MUNITIONS AND SUPPLIES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9695, 25 June 1917, Page 5

MUNITIONS AND SUPPLIES

LARGE SUM REQUIRED FOR CURRENT AEAR. Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 23. Interviewed to-day, the Hon. A. M. .Myers gave particulars of the work of the Munitions and Supplies Department during tho past year. Ho started that owing to tho prudent policy adopted in arranging for the accumulation of stocks in all important lines, it had been possible, with great difficulty, to obtain the supplies required. It was estimated that the amount required for stores, supplies, drugs, etc., during the calendar year 1917 would reach about £1 ,400,000. Already orders have boon placed to the value of nearly £700,000. About a third of tho orders have been placed in Wellington. Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin receiving tho balance in fairly equal shares. If any supplier has not yet placed his name on tho register of supplies, the Minister suggests that he do so immediately. The prices paid during tho past twelve months show an increase on the previous charges, but having regard to tho improved quality and in many cases the larger sizes of the goods supplied, together with tho increased difficulty in obtaining supplies and the higher wages paid, Air .Myers regards the result as satisfactory. As regards both clothing and general stores, tho supplies have been of very high quality.