NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIX, Issue 283, 30 November 1915, Page 5

NOTES.

Regarding the question of local camps, the Hon. J. Alien on Saturday said:—"The Defence Department has gone_ into this question thoroughly, and is convinced that local camps are not feasible without a very grave sacrifice of efficiency. We cannot divide our experienced) training staff or provide all over the country the special facilities that can be given at the two permanent camps in the neighborhood of Wellington." P Arrangements have been made for the re-enlistment of men who have been rejected on account of minor ailments, says the New Zealand Times. A considerable number of medical papers are returned by recruits marked "temporarily, unfit,1' and this debars the recruiting officer from accepting the candidate. In order that these recruits may be given an opportunity of carrying out their desires, provision has been made that they are to have a prior claim of going into camp, upon the cause of their minor ailment being removed and their re-enlistment papers being accepted. The following particulars must be supplied by persons applying for permits to leave New Zealand:—Full name, occupation, last residence, last employer, place of birth, nationality, length of ■ residence in New Zealand, and age last birthday. The applicant must also give the names of his wife and children, his reason for leaving New Zealand, the name of somebody as a reference, and his own personal description (height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and complexion). The signature of the applicant must he witnessed by the Collector of Customs or postmaster or a police officer. Mr James Ciaigie, M.P., has written an interesting letter in reply to the proposal. that Parliament should be summoned to amend the War Pensions Act. The Member for Timnru- says that he quite endorsesMr R. Fletcher's desire for axi amendment of the Act, but he thinks that it is not necessary to summon Parliament. "I would suggest," he writes, "tha.t instead of waiting for Parliament to bo called together, members of the House collectively and individually should assure the Government in any; way that may be thought desirable tliat they will ratify any' steps the Minister may deem necessary to broaden the administration of the Act ■anil- give effect to the-"spirit of the measure. Of course, if the Government considers it better to summon Parliament to amend the Act forthwith I shall bo very glad to fall in with this arrangement, but it a\>pears to me that what is required could be done in the way I have suggested without loss of time and withoufc any serious expenditure. The money we could save would represent : more than the amount of the additional pensions." i