MUNITIONS OF WAR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 226, 19 June 1940, Page 11

MUNITIONS OF WAR

Production Intended In New Zealand PLANT REQUISITIONED Tlie establishment of a special Munitions Production Seclion of the Supply Department, with Mr. E. T. Spidy, Superintendent of Railway Workshops, us controller, was announced yesterday by tlie Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan. He said that plant in the railway workshops was being requisitioned, ami plant in private engineering establishments would lie .requisitioned, for innnitlpn production. Consultations would be entered into with those at present engaged in munition production iu order to ascertain the possibility of assisting them by co-ordinating their activities with other establishments. Mr. Sullivan said that Mr. Spidy was. engaged in Canada during the last war ou the production and supervision of output of munitions. lie would Ih? assisted by an expert committee, consisting of an Army liaison officer, representatives of the Navy and Air Force, a manufacturing engineer, a representative of the Engineers’ Union (a practical engineer), and a representative of tlie motor assembly works. The principal engineering undertakings would lie used t<> their capacity to assist in the production Of munitions, and the requirements of the Army. Navy, and Air Force would be provided to tlie maximum possible from Dominion reserves. Co-ordination With Australia. “Co-ordination with Australia in the work will be one of tlie subjects I will discuss with the Commonwealth Government and the manufacturers concerned.” said Mr. Sullivan, who is to visit Australia soon. “’Phis will include the question of supply by Australia of raw materials, chiefly metals, and of partially manufactured goods to be machined and assembled in New Zealand. Every possible piece of additional machinery that can be obtained either through importation or by local manufacture will be used. “To the extent that raw materials are available or can be secured, the new production is being proceeded with at once. All raw materials available will be used ami this supply will lie supplemented by any materials that can be obtained from overseas and by the refining of scrap metals which are being collected in New Zealand. “Among the items to be made in New Zealand immediately are included steel helmets, and clips, rivets, and centre bolts for them; water bottles; mess tins, grenades, mortars and projectiles: tool, kits, portable benzine tanks, and special winches for the Air Force, and 'also Bren gun carriers. These articles are being ordered at once. The manufacture of larger types of Inunitions in New Zealand, such as small tanks, and anti-aircraft guns, is being examined.”''’

Mr. Sullivan, on behalf of the Government, asked everyone involved in this munitions service to regard his work as of tlie utmost importance to tlie nation in this hour, and expend himself in providing the things needed by the defence services. Indeed this was imperative. *