BATTLE OF MESSINES.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13932, 14 July 1917, Page 1

BATTLE OF MESSINES.

HONOURS TO NEW 2EALANDERS. SUGGESTION OF FAVOURITISM. WELLINGTON, July 12, A question regarding the honours given to New Zealand soldiers after the battle of Mcsslnes was asked in the House to-day by tho Hon, D. Buddo. From the list published, said Mr Buddo, it appeared that there had" been 4500 casualties and somo 190 casualties to officers. Ou tho honours list it was announced that forty-soven officors had been awarded tho D.S.O, or the Military Cross, while seventeen non-commission-* cd officers and only eight privates wero I mentioned at all. He wished to know ''whethor the Minister had any other list to come. Ho was not concerned only with the privates who had not been given medals, but also with the officers who had recciveil. them, The difference in the number of awards given to officers and to men was such that there should bo an explanation. Mr Poland: What elso do you expect? , Mr Ilindmarsh: Honours arc not worth'.having now owing to favouritism. 'That is well known. Mr Buddo . asked the Minister whethor lie had any other list of honours which could be made public in connection with tho ongagemont of Messines. '

Sir Jamps Allen said he could not answer from. memory what lists had been received, or how many modals had been awarded. He did know that there had been over 5000 casualties.