OFFICERS KIT ALLOWANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 31, 5 February 1916, Page 6

OFFICERS KIT ALLOWANCE.

MINISTER SAYS £20 IS AMPLE,

Complaint has been made for many months past about the grant' of £20 which the Defence Department makes to officers joining the Expeditionary Force for the purchase of active service kit. Most officers declare that the errant is quite inadequate, and that it is almost always necessary to spend a further £20 or £30, assuming that he has no kit already. Included in even* officer's equipment are a sword, "Sam" Browne" belt, automatic pistol, and pair of prismatic glasses, and it is claimed that these alone are enough to absorb the Government grant, leaving nothing whatever for uniforms, of which at least a couple are wanted, greatcoat leggings, valise, and other necessaries. Some -young officers, who have been unable, on promotion from the non-com-missioned ranks, to produce £20 or more for their outfit, have often had to appeal to the patriotic funds, which have helped them out with cash grants or gifts of field glasses, etc.

Referring to the matter yesterday, the Minister of Defence (the Hon. Jos. Allen) declared that it -wag sheer nonsense to talk about necessary equipment costing £40. "In the course of a few days," he added, "I shall publish a list of what is necessary, and I will say now that if any officer cannot find that equipment for himself I will find it for him,.''