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Hon. Colonial Secretary,
The Store Regulations insist on an independent stocktaking by officers other than those connected with stores. As the survey is a long and tedious matter there was no available staff belonging to this Government to undertake it, and on account of its magnitude the Naval and Military Authorities (who were approached) both refused, after a preliminary survey, to carry out the work, being unable to supply the necessary staff. The fee of Messrs. Macdonald & Co. (a firm of Surveyors after tender) was $1,700.00 only, the balance of the vote of $2,213 covering cost of coolie labour &c. required in connection with the stocktaking which occupied about four months.
26th July, 1909.
(Sgd.) P. F. H. Jones,
Ag. D. P. W.