RECEPTION OF SOLDIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16823, 13 April 1918, Page 6

RECEPTION OF SOLDIERS

NO ADVICE BEFORE ARRIVAL.

I'SK 0" WIRELESS STOPPED.

[ lIY TEI.KMUPII.— CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, Friday. A QtEsriox arising out of the complaints made regarding the Defence Department's arrangements in connection with the arrival of returned soldiers at Auckland on March 15 was asked in the House of Representatives to day by Mr. C. J. Parr (Eden). He reminded the Minister for Defence that he had promised to inquire into the complaints.

Sir James Allen said an inquiry had been made, and a copy of the report re reived had hen sent to the Mayor of Auckland, who had replied, stating that he did not wish to proceed further in the matter.

Messrs. Farr, Dickson, and other members: But the public want l-> knew all about it. (Hear, hear.) Q

Sir James Allen said he would be glad to lay the report on the table to-morrow.

The Minister added that the difficulties in connection with the arrival of returned soldiers were very great, and were hecoming greater Under instructions from the Imperial authorities, the use of wireless by ships was being discontinued. The use of the wireless might be extremely dangerous. It was well known that the Matu'iga had been captured by the Wolf through disobeying orders by sending wireless messages. We could not afford to disobey the instructions received from the Imperial authorities.

The position now was that the Department would know nothing about a ship until it arrived. It might be necessary to cease sending notifications to the next of km. but he hoped that it would be possible to avoid taking such a step. It might even be necessary to discontinue the practice of relations going to meet soldiers at the first port of call. It would be very regrettable if this were necessary, but it might have to be done.