DISAPPOINTED OFFICERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16672, 17 October 1917, Page 6

DISAPPOINTED OFFICERS.

ALLOCATION OF COMMISSIONS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT j WELLINGTON. Tuesday. Yoexg territorial officers now in training at Trentham are reported to be dissatisfied at the manner commissions are being allocated. Mr. C. J. Parr (Eden) drew attention to the matter in the House of Representatives to-day. He said these men had baen studying for three or four months, bu| thero were only 13 commissions available for 41 men in training, whereas since >'eb>"!iary no less than 52 non-commisi mat officers and privates had gained commissions. Sir James Allen admitted that a real hardship existed, but said he did not know how it could be avoided.! As soon as lite quota was reduced the number of officers had also to be reduced. It was true that a number of officers had been appointed from the nuiks since February. Mr. J. Payne: Quite right. Sir James said the claims of officers who had returned the front had also to be considered. What had been urged was that as far as possible men who had actual experience at the front should be appointed. (Hear, hear.) It was now very nearly possible to officer the reinforcements by men from the front. There was, therefore, very little room for territorial officers. He felt sorry for them, but it seemed inevitable that many of them would have to go as privates. Mr. Parr : It is most unfortunate for these men, who have been doing their duty for years past.