33. The Department maintains stocks of standard printed forms, obtained from the Printing Department of the Hong Kong Prison, to meet the demands of all departments.
34. Undoubtedly a large saving has been effected since stationery supplies were centralised, due in part to the standardisation which took place involving a reduction in the number of items and in the many varieties and weights of paper. Investigations are proceeding in other directions which will effect still further economies.
IV. GOVERNMENT FIREWOOD SUPPLY.
35. The Botanical and Forestry Department has supplied this Department during the past two years with timber from forest areas damaged by typhoons and the ravages of insects. This timber was sold in previous years to the highest tenderer, usually at prices considerably below the market rate for firewood whilst Government purchased its firewood requirements in the open market.
36. The requirements of Government's services are now fully met from the timber supplied by the Botanical and Forestry Department. The timber is delivered in logs to the Furniture Workshop where it is cut into suitable lengths for issue.
37. The scheme has proved both practical and economical and the monetary saving during the period of operation has been considerable.
38. Timber received and issued as firewood during 1939:-
Stock in hand at 1st January tons. 922.97 Add. Receipts from B. & F. Dept., and timber confiscated by order of Magistrates (less shrinkage allowance) ... 761.76 tons. 1,684.73 Deduct Issues to All Departments 788.00 Kowloon-Canton Railway 5.05 Refugee Camps 441.09 Total 1,234.14 Stock in hand at 31st December 450.59V. FURNITURE.
39. There were 60 men on the pay roll of the Furniture Workshop, Arsenal Street, at the beginning of the year and this number was increased to 165 from September onwards. The monthly average number of workmen employed was 110.
40. Due to the many and urgent demands for emergency services, the Workshop production was strained to the utmost during the last four months of the year. At one period in September it was found necessary to employ the workshop staff in three shifts of eight hours each daily and during this time the machines were in operation continuously for twenty-four hours daily.
41. The furniture in the residences of His Excellency the Governor, Hospitals, Schools, Police Stations, Offices and Quarters was maintained in good repair and where necessary unserviceable articles were replaced.