The caves in which work is done departmentally are so very few that the headings of Labour and Materials in such cases may well be merged into Contract Works. In the case of Store, the charges for freight, handling and insurance bear no fixed ratio to the value of the article where they are of such a miscellaneous nature as those included in the indents.
However, in the Public Works Department, with the aid of experience, and the vouchers usually accompanying the advices of shipment, a very fair approximate value can generally be fixed for all stores when received.
If, therefore, estimates for all works were divided into the two main headings Contract Works and Stores, it being understood that the former includes all labour employed departmentally in the actual construction of works and the latter all expenditure on the purchase and delivery of goods into store and their proper maintenance whilst in charge of the storekeeper, we anticipate that the objections of the Audit Department will be practically met and little additional work will be thrown on the staff of the Public Works Department.
The balance sheet at the end of the year would be of the following form: stock in hand at the beginning of the year, Stores received into Stores from Crown Agents, Stores purchased locally, Stores returned from Works, Stores issued to Works, Stores sold, Unserviceable stores written off, Depreciation of Stock carried forward.
$ Stock in hand at the beginning of the year BX Stores received into Stores from Crown Agents Stores purchased locally Stores returned from Works Stores issued to Works & Stores sold CX Unserviceable stores written off DS Depreciation of Stock Carried forward X559