MACHINE GUNS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13852, 21 August 1915, Page 7

MACHINE GUNS.

[Dnxtbd Press Association.]

Wellington, Aug. 21. Some time ago the Minister qf Defence cabled to the Imperial authorities asking whether the.v could supply machinery for the manufacture of machine guns in the Dominion. He received a reply that all available machinery is being used in Britain. Smeo then the Minister -had a further communication in regard bo tbe proposed purchase of machine guns-for the- Nev Zealand-forces with . funds raised by private subscription, and yesterday-be received' a caMe stating that-the \\ar Office.was gratefubfor- the generous offer to supply machine guns, but all v.hose available are, required for Gistnbution to troops equally. Iho War Office reports that it cam-ot. niatav a special allotment to New Zealand troops. •■■'-. , . j ~ The War Office having advised the Minister of Defence.that extra machineguns ■ for^ijlie Now Zealand forces cannot be procure*!, the whole"ofc?the available 'snpply beiner required for Imperial purposes, "Mr Allen is communicating with persons .-who have .offered to pay for gnns or who have subscribed to machine gun funds;., the Minister is asking the persons" concerned what tiiey desire to have done with the money, ■and suggesting that it should be diverted to some other patriotic .cause.