76 + REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

 Amalie, Cruz Bay, Christiansted, and Frederiksted. In addition,
 34 civil cases in the District Court were handled by the department.
 Opinion writing and counselling services to the departments, par-
 ticularly in connection with stepped up activities in procurement,
 public works, and the tax incentive programs, continued to show a
 marked increase. Over 100 separate items of legislation were drafted
 or reviewed for the regular session and four special sessions of the
 legislature which occurred in the fiscal year.

 Department of Property and Procurement

 Division of Procurement and Supply
 This Division experienced a tremendous increase in workload dur-
 ing the year, 'as evidenced by the fact that direct orders, telephonic
 bids, Federal supply purchases, and contracts processed totalled
 ,.",:::.~ )7, which figure does not include "more or less" contracts
 for which purchase orders are issued by the individual departments.
 Of the above amount, $2,621,056.64 was spent for construction con-
 tracts; $1,201,801.11 for St. Thomas; $1,092,009.53 for St. Croix; and
 $327,246 for St. John.
 Toward the close of the fiscal year, the Legislature of the Virgin
 Islands passed, and the Governor approved, Act No. 886 which per-
 mits the purchase of supplies and equipment, without advertising for
 bids under existing contracts of the General Services Administration,
 Federal Supply Service, which gives greater flexibility to the various
 departments and agencies in acquiring their needs.

 Property Division
 During fiscal year 1962 a property manual was prepared by the
Property Division, with the assistance of the Government Comp-
troller for the Virgin Islands. This manual was approved by the
Governor on December 28, 1961.
 Physical inventories of government property were conducted and
record cards prepared for each item. Departmental listings are now
being prepared and departments will be furnished with this informa-
tion shortly.
 A more active part is being taken in the matter of surplus property
which is available to the Government of the Virgin Islands as a result
of conferences held with the Puerto Rico State Agency for Surplus
Property.