MILITARY SUPPLIES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1933, Page 6

MILITARY SUPPLIES

AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTS

POSSIBLE DOMINION ORDERS

WELLINGTON, June 13

J.t is possible that in future New Zealand will obtain ammunition and military equipment from Australia, where new factories have recently been erected. Colonel F. Synion, director of artillery, New Zealand Military Forces, left for Australia by .'the Wangaholla on Thursday to discuss the matter with the Australian authorities. Quesfbmed on the subject to-day, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. G. J. Cobbe, said that- Colonel Symon was visiting Australia, at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government. His visit was for the purpose of viewing the munition factories there and gaining information of the scope of the Australian Government’s activities in the manufacture of military material generally. It had been the aim of the Commonwealth Government to make Australia as self-supporting as possible in the production of all descriptions of munitions and military equipment, and to that end factories had been erected in various places.

“In the past,” said the Minister, “New Zealand has obtained most of its requirements for military purposes from Britain, but if Australia i s in a position to supply us with munitions and equipment, it may be to the mutual advantage of both countries that a closer liaison should be established in future in this matter.’ ’ The Minister added that the Australian Government was generously meeting all expenses in connection with .Colonel Symon’s visit.