WASTEFULNESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1919, Page 3

WASTEFULNESS.

A CRITICAL REPORT

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright., fAUBTHAI.TAN iV N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received This Dav at 11.20. a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 9. The House of Commons Select Committee on Public Expenditure, has complete its third report which deals with the closing stages of the war. It is understood it reveals grave wastefulness, and suggests flagrant cases of profiteering and desires prosecution. Cabinet is investigating the entiro position. It is anticipated that revised estimates for the fighting service will he submitted, showing consider-

able reductions. Sir John Hunter, Administrator of Works, testified that he discovered a conspiracy between Government men and contractors in connection with the aerodromes contract, and had four arrested. They were liberated after four months, on bajl, the Lord Ad; vpcate who declined to prosecute, declaring there was no evidence that they were applying moneys to their own use, and that a prosecution would reveal apparent inefficiency and the absence of control on the part of the Ajr Ministry’s local representatives.

Hunter protested against such views, and subsequently vainly urged the Lord Advocate to consider the decis- j lon. Hu’nter emphasised 'the point that the time sheets were falsified and j wages paid for persons who did not exist. i The Committo expressed regret at the attitude of the Lord Advocate and added that when cases of negligence or fraud were discovered, action should he taken against the offenders regardless whether they were officials of the Department or not.