THE MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17039, 25 June 1917, Page 6

THE MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT.

"WHAT 13 BEENO DONE. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. (Pxa Dkitkd Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, June 23. Interviewed to-day, the Hon. A. M. Myers gave particulars of the work of tho Munition ancl Supplies Department during the past year. He stated that, owing to tho prudent policy adopted in arranging for all accumulation of stocks in all iniporttant lines, it had been possible, with gTeat difficulty, to obtain the supplies required. K was estimated, said the Minister, that the amount required for stores, supplies of drugs, etc., during the calendar year of 1917 would reach about £1,400,000. Already orders had been placed to the value of nearly £700,000. About a third of tho orders had been placed in "Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunodin, and they were receiving the balance in fairly equal shares. "If any supplier has not yet placed his name on tho Register of Supplies." Mr Myers, "I would suggest that he do so immediately. The prices paid during the past 12 months show an increase on the previous charges, but, having regard to the improved quality and in many cases larger sizes of sroods supplied, together with tho increased difficulty in obtaining supplies and the higher wages paid, I regard the result as satisfactory. As regards both clothing and general stores, the supplies have been of a very high quality.