CAMP DISCHARGES.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 154, 2 July 1917, Page 3

CAMP DISCHARGES.

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A THOUSAND THIS YEAR

COMPENSATION PROVISION

Ihe Government has' approved of regulations which will deal out in luture more equitable treatment to men who have been taken into camp lor military service, but, who break down under the strain and have to be discharged. When it is understood that this class numbers over a thousand for the current year, it will be realised that the problem had become acute and the solution difficult. Men leave good positions when called in the ballot, they often undergo financial sacrifices, and when this results only in their having to return home "discharged unfit" after the lapse of a few weeks, their difficulties are serious, for their positions may have been filled, and transactions they were glad to undertake before going into camp, to settle up their affairs, cannot be undone. Physical disability often becomes greater as a result, of camp exercise, so that some of tiie dE.jharged men are seriously handicapped, especia.lv as, under the old system, they had no right to a pension, hut were simply discharged withou. pay. The new system provides that a man discharged from camp as unfit for military service will have his claim for an allowance, pension, or compensation considered by the Pensions Board, just as if he were a discharged soldier who had served in the Expeditionary Forces. Pie will be indefinitely discharged, and not, as under the former rule, simply put back into the Keserve to run another chance of selection by the ballot, 'and possibly another trying experience in camp, with no profit to the State. If \ > disability is found to be due to caifiip work, or if the work has increased an old disability, suitable pension, compensation, or allowance, will be awarded, Discharged men will also receive the returned soldier's privilege of a month's leave o;i full pay, with allowance to wife and children, if these had beeif payable. This system will apply to all men discharged from camp since January 3, 1917. The system will apply automatically to men discharged in future, but those discharged should, make application for their month's pay and allowances,. and also apply for pension or compensation, if they considered themselves entitled to it. Their case will then be considered by the Pensions Board.