The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-01-14


sion BY the contractor Of items which
could be charged under the contract.
have found Mr.. Curran, your state
printer, to be thoroughly conversant
with all phases Of his work, an cx-
perienced printer both In the tech
meal and estimating branches OF the
business. I am Of tho opinion that
he is conducting the office in an
honest, efficient and creditable man
ner.
Printers Cooperatcd
The contracting printer has CO.
operated during the progress OF this
check by furnishing records ana SAM
pies upon request. The state de-
partments have willingly allowed &C
cess to records and furnished clerical
help when needed. I wish to acknowl-
edge to all. of these appropriations for
their cooperation.
So that this examination might be
thorough. in accordance with your
expressed desires, have carefully
checked the samples Of all work done.
measuring the type and figuring the
cost on the contract basis. All bills
were examined by this method.
No Need to Extend Probe
If the fifth class is criterion OF
the accuracy OF the state printer in
checking bills and Of the manner IN
which they are billed by the con-
tractor, do not feel that the state
would realize any advantage by ex-
tending this examination to the other
classes of state printing. All In
dications are that the result Of such
an examination would be the same
as the result Of this examination Of
the fifth class, and to make such q
check for two-year period OF all
classes of printing would require
much time and the expenditure Of
considerable money. My experience in
checking the fifth class bills leads
me to the conclusion that such an
examination would not be justified
by careful business policy.
Prices Unusually Low
For your information. I might add
that the prices for printing in North
Dakota under the state contracts are
unusually low as compared with
prices in other states. Despite this,
however. have found the printing
to be of good quality and Workman
ship and up to the standard in every
respect.
AS your honorable body ascertained
before entering into a contract to
employ me for this work, knew
nothing of the parties interested in
having this examination made and
know little more about them now.
I feel it unnecessary to say that I
have no interest in this matter and
that my conclusions and findings arc
those Of disinterestcd printer who
is conversant with all branches of the
business.
Highly Recommended
While engaged in this work ! have
been happy to serve letters from
Governor Theodore Christianson Of
Minnesota and Ray p. Chase, Mime
sofa state auditor, which throw some
light upon my qualifications. Copies
Of these letters are attached to this
report. I take the liberty Of men,
tioning this that the record may show
not only how this examination was
made but the qualifications Of the
individual making 1t.
Bearing on your request for sug-
gestions which would increase the
efficiency of the state printing de-
partment. would advise the instalta-
ton of a simple, up-to-date system,
including the necessary forms and
specifications, which may be done at
a later date if desired.
Filing System Suggested
A filing system should be installed
for, the purpose Of keeping a sample
OF each job, together with the
itemized invoice, receipt from depart
ments and proofs of alterations or
certificate from the department re-
quiring such alterations, SO that
complete check may be had at any
time. thus avoiding the necessity Of
samples from the printer
and obtaining invoices from the au-
ditor.
Invoices should be rendered in de-
tail and in duplicate, one copy for
the state printers file with his aota-
tions thereon as to additions or de-
auctions, the other to be OK'd for
payment and passed to the auditors
office in the regular routine.
Much time and labor would be
saved by putting through one vouct-
er in statement form each month, or
twice a month, to which copies of
itenlized invoices are attached, thus
making one entry and warrant in
stead OF separate warrants for each
invoice. This Is the plan followed in
other states. Invoices should have
contract prices of the various opera
tions printed in the proper space to
facilitate checking and eliminate err
rors due to using wrong prices.
When stock not specified in the
contract, such as bristol board, spe-
cial envelopes, covers, ETC., is to be
used, or work not covered by the con-
tract is to be. done. q competitive
price should be obtained on these
items. This would assure the state
the benefit Of reasonable price and
eliminate possible causes for criticiz.
ing the state printing department.
All jobs ordered should have form
numbers printed thereon, except per-
haps, letter heads or special work
Each department Of the state should
KEEP a form index, together with
samples Of the various forms. ana 2
record OF the date and amount Or
dered on each Job.
Changes Suggested
In cases Of unusual and severe COM
position, such as box headings, close
register. tabular work requiring closl
and precise Justification, several sizes
OF type interlined or type matter
placed at right angles, the STATE
printer should use his judgment a1lt
knowledge Of the conditions in deter.
mining the proper size Of type IS {
4 ..