H.—24,

8

The High Commissioner's Activities in the United Kingdom,. 8. It is with.pleasure I report the substantial and satisfactory results of the work done by the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, in regard to obtaining execution and shipment for orders representing our pressing necessities. It is clear that a spirit of confidence exists between the staff of the High Commissioner's office and -that at the office of the Ministry of Munitions; and it is my desire to strengthen this understanding by making no undue or unreasonable request, my attitude being to endeavour to secure only such, supplies as will enable the Dominion to maintain a continuity of essential industries and. reinforcements. Volume of Business transacted. 9. Since the system of certification has been established in New Zealand over 1,500 applications, exceeding £600,000 in value, have been duly dealt with and passed on to the High Commissioner in London for action. Conclusion. Honorary Advisers and Honorary Experts. 1. In conclusion I desire to report my appreciation of the valuable assistance which has throughout the period under review been furnished me by those gentlemen who have loyally and gratuitously devoted their time and talents in materially helping to solve some of the difficulties which have to be surmounted in order to secure the great and ultimate victory we all are endeavouring to attain. My thanks are especially due to my advisers —namely, Messrs. A. H. Miles, Alexander Macintosh, and George Wilson —and to my experts, Messrs. S. Kirkcaldie, J. L. Morrison, James March banks, M. P. Cameron, and A. W. Blair. The New Zealand Military Authorities. 2. It is further satisfactory to be in a position to report the fact that the operations of my Department have been greatly facilitated by the capable and courteous assistance afforded throughout the period under review by the military authorities generally. This in particular applies to the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores (Major McCristell), and to the Director of Supplies and Transport (Major Ostler). Departmental Staff. 3. My thanks are due also to the staff controlled by my chief executive officer (Mr. A. M. Adams), which, has efficiently coped with a rapid, expansion of departmental business during the last twelve months. It is significant that a new Department can in these times be suddenly built up and reliably maintained, notwithstanding staff difficulties which are now experienced in all. avenues of employment. Arthur M. Myers, Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies.

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