The Sun.
London, England, 1858-09-23 00:00:00

THE STORE AND CLOTHING DEPOTS
AT WEEDON.

INQUIRY-(THIS DAY.)

The Royal Commissioners appointed to inquire into the
state of the stores and clothing depots at Weedon, Wool-
ivich, and the Tower, resumed their investigations this day,
in No. 11 Committee Room of the House of Commons.

Mr. Selfe, the magistrate of the Thames Police, occupied
the chair; the Commissioners present were Mr. Turner,
M.P. for Manchester, and Col. French, of the War-office.
Mr. Henry Brace, saddler, of Walsall, was the first wit-
ness examined this morning. In answer to questions put
to him by Mr. Selfe, he said—l am in an extensive way of
business at Walsall. I have furnished Government stores
for some years. My business has increased since the trade
was thrown open. tinder the old system I only supplied
two regiments. The prices are not lower under the new
system, as the articles are not quite so expensively made as
under the old. This year the Government work appears to
have been divided, as out of 2,000 sets I got 500, and so on,
in proportion to the amount of articles required. I have
been twice to Weedon. It was to get a pattern tree for
saddlery. Captain Smith was there. He is inspector of
saddlery. He is quite up to the mark as an in-
spector. I have had some rejections, owing to the
faults in the leather. The objections wero never frivolous
ones. I cannot give any information of complaints. As
far as I am'concerned I think the inspection is a good ono.

I have every reason to be satisfied. I don't think there is
any bribery or corruption going on at Wooden. I don't see
that any improvement can be made in the mode of doing
business. I never sent saddlery abroad. The orders were
always sent to head-quarters, being despatched for from
thence. The only complaint I have to make of the work
at Weedon is, that I should like more of it. I don't buy
second hand saddlery. I never heard of Government selling
saddlery at alow price and rebuying it at a high one. lam will-
ing to continue to supply the Government. I am also willing
to supply wholesale houses at the same terms. I have had
what I think due notice of supply being required. I have
had no difficulty in getting my goods passed by the inspec-
tors. The same pattern of saddlery is now used by the
whole of the cavalry regiments. -It is in .contemplatioil to
have a lighter article.

By Mr. Turner—l have never heard of old stocks of
saddlery being sold off on the appearance of new patterns.
I have tendered for the supply of lassos for the cavalry, but
I did not get the contract. I made the pattern.

By Mr. Selfe—l have never furnished accoutrements to
army clothiers.

Mr. Wilde, bootmaker, Windsor, examined by Mr Selfe
—ln 1856 wesupplied the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards
with boots. In consequence of the quality of the goods we
received further orders. In 18.56 we supplied 4,000 o f
patent boots, last year we supplied 34,000 pairs. The first,
price was 10s. 6d.,'the others at Ils. and 10s. We delivered
35,711 pairs at Weedon. There were 738 rejected. Half of
these rejections I considered to be ill founded. The rejected
boots cannot be remedied. When once rejected it is a final
decision with respect to boots. With the exception of being
too severe, I think the Government inspector is fair. I
have been twice to Weedon connected with business trans-
actions. I have no reason to believe there is any bribery
at Weedon. As far as lam concerned, I can say posi-
tively there is none.

Ay [r. Turner—The meaning of 28 pair being rejected
„was -because the inspecting note was missing, and a mis-
take was made with respect to the parties to whom the
goods belonged, and the note was sent to the wrong person.
Mr. Selfe—Will you give us your opinion of these boots
(two pairs produced). They are a sealed pattern.
Witness—l think that would be very unfair.
Mr. Selfe—l think not. Look at the boots. Is that
good work (referring to the boots) ?
Witness (after examining the articles)—l think the work
is very bad.

Mr. Selfe—What do you think of the sewing P
Witness—lt is bad.
Mr. Selfe—And the upper leather P

Witness—The whole is decidedly bad ; the sewing is bad.
It is an East India kip, but not of the best or worst descrip-
tion. The sole is a foreign butt. The sole is taken from
the best part of the leather.

Mr. Selfe—Have the goodness to look at this (handing
witness another sealed pattern boot). Is that better than
the last ?

Witness—Yes it is, but I can't say anything about the

sewing.
Mr. Selfo—What's the difference of the value between
the two ?

Witness—lt is worth about sixpence more than the other.
It is worth 10s. If it had a good back it would be worth a
shilling more.

Mr. Selfe—Do you think the first boot would come to
pieces if put in water ?

Witness—No, it would not.

Mr. Selfe—Do you think it a boot fit tq issue to the sol-
dier

Witness—No, I do not.
Turner—Would the inspector be justified in rejecting
all such as those ?
Witness—Yes.

Mr. Selfe—Did you ever make boots yourself ?
Witness—Oh, dear, no. If I had known the nature of
this examination I would have brought my foreman up
with me.

Mr. Selfe—Would it be fair to judge one boot by looking
at the other ?

Witness—Certainly not.

Mr. Taylor—l am a retired bootmaker, and a Govern-
ment referee. I gave evidence at some length before the
committee on contracts. I adhere to the opinions I then
gave. lam anxious to be examined by the Commissioners
in consequence of the evidence given by Mr. Eliot, of the
Tower.

Witness then entered into an explanation of his former
statements before the Contract Committee.
Mr. Selfe—All that evidence we have in print. We wish
for fresh information.

Witness—Perhaps, then, you will put some questions.
Mr. Turner—Did you examine a certain number of boots
at Weedon, and reject a great many of them
Witness—Yes ; but I was never allowed to finish the
examination. I believe, in consequence of some mistake,
the boots I passed as good were returned as bad, and the
bad ones retained as good. I have applied to the War-
office to inspect the boots remaining at Weedon, but I have
been refused permission.

Mr. Turner—Do you think you can identify the boots you
eAnined if you saw them again ?

Witness—Yes.

Mr. Turner—Mr. Dowie, can Mr. Taylor see the boots
that were returned to you ?
Mr. Dowie—No ; they EtTo all sold to regiments of militia.
I have reports from different quarters, and they all say the
boots have stood well.

Mr. Dowie, army bootmaker, of the Strand, was next
examined, but he reiterated the evidence he gave before the
Contracts Committees, and expressed his belief that the
inspectors of boots at Weedon were incompetent.
Mr. Jones, a currier, stated that the leather in the boots
supplied by Mr. Dowie was English, and not foreign, as
had been stated by the inspectors.

The Commission shortly afterwards adjournoi,