NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 January 1941, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

CANTEENS IN EGYPT. ■ • 1 . . [per press association.] WELLINGTON, January 14. The reply which the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) is making to statements made by the Leader of the .Opposition (Mr. Holland) regarding complaints that have reached Mr. Holland of the quality and prices of goods available at canteens in. Egypt was released by Mr. Fraser to-day. In a letter to Mr. Holland, Mr. Fraser says: “I note your statement that you have received from many parts of New Zealand, as well as ‘from your bwn electorate, a considerable number of complaints concerning canteen arrangements for our boys in Egypt. As a matter of fact, during the past 10 days several'instances of complaints of a similar nature have also been brought to the notice of the Minister for Defence, and of another member pf the War Cabinet, and just before your letter came to hand inquiries had already been instituted, and Ma-jor-General Freyberg had been communicated within regard to the running of canteens in association with the New Zealand forces in Egypt. The Minister for Defence has also discussed the subject with Major-General Sir John Duigan, who returned recently from a visit to New Zealand troops in Egypt. The matter was not brought before Sir John Duigan during his visit, and he was not informed of any complaints.” The letter asks Mr. Holland to enumerate specific grievances, in order that the War Cabinet might have the opportunity of thoroughly checking up on the matters mentioned by him, and states that Mr. Fraser would appreciate a detailed reply, as he and all his colleagues were anxious that our men overseas should enjoy the best possible conditions. The canteen system that was in operation throughout the whole British Army had been adopted on the strong recommendation of General Freyberg, states the letter, and now that some complaints had been made, not only were they being investigated, but the whole question of the canteen system was being raised with General Freyberg, whose concern for the welfare of all the men under his command could not be surpassed.

REMITTANCE TOTAL. WELLINGTON, January 14. The Minister for Finance (Mr. Nash) has announced the Government’s decision to increase to £3O the amount which may be sent in any one year to members of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas. Should special circumstances arise where it is desired to send money in excess of the limit, it will be necessary for the applicants to communicate direct with the Reserve Bank.

LATEST CASUALTIES. WELLINGTON, January 14. The following casualties were announced to-night:— Gunner Herbert Arrowsmith Hamblin, previously reported missing, believed drowned, death now confirmed by his unit. His father is Mr C. A. Hamblin, 35 Hobart Street, Miramar, Wellington. Private Hugh Thomas Philip Wareing, slightly wounded in Egypt, remained with his unit. His mother is Mrs M. T. Wareing, Turner’s road, Ouruhia, Canterbury. Acting-Sergeant John James Henderson, killed in Egypt in a road accident. His wife is Mrs E. E. Henderson, 10 Kyarra road, Glen Iris, Melbourne, Australia.

OBSERVER KILLED. WELLINGTON, January 14. Cabled advice has been received by Mr H. H. A. Renai, of Khandallah, of the death of his son, Sergeant Observer Paul Victor Renai, Royal Air Force, who was killed instantly, together with the rest of his crew, when his aeroplane crashed last week.