CLOTHING FOR SOLDIERS.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13661, 1 September 1916, Page 4

CLOTHING FOR SOLDIERS.

THE WELLINGTON PBOSECIJTION. . (Per Prom Ansooifttion) WELLINGTON, August 3i. The hearing was continued in the Magistrate's Court, of the ease wherein Abraham Levy, clothing manufacturer, was charged on eight'counts, with wilful breaches of contracts for the supply of uniforms for the New Zealand Government,

Defendant, giving evidence, said ho had thirty years' experience of tho trade. He went home to England in March, 1914, and returned twolve months later. Up to the time he went to England he had exercised personal supervision of his factory. During his absence and since his return his factory had been managed by Harry Levy, his brother-in-law, and Benjamin Levy, his sou. lie knew that the contract of IDlfi required lined thread. He was present at the meeting of manufacturers with the 'Board of Munitions. So far as the aclual contract was concerned, the use of cotton, as against linen thread, made no difference. He tendered for the, contract which was let to him, He had nothing to do with the factory work, but went into the factory Boiiiotimos. Harry Levy and Ben Levy attended lo all the work in connection with the contract. He did not interfere with the work of the factory. The only time he interfered was when an "explosion '* happened. (Laughter). Ho handed the specification over to Harry Levy, to be followed, lie did not remember having specially drawn the latter's attention to the fact that linen thrond was specified, He had often seen expert advisers in regard to the contract. When any question arose, ho got his in forma I ion from Harry Levy and Ben Lew.

Mr Myers: ITavo you had your office scinched (o ascertain if the original of this letter (showing copy) is on your premises? Witness: Yes, T have. Mr Myers: ITavc you found any tracts of it? 'Witness: No.

Mr Myers: So fur as you wore concerned, was I here any reason why you should no't have used linen thread? Witness: No, none -whatever, Mr Myers: Supposing you received n letter of that lcind, would you have continued to use cotton, etc?' Witness: No, certainly not. Tho hoarlng was 'adjourned until tomorrow,