3

H.—24

The prices on which the above total costs have been based were not determined till the following months of December and January, during which time each line was costed and fixed prices, based on value to be supplied, were determined. Tenders from all parts of the Dominion for the making of garments were also invited, and contracts for the same were let, having a currency throughout the calendar year 1916. One of the results of the conference of woollen-mill representatives was to demonstrate the ability of our factories to supply the whole of New Zealand's military requirements in goods of the kind which can be produced in the Dominion. This was done by the voluntary restriction of orders from the general public. In regard to the £554,295 shown above as being required for uniform clothing and woollen goods, it, is estimated that one million five hundred and forty-eight thousand pounds sterling (£1,548,000) will be expended to secure military supplies for the calendar year 1916. This sum is made up as follows :— £ (1.) Uniform clothing and woollen goods ... ... ... 554,295 (2.) Other stores such as boots, hardware, leather goods, furniture, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 545,705 (3.) Supplies such as food and forage ... ... ... 424,500 (4.) Drugs for medical, dental, and veterinary services... ... 23,500 Total ... ... ... ... ... £1,548,000 Storage xVcoommodation. The certainty of production having thus been achieved, consideration in turn was given to the question of creating and providing for reserve of stock. The first thing done in this connection was to ascertain whether there was room to store such goods when acquired, and I found on the 29th September last, after personal inspection of the Headquarters Store site in Buckle Street, that such accommodation did not exist. Accordingly a new building was arranged for, giving an extra floor-space.' of approximately 5,000 square feet. As this building was urgently needed, I requested my colleague the Hon. Minister of Public Works to kindly accelerate construction, and I take pleasure in stating that this commodious addition was constructed within three weeks, and completely equipped with hoist and fittings within one month, after my request. Owing to tho greater volume of business now occasioned by providing stores for our increased monthly commitments it was found necessary in March last to secure additional accommodation, consequently at the present time the Public Works Department has in hand the erection of another building on the store-site, Buckle Street. Workers skilled in Production of Military Supplies. To secure the retention in their employments of those men necessary to the production of military equipment, under General Order No. 28/1916, any contractor supplying military stores or supplies can make application for the exemption from active service of any member of his staff who has enlisted. With respect to exemptions under this heading, the Recruiting Board decided that badges should be issued only on my recommendation as Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, and in this connection I have to report that no such recommendation has been made without full and careful inquiry into the position relative to each case. To date fifty-three eases have been reported on and considered, out of which number nineteen have been recommended for retention. I have also to report that in no case has an exemption been given for a period beyond the 31st December, 1916. Variety of Supplies. The variety of goods required for military purposes is only conceivable when one surveys the wide field of operation to which the)' are applied. It is to be remembered that the men are clothed with sets of every article of personal attire, ranging from boots to hats. They are equipped with gear for the carriage of their belongings, also provided with accoutrements and other accessories. In addition to this, they tire fed according to ration as prescribed, and provision is made for bed-clothing and housing. Further, vehicles of transport .-ire arranged for, and the stores and supplies incidental to the means of transport are provided. The foregoing outline, of course, involves articles used in connection with preparation and consumption of food, cleansing and sanitation of shelters. Outside of provision in the ordinary course, as indicated, hospital stores and supplies are needed, and drugs are wanted for Medical. Dental, and Veterinary services; also forage and gear for horses have to be purchased. Personal Equipment. As the men called up arrive in camp a "first issue" is made to them. This consists of — One greatcoat, one felt hat, one kit-bag, three blankets, one pair boots, two pairs drawers, two working-shirts, two undershirts, one denim suit, three pairs socks, one jersey, one set knife, fork, and spoon, one plate and mug, two towels, one waterproof sheet, one pair braces. Fourteen days after arrival in camp the men called up receive ft " second issue," as follows : One jacket, one pahtrousers, one pair putties, one set brass titles, one set chevrons (if necessary). A "third issue" is made to the men sent abroad. This is made three weeks before sailing-date, and it consists of —One jacket, one pair trousers, one forage-cap, one pair boots, one pair canvas shoes, one cholerabelt, one holdall, one sea kit-bag, one Balaclava cap, one mess-tin and cover, one housewife.