A CORPORAL’S STORY

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9093, 12 July 1915, Page 9

A CORPORAL’S STORY

COMPLAINT OF SHORT COMMONS. Special to the “Times.” PALMERSTON, July 11. A corporal of the Earl of Liverpool’s Own narrated some startling facts in reference to the transfer of the men to the Palmerston district, to an interviewer on Saturday. The corporal’s story is as follows: “We had breakfast at Trentham at 5 a.m. Each man was supposed to be supplied with rations, which, however, were only supplied to one platoon out of four. Wo left Wellington about 8.20 a.m., and on the journey wo wore told we would receive tea at Paekakariki. When we reached Paekakariki the men were crying out for tea, and something hot to drink, but the woman in charge of the refreshment rooms was unahle to supply it. One man asked an officer if they could get tea, but he replied, ‘I wish I could get some myself, but we will have to wait till we get further along the line.’’ i “The men were still crying out for something to drink, but there was even no water on the train. An officer told us we could get something at Otaki, but, when, wo arrived, the wo, man m charge of the rooms was unprepared and had only a small amount of food and tea. What she did have she gave free to the luckier- ones. “About 1.10 p.m. we arrived at Palmerston, and after half an hour’s wait were supplied half a pint of tea and a piece of cake, and then marched to the showgrounds. On the way the heavy rain drenched us to the skin. About 5.30 p.m. we were given a plate of bones and gravy, and told wo could' not have potatoes. We were then informed that no leave would be granted, and were shown to our quarters for the night. These, may have been acceptable under ordinary conditions, but w© were drenched to the skin, and the men had no option but to use them.”

Inquiries show that the Defence office did everything possible to make the men comfortable. The supply of foodstuffs in Palmerston was very severely taxed.