BADGES OF HONOUR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 457, 28 July 1915, Page 2

BADGES OF HONOUR.

FOR PARENTS OF SOLDIERS. | A SUGGESTED DECORATION. I . . [From onr own Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 27. When the War Pensions Bill came before the House this evening, Sir .'Joseph Ward got the opportunity to ask the Minister of Defence whether the Government could see its way to adopt something in the way of a medal for the parents of men who had gone to the front, as was done in the Old Country. At Home they had the Queen Mary medal, which was given to the mothers of soldiers. He thought that Ave might go further in New Zealand, 'and give the badge to sisters and fathers of the soldiers. If representations were made in the proper manner, perhaps something could be done on the lines he suggested. Tlie Hon. .J. Allen said that the matter was already under consideration, but there were some difficulties in the way. If these could be overcome lie would ibe pleased to bring a proposal before | the House. The chief difficulty was that which had presented itself with regard to men who had- enlisted and been rejeeteVl because they did not reach the required standard. Another was that the badges could be sold or otherwise disposed of to people who had no right to them. If there could be no abuse of the system he would be pleased to adopt it. In the meantime, he suggested to the various patriotic committees that they might do something like what had been done at Ashburton. In that town parents of soldiers had been presented with small ensigns. He was present at the' presentation ceremony, and it had impressed him very much.