MILITARY PENSIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15649, 1 July 1914, Page 6

MILITARY PENSIONS.

OTAHUHU APPLICATION DECLINED.

The speech recently delivered by the Prime Minister in tho Auckland Town Hal! has resulted in more applications being made to the Commissioner of Military Pensions for war medals (says an Otahuhu correspondent). Amongst the applicants is Mr. James Mullins, of Otahuhu, who served in the Otahuhu Militia throughout tho war. The commissioner declined to grant a medal to Mr. Mullins because ho " had not been under fire in an engagement." Mr. Mullins, in hie reply, points out that ho and his regiment were on duty throughout tho war, and were liable to bo called upon to go to tho front at any time. Mr. Mullins also states that ho risked his life more 'than most of the men who were under fire in engagements, for, while they were able to take cover, ho was exposed to tho tiro of tho enemy in driving cattle from Otahuhu to tho camp, a distance of ov;r seventy miles. Ho states that he was the only man .in his regiment who volunteered to undertake this extremely hazardous and difficult task, and that he performed, it many times without military escort-. The journey occupied a whole week, and it, was right through the heart of tho enemy's country. Thero were no roads and bridges at that time, and consequently the undertaking was attended with many difficulties. Mr. Mullins says: "If I had been allowed my choice I would have much preferred to bo in the filing lino. No man risked his life more than I did, and yet I am denied the war medal. Without the medal I cannot get the military pension." In other cases also the medal and pension are said to have been declined, but tho applicants aro hoping that the Prime Minister will look into their cases, and Eee. that justice is done them. Mr. Mullini is 70 years of age, and ha? resided in Ouhuhu all hie life.