DEFENCE MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9717, 20 July 1917, Page 5

DEFENCE MATTERS

“CONTEMPTIBLE TREATMENT” ;AN INJURED PRIVATE. “Has ho heard of the contemptible treatment meted out to Private .Barker, No. 51615, J Reinforcements asked Mr 1- M. Wili'ord. M.P., Of the Minister for Defence yesterdav afternoon. Private Barker, slated Mr Wilford, entered camp, and was passed as medically f lt > hut in the course ol training ho slipped and fell on his bayonet, being so scriou-ly injured that ho was discharged from camp as unit for military service. The Pensions Board had granted him a temporary pension ot IT per week, and lie made no complaint about that. But when ho came to get the. amount duo to him for sciviec ±22 os, sixpence was deducted foi a kit-bag because his name was on u in pencil, 10d for a towel which seemed P aT good as new, and XT for the onlv pair of boots ho had m the wofld, which he had worn all the time lip was in camp. Mr \Vdfoid m.kcd the Minister whether he had heard ot the ease, and did ho not think such treatment contemptible:-' Sir James Allen replied that ho had not heard of the case, hut he would bo very pleased to inquire into the whole story. THE REINFORCEMENT QUOTAThe House of Representatives agreed yesterday to a return moved for by Mr T. Al. Wilford, M.P., showing—- ‘ (1) The number of men the Governmeat has promised tho Imperial authoritios on behalf of New Zealand comprising (a) the strength of mam bodies to bo maintained in all fields, (b) tho number of men for each reinforcement; (2) the limit, if any, to be placed on the total number of men to bo sent from i3ow Zealand: (3) the number ot 1 men drawn in tho ballots up to tho 29th Reinforcement, comprising (a) the total number of balloted men reported in camp, (b) tho total number ol yol■imtary recruits reported in camp since tho commencement, of tho balloting, (o) the total number of men classed as medically unfit, (d) tho total number classed as fit for homo service only, (e) the total number exempted as being connected with essential industries? (f) the total number of clergy, lay preachers, and conscientious objectors exempted, (g) the total number who have received exemption on grounds other than those mentioned above, (h) the total number of men who havo been passed as fit but havo not reported in camp, (i) the total number of men who have failed rospond in any way to notification.’’ A similar return asked for by Mr Okey (M.P. for Taranakil was also agreed to. HOSPITAL SHIPS’ EXPENSES.

Mr AV. H. Field (Ocaki) moved yesterday—‘‘That there be laid before this House a return showing separately —(1) The cost of charter, alterations and equipment and the salaries anti pay of officers, doctors, nurses and other staff officers upon and other expenses in respect oT each ,of the hospital ships which have loft the Dominion ; (2) what proportion of tho total cost has been borne by private subscription ; (3) the quantity and cost of wines, spirits and malt liquors supplied to and consumed upon such ships; (4) approximately the distances traversed by such ships; (5) the number of sick and wounded soldiers carried by such ships to tho Dominion or to other destinations; (6) the distanceo such sick and wounded soldiers wero carried; (7) the periods such ships have been on commission up to date; and (8) generally such further information as will enable the public of tho Dominion to judge whether the work done and services rendered by such ships and their saffs have justified or arc justifying their cost.” The House called for the return.