SOLDIERS' CONCESSIONS?

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 309, 29 December 1915, Page 7

SOLDIERS' CONCESSIONS?

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Being n relative of one of the returned soldiers who at present is an inmate of the military hospital, I wish to make n protest on his behalf to the method proposed by the Government of the payment of 1/ per day. It is all very well for those at the head of affairs to. Btate that the balance of their pay is to be placed to their credit; this can be done just as well by the soldiers' relatives at any bank, and when be is convalescent lie can then draw whatever he wante; and besides, what right have the Government to retain what rightly belongs to the soldier who has done his duty. The money is due to the soldier, and should be paid willingly, not grudgingly. Just to show how 'far this munificent sum of 1/ per day goes with tbe Bick soldier, every other day he has to pay 6d. for a shave. Some of them have to Bhave every day. Then naturally he likes to have some cigarettes to smoke, and other small delicacies costing more than he gets, and consequently he has to depend on the good nature of his friends and relatives who arc only too pleased to do their best for them, but this is no reason why he should not get what is due to him. I am more than surprised that our Auckland representatives have not raised their voices in protest on behalf of our boys, find insist on their being treated as heroes who have played the came and give them their just dues.-I am' etc '' H. NEWTON '