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With the exception of a few instances where circumstances were too urgent to allow of the usual procedure being followed, tenders or quotations were invited for the whole of the stores purchased. Sales tax and fluctuating exchange-rates have raised special features in connection with the purchase of stores, necessitating the revision of tender conditions and special consideration being given to these factors when reviewing tenders received. General Contracts. At the 31st March, 1933, contracts arranged by the Board were in operation for the supply of the undermentioned stores to all Departments : — Batteries for motor-vehicles. Electric lamps. Bricks, fireclay, earthenware pipes, and fittings. Motor-lubricating oik Brushware —painters' and general. Motor-spirit and kerosene. Candles, soap, and soda. Motor-tires. Cement. Photographic work. Coal, coke, and firewood. Polish —metal, floor, and boot. Disinfectant. Typewriters. In addition to the above, numerous departmental contracts were also in operation, the principal items concerned being as under : — Aviation-spirit. Foodstuffs (milk, bread, fish, poultry, hams, and bacon, &c). Fuel oil for Navy and Government ships. Lubricating-oil for M.v. " Maui Pomare." Tobacco for Mental Hospitals. Uniforms for messengers. Owing to the unstable market conditions the contract system of purchasing stores has not been extended during the year. Contractors' Service. The service given by contractors during the year has, in general, been efficient and satisfactory. It is pleasing to record instances where contractors have voluntarily reduced contract prices consequent on the fall in the wholesale market prices of the lines supplied. Preference to New Zealand and British Manufacturers. During the year the policy of preference to New Zealand and British manufacturers has been maintained.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (440 copies), £1 128. 6d.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington.- 1933. Price 3d.]

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