STRONG CRITICISM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 79, 13 January 1945, Page 2

STRONG CRITICISM.

MIDDLE EASt COMMISSIONER. ' A ALLEGED WASTE OF FtJNDS (P.A.) GISBORNE, Jan. 12. Strong criticism of tlie establishment of a New Zealand Red Cross Commissioner in the Middle East, which he said was never necessary, was made to-day by Colonel A. S. Muir, who recently returned from the Middle East where he held the post of Adjutant and Quartermaster-Gene-ral of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. * Colonel Muir said that previously Red Cross work was controlled by the Director of Medical Services with the Commissioner of the 'National Patritic Fund and distribution through normal medical channels involved no cost to the New Zealand Red Cross. With the advent of a Red Cross Commissioner in the Middle East, Red Cross funds became liable for the cost of petrol and tyres for transport, and the liability for fuel alone must have been very heavy. “I cast no aspersions on Major W. G. Tweedy, who did the job in a very capable way,” said Colonel Muir. “The replacement of Major Tweedy by another officer is just perpetuating what has been extravagant and unwarranted waste of Red Cross funds. Beyond more detailed reports and a comprehensive accounting, no better service is given to the sick and wounded than when the Director of Medical Services and the Patriotic Board Commissioner directed activities. The increased administration expenditure could have been saved for further comforts. “The appointment of a New Zealand commissioner is an expensive luxury that could be obviated,” added Colonel Muir. “The Medical Corps administration is unexcelled, and the Red Cross work could have been handled efficiently.”