OLD SOLDIER'S CLAIMS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 270, 7 August 1908, Page 9

OLD SOLDIER'S CLAIMS.

A PETITION DISCUSSED; Tho Petition Committee's report on tho petition of William Edgocomb, of New Plymouth, for a grant of land for military services provoked a deal of discussibn. Tho Committee had no recommendation to mako. Mr. Oliey (Taranaki) strongly advocated tho claims of the petitioner. Mr. Symcs (Patea) said lie had known tho potitioner for many years. His claims were bona fide, and ho had not been given a land grant as in the case of other Maori ■ war veterans.

Mr. Massoy lent his support to the petitioner.

Tho Hon. J. A. Millar recalled the Commission that had been sot up to go into tho claims of old soldiers. It could hardly bo expected that'cognisance could be given to tho potitions of thoso who had not come before- the Commission bccauso thoy bad had no claims. Ho know of other cases where claims had not been proved. There would be no end to tho claims.

. Mr. A. L. D. Fraser (Napier) said the statement that all claims had been inquired into' by a Commission was not borno out by facts. It should never bo too late to remedy an injustice. . (Hoar, hear.) The inquiry by the Commission had been too hurried. Ho thought they might well inquire whether there wore not other men who had claims that had'not been recognised. ; Mr. Lang (Mailukau) said it seemed at tho timo'as if tho Commission was set. up to put some of'the old soldiers off.' Time was going on, and soon there would bo nono of these line old veterans left, and justice would -be too long delayed. Mr. Field (Otaki) said there was general dissatisfaction at tho fact that some of the old soldiers had ' not had thoir claims recognised both in matters of medals and land grants.'.' He suggested the setting-up of a Commission to once and for all settle tho matter. ' Mr. R. M'Kenzic, wlnlo desiring ■to see justice done, took exception to the remarks made regarding tho work of tho Commission. The Commission had done its work conscientiously. It was further alleged by speakers that many of the old soldiors had not taken advantage of the Commission owing to the methods of advertising.' The" report was laid upon tho table. .