DEFENCE EQUIPMENT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14589, 26 April 1918, Page 4

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT.

(Per Press Association).

WELLINGTON, this day. Major MeCristell, director of equipment and ordnance stores, m evidence at the Defence Expenditure Commission to-day, stated that the Ordnance Department had to ensure, before an issue was made, that the articles demanded were essential and authorised, and when isued it had to keep an account of them from the time issued until the time they were written off. He had no say m the appointment of his staff. There, had been no system of training, and that was where the trouble ha<i arisen. He was going ,to have a system of inspection, but he. had not the men to do it. The creation of an efficient staff could be done -by detaching men of the (N.Z.A.O.C. for duty as quartermastersergeants m regiments, groups, and convalescent hospitals. Referring to evidence given m Auckland, witness said that if the Defence steamer Lady Roberts m Auckland ■ was short of lifebelts, it was due to neglect at that station. There were 170 belts on charge at the station, especially obtained for the Lady Roberts. That number was far m excess of the normal requirements. That meant that serious deficiencies on the Lady Roberts were pointed out by the marine authorities, but not remedied. That was a, serious charge. It it referred to the supply of stores from his branch, it was absolutely -untrue. Where an Distance of delays m his office had been brought under his notice, prompt action had been taken. It was not permissible for officers of the Defence Department to purchase any ordnance stores other than the clothing and equipment necessary for the performance of their military duties. Through the Department undertaking to repair goods £1264 had been saved m one year. The amount saved between June Ist, 1917, to April 4th, 1918, by repairing clothing was £23,618. . h