DEFECTIVE UNIFORMS?

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2840, 3 August 1916, Page 6

DEFECTIVE UNIFORMS?

A DEFENCE CONTRACTOR INQUIRY BEING MADE STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER A statement regarding the alleged failure of a contractor making uniforms for the Expeditionary Force to supply goods of proper quality and workmanship was made by -the Minister of Munitions (the Hon. A. M. Myers) in the House yesterday. On Tuesday Mr. Veitch asked the following question :— (1) Whether the rumour is true that largo quantities ■of military clothing having been made of inferior stuff or faultily sewn were Condemned? (2) If so, upon whom the loss is to ■ fall? (3) What was the name of the contractor ? Mr. Myers replied to the question yesterday as follows:— (1) 'The rumour which has reached the hon. gentleman in regard to the quality of cloth used in New Zealand military uniforms is incorrect. As a matter of fact, the khaki cloths supplied to our forces are heavier in weight than those supplied by the Australian Commonwealth and the United Kingdom. Not only are the cloths of superior weight, but a very high standard of quality was specified for, prior to contracts being enterod into, and during the currency of, contracts a very keen watch has been placed on all deliveries. In order that this important aspect of supplies should have proper attention, the very best experts in the Dominion have been associated with my Department for such purpose, and as a result of careful examination of deliveries, substantial penalties have been inflicted on two suppliers, thus securing to the Government compensation for' partial delivery of light-weights, and arresting the manufacture of. same.'' ' Mr.jWilford: What'do you call "substantial penalties" ? , Mr. Hindinarsh: He ought to be shot. Mr. Myers pointed out that the question involved was only regarding weights. There was some difference of opinion about method of weighing. In one caso a fine of MOO had been inflicted, and in the other case a slightly less fine. (2) "In regard to the making up of uniforms," continued' Mr. Myers, "it is a fact that it was recently reported to me that one contractor had used a thread other than r the high quality thread specified for tk our conditions of contract. Immediately on receipt of this report stops were taken to notify the contractor, and after securing certain admissions from him, instructions were issued that no further moneys should bo paid to him until further notice. Tho advice of the Crown Law Oflice was then sought as to what iiction, under tho circuinutances, should be taken. Certain particulars having been asked for by the Crown' Law Office, these have been supplied, and on receipt of their further opinion duo consideration will be given to same, and prompt notion follow. (3) "The garments sewn with thread as indicated above aro now being tested with a view to securing some definite idea as to their durability; consequently I am unable to say yet whether they will be condemned. ' (J) "From tho above it will bo seen that the resultant loss is not yet definitely ascertained, but any. loss will fall on the supplier. (s)' "At the present timo it is not considered advisablo to give the name of the contractor." Mr. Myers said ho Was fully alive to his responsibility to see that every contractor faithfully carried out. the terms of his contract.. Ho was having a full investigation made, and if any contractor had been unpatriotic enough not to carry out the terms of tho contract, honourable' members could be assured that the law would be used with the utmost rigour, as far as it would allow, against the offender. .Mi - . Fletcher: You ought to cancel the contract. Mr. Myers: That is a question under consideration. / Dr. Newman said ho had been informed that recently tho quality of tho cloth in riding breeches was unsatisfactory. Mr. Myers said ho cou.ld reply only that tho material used was the best thatcould possibly be obtained in the Dominion. If the -honourable member' would supply him with a sample of the cloth complained of he would mako inqniires. Dr. Newman: I hnvo no sample. Mr. 'Myers: No, but you can obtain it. Dr. Newman; You can obtain it. It is in the camp. Oil'.' Myers said ho would be very glad to deal with complaints received about tho clothing supplied to tho troops. He was rather proud of the fact that the quality of clothing and boots was second to none. He had not since ho had been head of, tho Department had a single complaint about boots. The cloth in tho uniforms was heavier than that used by the Australian Government, and the Government of (he United Kingdom. Ho would bo very glad to inquire into any complaints referred to him by honourable members. Dr. Newman: Will you inquire about tho trouscr material? My information comes from a very good source. Mr. Myers: I will bo very pleased to do so. In response to a request by Mr; Tiuddo, he said he would put on exhibition in a room adjacent to the Chamber, a full set of nil tho uniform and other clothing supplied to soldiers.