RIFLE AMMUNITION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 29 March 1934, Page 3

RIFLE AMMUNITION

QUESTION OF QUALITY MINISTER’S EXPLANATION (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, 27tli March. Commenting on the complaint of rifle clubs as to the quality of ammunition supplied for shooting matches the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. G. CoblKv) stated that the clubs were in no dillVront position from the Territorial Forces, as both were issued with the same class of ammunition. The Defence Department, lie said, possessed comparatively large stocks of ammunition manufactured prior to 1930 and it was necessary that ammunition of older make should he used before using the, newer. A certain reserve quantity must always he maintained to meet military requirements. If tlie clubs’ demands were acceded to, that reserve would eventually consist of old ammunition. This could not be contemplated. Although the ammunition now being used was not of recent make, it bad been tested by the department and classified as serviceable. For economy reasons less small arms ammunition was now being purchased and as the quantity was exceeded by the annual consumption, the position should right itself in time.