MAKING ENQUIRIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 89, 17 November 1939, Page 4

MAKING ENQUIRIES

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMANDEERING OF IRON On Monday, October tbe 30th, we published a letter from Mr W. A-t McGracken setting out the facts concerning the taking over by the Public Works Department of certain stocks of iron belonging to the Ran- ! gitaiki Plains Dairy Co., of which Mr McCracken is Chairman of Directors. Recently we were advised by Mr Hultquist M.P. that he had made representations to the Minister of Public Works for an enquiry into the matter and the reply received by Mr Hultquist is as follows: Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge receipt & of your letter dated 31st ultimo with reference to the allegations' '' that certain Government Depart ments had commandeered ironV and waterpipe from- the Rangi-* taiki Dairy Factory and certain other Whakatane firms.

At first glance it would appear that this is a matter with which the Building Controller appointed under the recent Emergency Regulations should deal, but in view oi the fact that the Public Works Department has been mentioned specifically I am making inquiries as to the facts insofar as my Department is concerned and will let you have a further reply later. Yours faithfully, R. Semple, Minister of Public Works.