MEMBERS QUESTIONS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 1372904, 26 October 1917, Page 5

MEMBERS QUESTIONS.

Important Defence Matters.

[By Telegraph.—“ Times” Special.] WELLINGTON, Last Night.

The Minister for Defence was asked in the House by Mr W. 11. Field (Otaki) to-day if he will take steps to prevent the recurrence of such experiences as he had had recounted in a. soldier’s letter he received. Amongst a number of complaints the soldier stated that “sergeants are supposed to receive second saloon fare, but don't get food equal to steerage. The privates’ food was beyond words and the butter is absolutely rotten and literally stinks.” The member urged the Minister to do ail he could to prevent such shameful provisioning us it seemed was sometimes experienced on the transports catered for by the shipping companies.

Sir James Allen replied that the matter had been under consideration. Some bad butter was supplied to one vessel by a Wellington firm which he named. This case had been referred to the Crown Law Office, which reported that there was no grounds for action, “but,” said the Minister, to an accompaniment of marks of approval, “ I will not let the matter rest there.” “TREATED LIKE CRIMINALS.”

A strong complaint was made by Mr Talbot (Tcmuka) that the chairmen of some of the Military Service Boards treat appellants, not like men who wish to get help in their difficulties, but like criminals. He quoted the newspaper report of an’ incident at the hearing of a case by the South Canterbury Board at Timarn, adding that there was a good deal of irritation over the way a certain chairman had acted.

Tho Minister of Defence replied that go far as his experience went the chairmen had been courteous and he would inquire into tho ease mentioned, but he did not think it fair to publicly judge tho chairmen by newspaper reports. THE C2 MEN. Mr Wilkinson (Egmont) asked the Minister for Defence if he would definitely instruct the Defence authorities to release C2 men from camp. He understood that some of these men were detained. - f Sir James Allen replied that only 02 men on homo service wore retained in camp if they volunteered to stay. Answering Mr Payne’s request that C2 men should get the same leave as other soldiers, the Minister said that all men were kept in camp for the first fortnight, so that they could be made to look soldierlike when they wont out. Those men got the same leave as others. THE TRANSPORTS. “Does the Premier know that a foreigner is in charge of tho transport loading in Wellington?” asked Mr Vigor Brown. The Premier replied that ho knew nothing about it, but would investigate. Subsequently Mr Fletcher gave the name of the man in charge, who was, he said, a Dane, and unable to speak much English. Dr Newman suggested greater precautions be taken regarding the announcement of the date of transports’ departure. Mr Poole called attention to the unguarded coal hulks and the possibility of introducing explosives into bunker coal.

Sir James Allen replied that for the sake of the men’s safety no persons would be allowed alongside the transports prior to their departure, but next-of-kin be given opportunities to meet their soldier relatives at the railway station. PHYSICAL STANDARDS. Dr Newman asked the Defence Minister if he had lowered the standard of physique for new recruits,' as he understood men of very low power and physique were being taken into the camps. Sir James Allen: “No, there is no lowering of the standard. Some time ago the British lowered their standard and we followed their example, but it was found to be unwise, and we went back to our own standard again. Dr Newman; “Have you seen some of the people recently called up'?” Sir James Allen: “No, I am afraid I have not.”

Dr Newman: “Well, you should sec them, it would do you good!” Mr Wilford: “I have known a four feet seven man recently called up who does not weigh live stone.” (Hearty laughter.)