ECONOMY COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1922, Page 1

ECONOMY COMMISSION

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOr VTION

i ADMIRALTY AGAINST ECONOMY. LONDON, Feb 12. The Admiralty lias issued as a publication, a lengthy memorandum disputing the accuracy of the Geddes E<'onottiy Committee’s report. This is done instead of presenting a memorandum to the Cabinet. It has astonished political circles, including the Cabinet ministers The matter will he raised in Parlia ment. The Admiralty, in commenting on the Geodes report, says: The major recommendations made ah? based on a serious misconception of the character and the requirements of naval orga—nisaion, as gained in war experience. A careful analysis of the recommendations made shows they would not ncliievee a reduction of more than 14.000,000 The Admiralty says it considers the Committee’s methods of dealing with figures to he particularly dangerous When adequacy of naval strength is at stake. ANOTHER CRITICISM. The Overseas Trade Department charges the Geddes Committee with a failure to consult cotnniercia] representatives regarding the usefulness of the Departmen which was c reated at a result of a persistent demand in favour or imitating the German pre-war methods. Tt claims it is illogical* to undertake the risk of credits amour' ing to £51,000,000 and then close responsible Departments in order to save £IOO,OOO yearly.