MOTHERLESS CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24738, 15 October 1941, Page 7

MOTHERLESS CHILDREN

FATHER IN MIDDLE EAST LEAVE TO RETURN REFUSED “ I ajn surprised to receive a letter like this from the Minister of Defence," said Mr J. W Kendall, president of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, at an executive meeting, regarding the circumstances of a soldier serving overseas whose wife had died leaving three young children. The Minister’s letter stated that he had received the association’s letter asking that provision be made for payment of the funeral expenses and that the man be granted leave to return to New Zealand to arrange for his children’s welfare. No provision was made for the Army Department to meet funeral expenses in a case like this. “ The children's uncle resides in Auckland, and has already interested himself in the care of the children and probably has already made provision to meet the funeral expenses,’’ the Minister continued. In regard to the suggestion that the soldier should return to New Zealand, the circumstances of the case did not appear to warrant such a course. He was being communicated with to ascertain whether he had any special request to make In regard to the children. Mr Kendall said he considered both requests were reasonable. Provision should be made to meet the expenses, and the man should be allowed to return to place his children to the best advantage A resolution expressing dissatisfaction with the reply was adopted.