1949-1950 — Page 21

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88. Government Stores. Purchases from Government Stores have decreased. This is due to the fact that last year's figures include a three-monthly trial period when all local stores were purchased from Government Stores. However, stores have been purchased from this source whenever possible provided that the price was cheaper than purchasing from the Railway's contractors. Debits, too, have arrived much more promptly, and it can be said that the present procedure for the procurement of stores from the Government depot is better than it has been for some time, due to the closer co-operation between the two depart- ments.

89. Crown Agents. Purchases from Crown Agents show a considerable increase on last year, owing to the arrival of more permanent way materials and machines for the locomotive workshops, most of which were ordered in 1946. ing list shows the principal items received approximate cost.

Mechanical Engineer's Department.

The follow-

and and their

Air Brake Spares

$ 13,650

Air Compressors

5,500

Bandsawing Machine

4,200

Cupola

10,400

Electro-Pneumatic Hammer, 20 cwt.

63,800

Furnace

15,050

Gear Hobbing Machine

47,600

Grinding Machine, vertical

35,500

Grinding Machine

62,650

Horizontal Boring Machine

107,800

Hydraulic Wheel Press

87,250

Lathe, 81" X 9' (2 nos.)

23,600

""

91" X 10'

15,450

121" × 12

33,550

""

221" X 181

44,450

Wheel, 7'

212,050

""

Planing Machine

43,150

Pneumatic Sand Sifter

2,750

Radial Drilling & Boring Machine

16,700

Sand & Loam Mill

5,400

Turntable

173,850

Wood Trimmer

1,050

Permanent Way Materials

Dogspikes

34,850

Fishbolts & Nuts

14,750

Rails (4,222 lengths)

943,950

Switches & Crossings

161,100