or adjustment. Controlling costing officers will be appointed for each of the larger Departments, and one will be attached to the Treasury to supervise the costing systems of the smaller Departments. At the present time the covering instructions have been drafted, and so soon as they are printed the new system will be brought into operation. Preference to Local and British Industries. The policy of preference to local and British industries has been continued, and appreciation of the policy has been expressed by many firms and commercial organizations. There is no doubt that the Board's policy in this respect has been of great assistance to both local and British manufacturers.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation not given; printing (550 copies), £2 ss.

By Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Price 3d.]

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