The numbers of motor vehicles ordered during the financial years 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 were 231, 244, 126 and 69 respectively, purchases being based on the dual considerations of suitability for service requirements and price. Competitive tendering is resorted to when the circumstances render this course suitable and practicable, but in certain instances the field of selection is limited by the types available, and in others a knowledge of catalogue prices and market conditions make it unnecessary. When a particular type of vehicle has been selected by competitive tendering, it is sometimes found convenient and economical to standardise it for a period in order to avoid the duplication of vehicles and stocks of spares.