TERRITORIAL FORCES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 2 August 1941, Page 7

TERRITORIAL FORCES

MINISTER REPLIES TO QUESTIONS fFrom Our Own Parliamentary Reporter] Wellington, This Day. Several questions about matters affecting the training of Territorials and men for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, of which notice had previously been given by members, received written replies from the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones* in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. Replying to a question by the Hon. W. E. Barnard 'Democratic Labour. Napier). who stated that while men of the N.Z.E.F. had clothing deficiencies replaced, Territorials were required to pay 75 per cent, of the list price, plus 10 per cent, the Minister said that charges for loss of equipment were the same for both forces. The higher charges foi Territorials for deficiencies were due to the extent of replacements experienced with the Territorial Force. It was considered that Territorials lost articles through neglect and it was consequently thought that a reduction in the rates to Territorials would tend to increase the loss. In reply, to Mr J. A. McL. Roy (National. Clutha), who asked if men going on final leave from camp could have the right to nominate the place to which they wished to travel by rail, the Minister said that every man was given the option of free travel to either the olace of enlistment or to the address of nis next-of-kin or allottee. A recruit wishing to travel to some other destination was required to make application in writing and if the claim was deemed to be based on genuine grounds, the change was authorised. Another question addressed to the Minister by Mr Barnard asked if it would be possible to remedy the prei sent marked discrepancy in pay for ' Territorials outside the intensive traini ing period as compared with pay during | that period. 1 The Minister replied that it was recently decided that members of the Territorial Forces attending camps and couises. whether for intensive training or otherwise, were to be paid at home defence rates of pay with the family allowances of 3s a day for wife and Is 6d a day for each child under 16 years. The professional allowance for medical, dental, and veterinary corps officers was 10s a day and extra duty pay was provided for cooks and men employed in their trades while in the army. Professional men on service who were not employed in their professional capacity did not receive the allowance.