DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 90, 9 January 1918, Page 4

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

ROYAL COMMISSION APPOINTED

The Royal Commission to investigate war expenditure by the Defence Department lias been set up. When Mr. Justice Stringer informed the Government that it would not be possible for him to take the position of chairman of {lie Commission, tho Government decided to offer the chairmanship to Brigadier-General Sir .Robert Anderson, of Australia. Sir Robert Anderson has now consented to act,on the Commission. ' - .

The members of the Commission are: Brigadier-General Sir Robert Anderson (chairman). Mr. Charles Rhodes, of Auckland. . Mr. Peter Barr, of Dunedin. Sir Robert Anderson is not a soldier. Ho is a business man, and ho has served the Commonwealth Defence Department as a business man. The high rank which ho holds in the Commonwealth indicates that' his work for the Federal Government was considered important. One of his duties in Australia was to conduct just such an inquiry as that which lie has undertaken to do for the Neiv Zealand Government. Sir Robert Anderson was a banKer in civil life. He is not unknown in New Zealand. Some years since the Auckland City Council was not satisfied with the manner in which the affairs of the city were conducted, and Sir Robert Anderson was brought from Australia to make examination of the affairs of the city and of the manner in which the business of the city corporation was done.

Mr. Charles Rhodes is legal manager for the Waihi Gold Mining Company in New Zealand, which is the biggest goldmining enterprise in. this country, perhaps tho biggest in the world.

Mr. Peter Barr is an accountant, recognised as one of the leaders of his profession in this country. •

It is 1 anticipated that the inquiry will occupy some time. Six months was the time suggested as sufficient, for a complete examination of ,the •working of the Defence Department, but it is hoped that now that General Anderson is to net as chairman the period will be shortened.