DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 121, 8 February 1918, Page 5

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMISSION. The Royal Commission on War Expenditure formally opened its sittings yesterday afternoon. Brigadier-Gen-eral Sir Robert M'Cheyne Anderson, chairman of tba commission, presided, and the other members of the commission, Messrs. Peter Barr and Charles Rhodes, wero also present; The order of reference was read by' the secretary, and then a brief statement was made by the chairman. Sir Robert Anderson said that the commission would now be open to take evidence. It was not proposed that evidence would be taken here at, once ■until-the commission had visited other centres outside of Wellington, and inspected Defence activities everywhere in order to get an intimate knowledge of them. . Notification would be given as to when the commission would be in Wellington for the hearing of evidence, and persons who might be able to assist with evidence would be asked to "do so.

Major-General Robin, Commandant of the Forces, matte application to tho commission for permission to , attach to the commission in its tour of" tho country an officer who might be able to represent General Headquarters, and who would be able to furnish information on the spot, arid so make it unnecessary to apply to Headquarters for any information that the commission might wish to have from time to time. With tho consent of the commission he.| would nominate Major Andrews, an officer of experience, for this duty. The chairman asked whether this officer would simpl.y be on hand to furnish information as it was required. He understood that no request was being made that this officer was to have-any standing in tho proceedings or that ho should have any right to ask quos- ' tions, to examine or cross-examinc witnesses, or' anything of the sort. General Robin said that he did not, wish the officer to do any more than to be on hand t-o furnish such information as might be required of- him. as occasion arose. The chairman said that the commission would accede gladly to tho request ' made under these conditions. He believed that the services of such' an officer would be most helpful to the inquiry. It was then announced that the commission would stand adjourned to Auckland, to sit there on Monday next for the hearing of evidence.