THE KING'S CERTIFICATE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 126, 28 May 1919, Page 7

THE KING'S CERTIFICATE.

A HANDSOME PRODUCTION. (Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. The Defence Department is about to distribute a very handsome King's certificate on discharge to men of the Expeditionary Force who have been disabled in war service. About thirty thousand Xew Zealanders are entitled to this document, and eight thousand copies are ready for distribution. Applications are now invited from the remaining participants, tvho can obtain the necessary forms from any Defence Office, or from base records, Wellington.

The certificate is a Targe one, printed in two colours on heavy paper, and will make a handsome picture when framed. The design is by the celebrated "'Punch" artist, Bernard Partridge, and depicrs Brtunnia regarding a line of soldiers representative of the forces which made up the Army of Britain and the Empire. On columns at the sides are the names of the countries represented. The certificate sets out the name and rank of the holder, followed by the sentence: "Served with honour, and was disable! in the great war." The date of discharge and tiie lithoerspheJ signature of Eis Majesty the King follow.

Ir will be seen from the form of the certificate that it i~ intended for men who were discharge.! disabled. Thofe who were not disabled will, it is understood, receive a similar certificate orirTerentlv worded, at a later date. Officer-;

who were gazette i out of t':e forces through wounds or illness will receive the King's certificate, slightly different from that issued to the rank and file, and supplies wi'l shortly arrive from the War Office. Applications for this certificate are now being received. These Certiricates will be distributed in addition to those provided by the New Zealand Government, for which competitive designs are now being called.