Officers' Destruction Of Army Property Defended

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28927, 22 June 1959, Page 13

Officers' Destruction Of Army Property Defended

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 21

The Army Board of Survey which authorised the destruction of certain Army equipment recovered after a hurricane struck a camp near Kaitaia in March, has been supported in its action by independent investigations directed by the Minister of Defence (Mr (Connolly). These investigations included an on-the-spot visit by the Minister. During the investigation, however, some instances were found of departures from authorised practice in the carrying,out of the destruction of material for disposal. Action is being taken to avoid their repetition. Announcing this on Saturday Mr Connolly said the action was first brought to his notice by Mr J. T. B. Taaffe. of Kaitaia. who asked for an investigation. Mr Connolly said the Army salvaged a considerable amount of material and then burnt the rest on the beach at Tokerau and at Kaitaia. It was contended that some of the material destroyed might have been of use had it i been auctioned as damaged. “Since visiting Kaitaia on May 14, with the Army Secretary (Mr A. N. V. Dobbs), and the secretary of the Government Stores Board (Mr G. H. White), and hearing the evidence of Mr Taaffe and several other residents, I have given this matter a great deal of consideration and have now received two indenendent official reports," Mr Connolly said.

“Mr White has submitted his independent report to the Treasury and the result of an inquiry by the Audit Department has been received from the Controller and Auditor-General. “The conclusion of all these independent investigations, and of my own. is that the Army j Board of Survey did not act | unreasonably in deciding that the , items burnt should not be disposed of otherwise. “I was very impressed by the

manner in which Mr Taaffe and others brought this matter to notice and the manner in which they discussed it during my visit to Kaitaia. Their action was one of public spiritedness. “It should be generally known that there are very rigid procedures required by the Government to ensure that Boards of Survey deal carefully and responsibly with the disposal of any stores. Naturally, the decision in each case is a matter of judgment. but in this one I am convinced the officers acted responsibly. reasonably, and in good faith.” he said.