WAR CONTRACTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2915, 30 October 1916, Page 7

WAR CONTRACTS

MOST.RIGOROUS INSPECTION. Notwithstanding tho prosecutions that have recently taken place in regard to breaohes of military contracts, said tho Hon. A. M. Myers, Ministor of Munitions and Supplies, on Saturday, it is made quite clear by tho evidence disclosed that not only was every care and attention given to tho drawing up of specifications prior to calling for tenders, to ensure tho serving out to New Zealand troops of articles of only the very best quality, hut that there is, in addition, tho very closest scrutiny and examination made after delivery of such articles. Everything specified must be maintained, otherwise the keenness of the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores soon ascertains any defects. Rumours have been circulated to tho affect that certain supplies delivered to .tho Defence Stores, Wellington, wore unsatisfactory. The Minister mentioned in this connection that it had been found that one of tho military contractors had in several deliveries failed to supply boots up to the high standard specified for, and actually required by tho military authorities. Accordingly, reports on this matter were submitted for consideration, and tho Minister, acting ou tho advice "tendered to him by the Supplies Board',\ had caused all rejected articles to be returned to the supplier to he rectified at his expense to the satisfaction of the military authorities. Further, on account of the trouble and inconvenience caused to the Government by the failure in deliveries, the Minister had penalised the contractor to the extent of £200.