RESERVES OF AMMUNITION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 November 1938, Page 5

RESERVES OF AMMUNITION

being Built up in dominion SUPPLIES FROM HOME fUnited Press Aneociationl CHRISTCHURCH, 29th November. Reserves of ammunition for both the Air Force and the Army are being built- up in New Zealand, the Minister

of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) said in an interview last evening. “Although it is difficult to get, we are obtaining as much ammunition as we possibly can for the Air Force,” said Mr Jones, who disclosed that Great Britain had allowed the Dominion a certain quantity of air ammunition from her own stock. As to ammunition for the Army. Mr Jones said, orders had been placed in England for a long time, and equipment was also on order. A quantity of ammunition was coming from Australia and small arms ammunition was being supplied by the Colonial Ammunition Company, which had a factory in Auckland. “We are building up reserves of ammunition and equipment for both the Army and the Air Force,” said the Minister. Mr Jones yesterday paid his first visit to the Burnham military camp. The main purpose of his inspection was to discuss on the spot the pressing needs for new storage accommodation at the camp. All the buildings were inspected by Mr Jones, who announced that provision for increased storage at Burnham was to be made. The Minister expressed his personal pleasure and also the pleasure of the Defence Department with the training given to the members of the Territorial Special Reserve. In the last 12 months, he said, the reserve had trained 1200 men. Increased importations of arms, am-

munition, and explosives are reported in the “Abstract of Statistics.” For the nine months ended 30th September. 1933, the value of the importations was £322,000. compared with £305.000 in 1937 and £156,000 in 1928. RATINGS FOR NAVY A scheme for the gradual increase of New Zealanders in commissioned rank in the New Zealand Navy is being considered by the Government. Mr Jones said that when H.M.S. Leander returned from her refit she would carry 90 per cent. New Zealand ratings. “We are going to provide increased facilities for young New Zealanders to train in the Old Country as commissioned officers.” he said. “At present, a certain number of our youths are taken into the Navy, but the whole of the expense has to be borne by their parents. We are considering a scheme whereby assistance will be given in that direction. Some assistance will be given parents in the Dominion to have their sons trained as commissioned officers.”