ARMY FOODSTUFFS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 93, 21 April 1941, Page 9

ARMY FOODSTUFFS.

SYSTEM OF PURCHASING

PRESENT METHOD DEFENDED.

The present system of purchasing foodstuffs for Army consumption is defended in a statement made at Northern Military District Headquarters as a lesnlt of a report that the Associated Chamber* of Commerce are investigating the methods used, with a view to making representations to the Government that a business manager should 'be appointed to the Army. Inquiries revealed that tlic control of the purchase of all foodstuffs for the Army Department is in the hands of the Internal Marketing Division, which in the case of vegetables, but with the exception of potatoes and onions, delegates t<> the Army supply branch authority to make it< own purchases to the best advantage. The supply of all other foodstuffs is not handled by the Army Department. In all eases it has been found that the system used operates very well, the organisation of the Internal Marketing Division being particularly valuable in areas where agents are required. Position at Waiouru. In tho Associated Chambers of Commence report mention was made of the purchase of certain vegetables and fruit for Waiouru military camp. So far as this camp is concerned, all purchasing is done from Wellington and no information is available in Auckland. However, instances were given in the report of supplies being obtained in Auckland and then sent to Waiouru. it being suggested that a cheaper method would be to purchase in the locality of the camp. In answer to thw the Army states that a continual source of supply must be available, it having been proved from experience that the purchase of small supplies in the vicinity of camps is not economical.

An instance was given where pumpkins could have been bought for 7/6 per ewt near one of the camps. However, the following day, this being in plenty of time for the camp's requirements. pumpkins were obtained in Auckland at 3/6 per cwt. As a result of its experience, the district supply 'branch obtains its supplies from city markets under hammer conditions.

It is stated tliat this does not mean that only the Auckland markets are used. Supplies for Kgaruawahia, for instance, are obtained in Hamilton. However, it is obvious that when supplies become exhausted in districts in proximity to the city they must be obtained in more distant places where supplies come to hand later. Account lias also to be taken of fluctuation in prices and while a line of vegetables may be cheap one day weather or some other condition can change their value the next day. As far as apples are concerned, the Army states in answer to the Chamber of Commerce that these and other fruits are naturally bought at the price fixed by the Internal Marketing Division, the public buying under the same conditions.