THE JUGO-SLAVS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 63, 7 December 1917, Page 7

THE JUGO-SLAVS

MR. CULLEN TAKES CHARGE PAY FOR HOME SERVICE Mr. Johu CuUen, who has been appointed by the Government to take charge of the organisation of tho Jugoslavs, has been in Wellington lately. After a long interview with Mr. Massoy ho has left for Auckland, whore ho will establish an, office and get into touch with the leaders of tho Slavs in tho district. Mr. Cullen is particularly H-ell qualified' to undcrtako this, work, because, whilo ho was in chargo of tho police in tho Auckland district, and later when ho wae Commissioner of Polico, it was his duty to keep in touch with many of theso men. He enters upon his now position with perhaps it fuller knowledge of what is required than any other man in i\ow Zealand. .. Hie first task will ho to compile a roll of those who are naturalised, with the object of giving them an opportunity of volunteering for service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force if ho is satisfied as to their loyalty. There are other proposals for dealing with others of them who, for any reason, do not go with tho New Zoalanders.on active service. Ono of tuo proposals ie that they bo given an opportunity of serving with tho bnrbian Army, and if they are agreeable to enter this sorvico the New Zealand Government will arrange for their passage to Salonika. The third proposal is that they shall lw allowed to render homo service in this country. Some of thorn are already working for settlers in tho Auckland district, and it is understood that they are giving satisfaction. It may not be necessary to disturb these men. They are good workmen, and they are usefully employed. Others will bo employed at Government works. Already the Lands Department, on tho instruction of the Minister, has set apart blocks of bush country in the north for settlement by returned soldiers, and in connection with this land a considerable ainount of work will have to bo done in roading and other preparations. In all probability a number of these Slavs will be employed at this work in Auckland and in other places. It has been suggested that tho Slavs in this homo service should receive payment equivalent to that paid to the soldiers. It should be understood that this will not be simply ss. a day. In addition to his pay the soldier is fed and housed and clothed. Those Slays will have to ration and clothe themselves, find their own tools, and perhaps house themselves also. It is estimated that the cost of 'every soldier in camp is more than 10s. a day, and it is certain that tho Austrians will be paid at about this rate. Even this rate would be no more than a fair return for their work, for they are strong, lusty fellows, and good labourers.