MILITARY SERVICE

Grey River Argus, 9 December 1918, Page 4

MILITARY SERVICE

THE CONSCRIPTION FIGURES.

(Pot Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, December 7

Since the Military Service Act was passed in August, 1916, the men drawn by ballots totalled 134,739. Of this number 10,545 were classed as defaulters; 8498 have been secured, 683 are still under investigation, and 1364 are subjects of warrants in the hands of the -police. It is understood that the Defence Department, though tho war is over, does not intend to let shirkers go scot free.

WANGANUI CAMP.

REMOVAL OF STAFF.

ON ACCOUNT OF CRUELTIES,

WELLINGTON, December 7 "What punishment has been meted out to the men responsible for the cruelties practised on the men detained in Wanganui gaol?" asked Mr L. M. Isitt, of the Minister of Defence in the House of Representatives. Sir James Allen said that the report of the Commissioner had been adopted, and one of the main items of the renort was that the s'eaif should be removed. The staff had been removed with the exception of the command, who had been delayed on aciount of the epidemic. As soon as possible he would be removed. Mr Isitt: Are they dismissed, or merely transferred to another position? , . The Minister: I don't know aobut that; the order was to remove them. Mr Holland asked tbe Minister • whether he would lay on the table of the House all the papers in connection with Lieutenant Crampton's term of office at Samoa. The Minister said that he would be <jlad to table any papers which were not confidential.