MUNITIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 110, 5 November 1915, Page 4

MUNITIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND

EARLY DEVELOPMENTS

EXPECTED.

(BY IBIiBORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CHRISTCHURCH, 4th Nov.

A statement about the possibility of manufacturing' munitions in New Zealand and probable early developments in regard thereto was made by the Hon. A. M. Myers.

Immediately after Mr. Myers took charge of this Department in August last he convened a conference of a large number of the leading engineers, which took place in Wellington on 3rd September. As a result of this a committee was set up to go thoroughly into the question, with a view of enabling the Minister to decide whether it was practicable and feasible to proceed with the manufacture of munitions. A few days later this committee submitted an interim report, which indicated, inter alia,-that the bodies' of 18-pounder sheila could be manufactured in New Zealand if the steel could be procured. Inquiries have therefore been made as to the possibility of importing steel from Australia, and the Minister was able to say. that the result of his enquiries had been entirely satisfactory.

In order to ascertain the number of machines available in New Zealand which wonld be suitable for this manufacture, the various engineering firms throughout the Dominion were approached, and they had responded in a most generous and patriotic manner. Several stated that they would place their entire plant at tho disposal of the Government if the work .of manufacturing munitions were proceeded with. The work of collecting details of machinery available had occupied a great deal of time, but the census was now just about complete.

The Minister had been kept fully advised as to the progress that is being made in Australia in the manufacture of munitions, and a great deal of valuable information has been received. Mr. Myers is now awaiting some filial parti-' cu'lars from the Corhmonwealth Minister of Defence' as to an alteration in 4;h.6 specification of shells, etc., recently suggested by the Home authorities. These may arrive probably in a few days, when the committee set up by the conference will be called together again to consider the whole matter. Mr. Myers, said, therefore, he hoped that within the next week or two he would be able to submit to Cabinet, a review of the position which would justify Cabinet in arriving at a final decision.

"It is satisfactory to know," concluded Mr. Myers, "that ah engineering firm in Christchurch has produced a sample bayonet, which is now bejng tested with a view to ascertaining its reliability and snitab.ili.ty. In the. past all our bayonets have been imported, but, judging by the appearance of the sample submitted there is every reason to hope that it will pass the necessary test." ■