SADDLERY FOR THE TERRITORIALS

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 183, 2 August 1913, Page 9

SADDLERY FOR THE TERRITORIALS

(To the Uftar.l .Sir,—When writing my letter of 25th July it-was not my intention to create discussion on the above' subject, but simply to sec fair play to'the present Minister for Defence, but Qfr. Murphy's letter of July 28th eaTls for a reply, i Mr. Murphy's letter misconstrues mine, inasmuch as he quotes only a portion of Mr. Allen's reply, and says I consider the answer a reasonable and satisfactory one. The answer referred to, and given by (Mr. Allen, was with reference to the quotations -asked for last January for saddles nod equipment for the Mounted Rifles: If Mr. "Murphy will read my letter again he «vill wn that 1 have said nothing in reference to the harness and saddles for four-gun Imltery in my question to Mr. Allen, who clearly say's in reply, "that the department dues not issue saddlery for the members of the Mounted Ride*, on 'the cost preclude. sneh,"uml I lie quotations were obtained to nilyine the uibnntcd units (who purchase thefr own gear). The balance of bis reply, I take it, refers'to the general policy of the department. I still think ('ii-: explanation satisfactory. iltcgitrding thn special harness nii-1 saddles, about, which so much has been said, and which -was ordered I>y the Ward Government, this moot not be confuted with the Mounted -Rifles' equipment which Ulr. AL'cn mentions in his reply to my inquiries. Mr. Murphy says he is. not surprised at .the attitude taken upsby mc, seeing "I in ona of the' largest' importers of saddlery-" This statement is exceedingly illogical, as Mr. Murphy khoqld know, that rhy irin are the largest pioneer manufacturers of the. Dominion, employing a vsry large staff of skilled operatives, and have invested considerable capital on tip-to-date plant in order to successfully combat the importation of saddlery and leather goods generally. Naturally as a manufacturer 1 am keenly desirous .ilist all.saddlery.and leather goods should be made in the Dominion. Therefore Mr, Murphy's .insinuation, of my "cherishing the ide» of importing girl manufactured hamem'' is riiiiruloif-dv absurd, and, to say the least of it, U excKdtnjlj; UA $Mt* on Ma gut

-■ ■■■ ■!■■■ 1 I I | , , ——, In his P.S.J -Mr. Murphy doubts my statement that the harness referred to was ordered by the Ward Gowmneni. and he "conscientiously thinks that if it were so, Mr. Allen would be very careful to tell us." This assumption is .in accord vrith his other rash statements, for if be bad gone to tho least trouble to obtain facts, he would have found that this harness, etc., was in use over twelve months ago, and waa ordered in Iflll by the W»rd Government. Mr. Allen evidently thought it not worth while to cast reflections on his predecessors.— I am, etc, .lAS. W. WISEMAN.