STATE SUPPLIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17345, 18 July 1924, Page 11

STATE SUPPLIES.

[ OBJECTIONS TO SECRECY. (Special to the ‘‘Star ”) AUCKLAND, July 17. There is a good deal of comment in Auckland, as in other centres except Wellington, about the methods of the special board in purchasing Government supplies for various departments of State, says tho “ Herald.*” Complaint is concentrated against the secrecy of the gigantic business. The subject is not “ another Auckland grievance.” It provokes protest-in Dunedin and Christ - church. There js no complaint in Wellington. As the metropolis of the public service, the political capital ot the Dominion appears to have every reason for appreciating the system. Wellington’s wholesale merchants obtain a very generous share of the great trade nowadays in stores required by Government Departments. Centralisation of the Slate’s activities in purchasing supplies is said to be a good tiling for commerce' nearest the eye of the purchasers. The subject was discussed yesterday at a meeting oi the Auckland Wholesale Merchants’ Association, and it will be given further consideration at the next meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce. Dunedin lias prepared a remit on’ the question. This has the unquali-fied-support of Auckland representatives of commerce, Tt may be inferred that when Dunedin and Auckland are allies in attacking a policy or practice there is clearly something -wrong with it