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the stores should be properly classified and recorded. In fact however, numerous errors are continually arising, as articles issued are frequently given a description on the issue note differ- -ing from that in the Stock Book, and Engineers returning articles to store often give them a name and price different to that of articles of a similar kind already in stock. In the result, for which the Storeman with but a poor knowledge of English and with no knowledge of book-keeping can hardly be blamed, the store- -books become entirely misleading and in due course are found to be altogether at variance with the results of the periodical stock-taking.
5.
This state of affairs is most unsatisfactory
and in spite of the energetic supervision exercised by the Superintendent it can hardly be remedied unless a properly qualifi- -ed man is on the spot to check everything that is done at the store. I consider that efficiency in this matter is only to be obtained by the appointment of a trained European Storekeeper to supervise the existing Chinese Staff and I think that this course
would prove a true economy both in the saving of clerical labour
and of the time of Engineers and others sent to investigate mis-
-takes, and in the reduction of the considerable expense of stock-
-taking which is under present circumstances regularly enhanced
by the difficulty of checking improperly classified material. The
Director of Public Works informs me that the time of such an
officer would be fully occupied by the work which would be re-
-quired of him.
6.
I have accordingly to recommend the creation of a post to be called that of Inspector of Stores, and the appointment to it of a man to be selected in England with a technical training for the work and with a knowledge of the nouen- -clature of engineering, building and general stores. I suggest that the salary should be at the rate of £285 rising to £330 per annum by triennial increments of £15, with a quarters allowance
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