ARMY LEAVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 2

ARMY LEAVE

Having completed three and a half years service since the first day of hostilities, being mobilised on September 4, 1939. of which 12 months was spent on an isolated outpost in the Pacific, from which I have recently returned, I ask myself what thanks one receives upon his homecoming. Prior to embarkation no final leave was given to enable me to bid my family farewell or to attend to any domestic affairs, then to be stationed on an isolated outpost for a complete year where leave was out of the question, upon my return to New Zealand I was given the liberal amount of 14 days. During the latter period I made a successful application to an Armed Forces Appeal Board, obtaining indefinite release from further service. Upon obtaining my release I have graciously been recompensed with 28 days leave without pay. Had I not volunteered to serve overseas I would have enjoyed 28 days leave with pay in the 12-month period, as all Home Defence units do, but it seems as if one is penalised in the question of leave by having volunteered to proceed beyond the shores of New Zealand. Had I returned sick and been graded three or four, I would have received the full 28 days on full pay combined with the attendant privileges. I ask why should this discrepancy exist? LANCE-JACK.