1953-1954 — Page 19

46. A comparative statement of purchases for the year 1952/53 and 1953/54 is given below:

Coal

1952/53

1953/54

1,026,670.00

600,720.10

Furnace Oil

34,267.39

208,663.91

Lubricating Oil

27,517.05

34,842.68

Petrol

4,284.00

5,518.00

Government Stores (General)

158,388.96

127,668.47

Other Government Departments

887.65

1,272.50

Local Purchase

150,485.59

104,587.00

Crown Agents

1,846,996.29

428,640.85

3,249,496.93

1,511,913.51

47. Coal. There was a marked decrease in the purchase of coal during the year. The decrease was due to the greater use of furnace oil at a reduced price.

The total quantity of coal purchased during 1953/54 was 5,346 tons compared with 8,030 tons in 1952/53, a reduc- tion of 2,684 tons. The average price of coal was $117.73 per ton delivered to Railway bunkers.

48. Furnace Oil. The price of oil fell sharply in the course of the year. At the commencement of the year it was $190.00 per ton delivered to Railway tanks and after several general deductions in price, it remained at $123.00 per ton for the last three months. The average price was $125.11 per ton.

For various reasons, but chiefly economic, it was con- sidered more satisfactory to substitute furnace oil for coal where The possible. In consequence, the consumption of oil went up. quantity purchased during the year was 1,667 tons compared with 181 tons for the previous year, an increase of 1,486 tons.

49. General stores have been requisitioned from Govern- ment Stores whenever possible. If stores could not be supplied by them local purchases were made direct from local firms. There were decreases of $30,720.49 from Government Stores and $45,898.59 from direct local purchases during the year.

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