SOLDIERS' FUNERALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17361, 7 January 1920, Page 8

SOLDIERS' FUNERALS.

PROVIDING FIRING PARTIES

DEPARTMENT CRITICISED.

The failure of the Defence Department to provide firing parties at funerals of returned soldiers was tho subject of strong comment by members of the executive of the Returned Soldiers' Association last evening. A letter was read from the secretary of the Legion of Frontiersmen iking tho association to ascertain the reason why a firing party was not provided for the funeral of a member of the legion who was also a member of _ tho uspociation.

It was explained by members of the executive who had attended the funeral that the death had occurred during the holidays, and as there were no officers in attendance at the Defence Office it was impossible to make proper arrangements for a firing party to attend tho funeral. It was stated that it was only through the efforts of the members of the association and the Legion of Frontiersmen that a firing party had been got together, and that great difficulty had been experienced in procuring a gun-carriage and ammunition. The gun-carriage and equipment were described by one speaker as being in a disgraceful condition. It was eventually decided that the Prime Minister be asked if it was the intention of the Government to see that proper firing parties be provided for the funerals of returned soldiers. A subcommittee was appointed to prepare a report on the case under review and forward it to Mr Massey.