CONTROLLER OF THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16538, 14 May 1917, Page 5

CONTROLLER OF THE NAVY.

APPOINTMENT REVIVED. POST FOR SIR ERIC GEDDES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 12. It is understood that Sir Eric Geddes, Inspector-General of Transportation, has been appointed Controller of the Navy, which office has been revived under the Admiralty. Under the previous organisation, the Controller of the Navy had chaise of everything that concerns the material of the fleet. A great number of civil departments were directed by the Controller, and his survey and supervision extended to the dockyards and building establishments of the fleet. He was responsible to the Board of Admiralty for canying into effect its decisions in regard to all matters of construction and equipment Sir Eric Campbell Geddes, who was knighted last June, was formerly deputy general manager of the North Eastern Railway. He acted for some month* as deputy director-general of Munitions Supply. Last year he was sent to France as Director-General of Transport. The appointment was criticised on the score that a military officer had been superseded by a civilian, but it was officially stated that Sir Eric Geddes had been selected for the position in view o ; In* special qualifications, gained during a loi experience in railway management in 11.. United States, India, and Britain.