WASTE OF CLOTHING BY DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3441, 22 March 1920, Page 4

WASTE OF CLOTHING BY DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

ALLEGATIONS REFUTED BY HON. MR COATES.

WELLINGTON, This Day.

The recent allegations of wanton ’d€S'C‘.“"'tioll of serviceable soldiersl’ gear by the Defence Department were yreferred by Hon. Mr Coates, Acting‘Minister of Defence, in the press. In‘terviewed, the Minister said he was satisfied himself that due care had been ‘exercised by officials in the disposal of clothes. “When the newspaper reports about wilful waste being perpetrated by the Defence‘ officials in getting rid of soldiers clothes were shown me,” continued Mr Coates, "I at once made personal inspection of this branch of the Department. I wanted to see myself what was being done with the clothes and satisfy myself that the disposal -of garments was not going on on wasteful or extravagant liues, as suggested. I Went thor~ oughly into the classification of clothes and I saw and examined garments which were put aside as fit for renovation and those considered unfit and being cut up for the rag merchant. From my inspection I am convinced that “wanton destruction’? is not going on. The system being followed. in my opinion is -satisfactory and that) the elaborate checking taking place does not permit of any garlfieut being condemned that could be cleaned up. disinfected, and repaired for use again.” ~