WASTE EN CAMP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17090, 23 August 1917, Page 7

WASTE EN CAMP

REDUCED TO MINIMUM. WASTE ARTICLES TURNED TO PROFIT. - {Fbom Odb Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 22, Thero ha\o been somo allegations of waste in the New Zealand reinforcement oamps, and criticism of the military authorities was resumed in consequence this afternoon. Sir James Allen read to the following memo. from Major-general Robin: I tjave lately visited tho oamps, jno find that the wasM is practically ns ow us it is possiblo to be made. Tho waste from meals or tables varies for many reasons, and is not easily controllable. Rations must be issued to bo cooked for the next day. Many men returning from short or evening leave have not, for many misons, their full appetite tho next day. On visitors day, or when men are on short leave, many paroels of food are brought in and consumed, and again the appetite is reduced. Thi3 Feems a small reason, but it is astonishing how it tells twice a week, and we cannot absolutely reduce the ration for that day in anticipation of smaller appotatea. At Featherston the refuse is colJected and boiled down, with a result on an average of £20 a month profit from its sale, Whon_ a suitable boiler or crusher can bo obtained tho bones will be made into garden manure. All equipment, broken articles, metals used up, utensils etc., have to bo accounted for, surveyed destroyed, or sold to tho best advantage' ■kmpty oases, wire from straw ajid hay crates, empty tins, tea-lead, etc., aro regularly collected and accounted for, and £300 a. month is the result. Tho table and ration rofuso at Trenthara feeds the pigs on a farm, which is now bringing in a profit. Clothing and uniforms of all descriptions are repaired and sterilised, and useless utensils aro sold."