DEFENCE EXPENDITURE INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 150, 14 March 1918, Page 6

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE INQUIRY

UNBUSINESSLIKE BUYING. ALLEGED. By Telecrapli.—l'resß Association. Dunedin, March 13. Before the Defence Expenditure Commission to-day Frank Mitchell, speaking from his experience as the hon. socretary of tho Otago Patriotic and General Wolf are Association before tho appointment of a paid secretary, said that spurs were bought by_ commercial men at ss. 6d. a pair against Bs. 6d. j paid by tho military, and chaff at market prices against a higher quotation to the military authorities. He sug- , gested that buying should be done by export commercial men appointed by a local commercial controller. Ordere wero too much centralised in Wellington, which tended to prices being arranged there. Wellington firms wero working on overtime rates owing to centralisation of orders, and if other centres got their share, possibly this might be minimised. Tho reorganisation of the staff would cut down expense and distribute the 'work. _ Although witness's personal experience related to the beginning of tho war, ho had heard of wasto now going on, particularly in regard to hospital ships. The chairman remarked that many of the statements made by anonymous writers and in letters to newspapers wero widely apart from tho facts, and some most extraordinary statements had been made about hospital ehips. Mr. Mitchell saidl that if requested ho could take Mr. Barr to a man who would give him information confidenti-

Tho chairman said' the Commission woud follow up the suggestion made. Captain M'Guigaa considered that tho rulos and regulations should be more elastic.

Colonel Nichols said that if tlio Group Commander acted as military representative bofore the Military Service Board tho action would bo in conflict with tho policy of the Government, which was to have an outsider who would not be influenced by personal considerations. Mr. Inglis Wright expressed the opinion that there was a lack of finality about the enrolling and enlistment of men. Witness considered a saving could ho effected on stationery.

Captain Free, military representative "on tho Military Service Board, said that somo group commanders might fill the position of military representative.

Mr. Saul Solomon, chairman of a sub-committee of tho Soldiers' and Dependants' Welfaro Association, exprossed the opinion that through doublebanking a very largo sum was spent which could bo saved. On discharge a soldier received two suita of uniform and 30s. towards civilian clothes. liepresentations were inado to the Minister that two suits of uniform wero unnecessary, but nothing had boen done so far. Only the previous day over £100 was voted for civilian clothes for over 30 soldiers. Hβ thought £5000 a .year was being spent in Dunedin on this matter, and probably £50,000 for Now Zealand. Mr. Solomon also referred to delay in. granting pensions after a soldoir's discharge, with tho result that financial assistance had to bo granted. As a result of delay in payment of wives' separation allowance, probably £100,000 a year had to bo paid by the patriotic (Societies.

Dr. Falconer, Assistant Director of Medical Services, lie was now empowored to decide whether re-examina-tion of a reservist is necossary. This cut out a certain amount of expense.