ALLOCATION OF COMMISSIONS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 19, 17 October 1917, Page 4

ALLOCATION OF COMMISSIONS

COMPLAINT OF TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon Mr. C. J. Parr drew the attention of the Minister of Defence to the fact that considerable dissatisfaction existed among the young Territorial officers now training at Trentham in regard to commissions. These men had been studying for three or four months, but there were only thirteen commissions available for foHy-ons men in training, whereas, since February, no fewer than fifty-two non-oommis6ioned officers and privates had gained commissions. Sir James Allen admitted that a real hardship existed, but ho did not know how it could be avoided. As soon as the quota was reduced the number of officers had also to be reduced. It was true that a number of officers had been appointed from the ranks since February. (Mr. Payne: "Quite right.") The claims of officers who had returned from ths front had also to be considered. It had been urged that as far as possible men who had actual cxperienco at the front should bo appointed. (Hear, hear.) /It was now very nearly possible to officer the reinforcements by men from _ the front. There was, therefore, very little room for Territorial officers. He felt sorry for them, tat it seemed inevitable that many of them would have to ko as privates. Mr. Parr: It is most unfortunate for these men who have been Joins their duty for years past.