| Content Note | Subjects covered:
recommendation for the creation of the office of Chief Accountant, France following report by Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths ad Co., the auditors of the Commission, on the organisation of the Commission's work in France.
consideration of report by Lt. Colonel Lowry, DSO, MC, Inspector of Works, Italy concerning the results of tenders for the construction of Giavera and Tezze cemeteries, with recommendation that the tenders of Portoni and Zecchinatio of Schio, Italy, be accepted for the construction of both sites.
instruction to the Commission's Financial Advisier to discuss with Mr Wakefield, the representative from the Treasury, the question of the purchase of exchange
consideration of the estimates submitted by the Deputy Controller, France regarding the horticultural requirements for France and Belgium, with recommendation that the estimates be accepted
consideration of report by the Director of Works on the Italian Works, with recommendation that expenditure be permitted for the printing of one thousand copies of forms of Italian contract; for the order of 4 bronze swords for the Crosses of Sacrifice at Giavera, Tezze, Montecchio Precalcino, and Dueville cemeteries; and for the appointment of two additional Clerks of Works and an Italian clerk to deal with local correspondence.
consideration of the estimates provided by the Deputy Controller, France for the running expenses of the Mechnical Transport in France and Belgium, with comment by Fabian Ware on recent cases of joy-riding occuring in Italy, with recommendation that the estimates be accepted and that the Deputy Controller be asked to provide a further estimate showing average running costs per mile for each type of vehicle used.
discussion regarding the provision of funds for the photographing of graves for next of kin, with adjournment of matter for futher consideration at future meeting
consdieration of a statement presented by the Financial Adviser of the funds lying to the credit of the Commission at the Bank of England, with recommendation to follow the opinion obtained from the Treasury by Mr Wakefield as to their proper investment
consideration of miscellaneous estimates submitted by the Insector of Works, Italy, covering Horticulture, Transport, Architects and Surveyors, and miscellaneous Establishment charges, with recommendation that the estimates be accepted and that the Inspector of Works, Italy be asked to provide a further estimate showing average running costs per mile for each type of vehicle used.
Attendees:
The Rt. Hon. Andrew Fisher, PC
Sir William Garstin, GCMG
General Sir C. F. N. Macready, GCMG, KCB
Major General Fabian Ware, CB, CMG (in the chair)
Mr A. P. Waterfield (representing the Treasury)
Also in attendance:
Lt. Colonel H. Ellissen (Secretary)
Lt. Colonel Durham, OBE, MC (Director of Works)
Additional documents include:
agenda, resolutions, report and minutes of the 8th meeting of the Finance Committee, 9th October 1919
copy of estimate of Horticultural Requirements for France and Belgium (July 1919 - 31st March 1920), approved by Arthur Hill, Botanical Adviser
copy of estimate of expediture, Italy, to 31st March 1920
detailed report (and copy) by Lt. Colonel Durham on the progress of works in Italy, covering contsruction work underway and future programme of work planned, with specific reference to challenges to construction of cemeteries in the Assiago Plateau (Cavalletto, Magnaboschi, Barenthal, Boscon and Granezza) due to climatic conditions , supply of crosses and war stones, supply of headstones for cemeteries and isolated graves, horticulture, acquisition of land (including reference to the Anglo-Italian agreement and the Italian Mission), and detailed itinerary, and comment from Durham that there should be no difficulty in obtaining contractors in Italy as the demobilisation of the Italian army was proceeding rapidly)
note and copy from the Management Committee meeting regarding the photography of graves in Italy, with comments from Major Stopford that there were many unfullfilled requests for photographs of graves in Italy and as the DGRE work in Italy was soon to end would the Commission carry on the photography work, and reply from Fabian Ware that the Commission would not, that the photographic materials were currently supplied from a subsidy granted by the British Red Cross Society which would soon be withdrawn, and comment that the subsidy might be substituted with an appeal for public funds, with decision that the matter should be referred to the Finance Committee; 30th July 1919
estimates for running expenses of the Mechanicl Transport in France and Belgium provided by Major Fred J. Ney on behalf of the Deputy Controller, 18th September 1919
report and tabular statement of tenders for the construction of Giavera and Tezze cemeteries, provided by Lt. Colonel Durham, 8th October 1919
handwritten and typed copies of cash in hand statement for IWGC funds at the Bank of England, broken down into Common Fund; Inscriptions; Special Memorials; and for Transfer to Tarrant and Son, and with particular reference to Newfoundland's annual contribution, and the South African Labour Corps fund for a special memorial, 7th October 1919
letter to the Financial Adviser from the Secretary, Works Branch regarding the estimate for horticultural requirements in France and Belgium, 5th August 1919; and copy letter from Fabian Ware to the Treasury regarding estimates, 7th August 1919. |