P. —2

XLVI

STORES. Mr. E. J. Guiness, Comptroller of Stores, reports as follows : — The value of the stores, material, and plant (purchased under Railway vote) on hand at the 31st March, 1924, at the various stores, depots, and sawmills amounted to £815,665 18s. Id., as against £1,007,588 19s. lid. on the 31st March, 1923. The value of stores on hand on account of additions to open lines amounted to £149,902 7s. 10el., as against £132,728 lis. Ild. on the 31st March, 1923. The value of stores on hand on account of Railway Improvement Authorization is £9,172 19s. 2d., as against £12.382 9s. lid. on the 31st March, 1923. The whole stock is in good order, has been systematically and carefully inspected, and is value for tho amount stated.