MUNITIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9172, 12 October 1915, Page 7

MUNITIONS

NEW ZEALAND'S PART WHAT THE DEPARTMENT IS DOING. MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE. A statement regarding the work of the Munitions Department was made in the House of Representatives yesterday by the Minister for Munitions (the Hon. A. M. Myers). Ho said that a good deal had been, done by -the department in the direction of obtaining information as to whether it was feasible to produce munitions in New Zealand. The report of a committee set up by the engineer's- conference held recently - in Wellington had made it clear that- the main , question. ~was one of obtaining material. Ho had since been; in communication with •' the authorities in Australia, ’ and was pleased to be able to say that steel of the requisite quantity was’ now, obtainable- The Broken Hill Company had - offered’ to supply steel at’ a certain price. “I have communicated with the various engineering firms throughout .New Zealand "asking for" details’ of 'the, machinery and plant they have in their possession,” 1 added the Minister, “and lam very glad-to be able to say that the replies have been most satisfactory. I am now. in possession of details of the machinery that .the ■ firms . are prepared'to place at-the disposal of, the Government in case we decide-to manufacture munitions in the Dominion, and almost” all the ‘ firms have practically plaoed-thoir establishments at our disposal.‘~ The university colleges have of- 1 fered their resources to - the department or to any committee -that may be appointed.*' ' The Minister added that he was now awaiting the arrival of complete specifications and other detailed information that was needed. Directly that information camo to hand he would call the committeo again for, the purpose of deciding- what should be done. The Imperial authorities had informed the Defence Minister than it was, not necessary to send additional supplies of hand-grenades to the troops at Gallipoli.