"ARMY COMMON-SENSE."

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1800, 5 July 1906, Page 3

"ARMY COMMON-SENSE."

Tho complicated tanglo of tho war storos is sorely taxing tho intellects of tho investigating Commission, and, no doubt, its pationco also. “ There wore momonts at a sitting of tho War Storos Commission,” says a rocont Daily Mail, “ when tho Chairman, Mr Justico Farwoll, buriod his head in his hands in despair at fathoming Army methods ; whon oven Sir Goorge Goldie, usually optimistic and cheery, leant back in his chair in bowitdorod gloom.” Somo particularly interesting ovidonce was givon on the day in I question “But would not that liavo boon tho most sonsiblo course to pur- I sue ? ” asked the Chairman, to which

lie witnoßS replied, “ most sonsiblo—but most irregular.” The recurrence throughout tho sittings of the financial position of Moyer led Sir Francis Mowatt to form the definition that Mr Meyor's financial position was perfectly sound, provided he was not askod to make any payments.” Ah extraordinary transaction with Moyor was explained by a witness. Meyer was in debt to the Army for £127,000 for stores, among those being 3,000,0001 b of oats, to which ho took exception as being bad. He said it was not worth his while to have the oats examined, but an obliging Army Pay Department agreed as to the poor quality of the stuff, and promptly refunded him £21,232 in cash ! “ But was that regular'? ’ asked tho Chairman, astonished at the payment of £21,232 to a man who owed £127,000. “ Perfectly regular,” was the answer —backed up by reference to the regulations. Deeply interesting was tho evidence of an officer as to tho methods of bribery employed by contractors. A not uncommon method in this officer’s experience was to send along a ticket for a theatre box. These he used to koop till the day after the performance, and then send them back, regretting his inability to use them. Cigars used to “ roll up,” and onco he was offered £SOO. After some conversation, witness “ told the man what he thought of him.” “ But,” interrupted Sir George White, indignantly, why did you discuss the matter with him ? ” “My curiosity was aroused kick him out straight away,” said tho hero of Ladysmith, shortly. Witness went on to say that it was common for bribers to say, “You have got too honest a face for work,” a remark which proved altogether too much for tho gravity of the Court