ARMY SURPLUSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 15, 19 January 1944, Page 6

ARMY SURPLUSES

SURVEY UNDER WAY

QUESTION OF DISPOSAL | I "As a result of New Zealand's im- • proved strategic position, War Cabijnct recently approved the closing of several Army camps and other defence establishments in various parts of the Dominion," stated the Acting Prime Minister. (Mr. Sullivan) today. "A complete survey of buildings and equipment in these camps is being undertaken at the present time, but it will be some weeks before it is definitely known what buildings and equipment will be surplus and available for disposal. Wherever possible, surpluses are being transferred to meet the requirements of the Armed Services in other districts, and also to fulfil the demands of civil departments and thereby obviate additional expenditure which would be incurred by the Government if such demands were met by the provision of new buildings and equipment. A survey of the future requirements or the Armed Services is also being undertaken. "I am informed," continued Mr. Sullivan, "that there is already a deluge of applications from public- organisations, private, firms, and persons for the purchase of defence buildings, and it is certain there will be some delay in acknowledging these applications and supplying details and prices, which will not be available until the surveys are completed. I am sure intending purchasers will appreciate the position and show patience during the next few weeks. "The Government is very anxious to see that all surplus • buildings and equipment are used to the best advantage, and must therefore give attention not, only to providing for immediate requirements, but also postwar requirements for rehabilitation of returned servicemen, industry, ■ health camps, youth centres, motor and tourist camps, and other public organisations. The establishment of an organisation to' handle this work elficiently has already oeen discussed by War Cabinet," continued Mr. Sullivan, ♦"and in the near future a further public statement will be made."