SOLDIERS' FINES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9657, 14 July 1919, Page 4

SOLDIERS' FINES.

REMISSION POLICY

WELLINGTON,' July 12

A special Court of Inquiry was recently \set up by the Defence Department to consider- applications for remission of fines and forfeitures in- • ciUTcd under. Section 46 of the Army Act. Tlie. reason for this' action is thai-,.. it is considered by the authorities only'-'J fair to soldiers- who • have given good^r service in the field, and have cleare'df their record, that the monetary penalties incurred in order to enforce disci- " pline during active service and training should mv.v be refunded. Under the stress ol' war obligations, men came from civil life, and were* rapidly trained to military discipline, and this had often to be enforced by the- punishment of a forfeiture of pay. Examination of the records of punishment shows that the New Zealand soldier was not prone to serious, offences. Absence without leave for short periods, and minor 'militaryoffences which tended to impair, good discipline, comprise the bulk of tho delinquencies. These offences had to bo checked, so as not to impair the efficiency of tho whole force; btjt now tho time of stress is over tho 'authorities can take an easier view of tho situation, and the tesult will' be the ■' remission of a largo number of forfeitures of ( pay. Hundreds of applications for remissions have already been" received by the Director of Base; Re- ■ ' cords, and the Court of Inquiry lias lajd down important general principles on,which it will take action. It will, decline to grant remissions for such serious offences as the following: — Desertion, insubordinate to an officer, self-inflicted, wounds, thoft, uttering; forged documents, or 1 absence from duty during action.

Consideration of' applications fo'rjremissions , will- bo given for ordinary offences only in cases where the soldier has a clear; record -of six months, where he has been promoted on the field, or whore he has received an. award or decoration. -

The decision of tilio Court is com- •. municated to the soldier concerned .'_*? and also to the Officer in Charge o£ War Expenses, who will make the necessary adjustment of tho pay account. "< • -