SOLDIERS' GRIEVANCES.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXIX, Issue 3998, 25 November 1918, Page 2

SOLDIERS' GRIEVANCES.

" AN UGLY DEMONSTRATION."

AT FEATHERSTON CAMP

WELLINGTON, November 23

The Dominion states that there has been much dissatisfaction and discontent at Featherston camp, culminating in an ugly demonstration by some five thousand men in front, of headquarters. Ultimately the men presented eleven demands to the commandant, having reference to discharge without pay or the usual sick leave to men who had b/sen ill ; to stoppages on various accounts, to which the men strenuous]y objected ; who is to get canteen funds now in hand ; will home service men be discharged under the same conditions as members of- the Expeditionary Force ? Sir James Allen and Colonel Gibbon went up to the camp, and a stormy interview followed with the men's delegates. A further interview took place with General Robin and Colonel Tate, ending in a settlement, said to be satisfactory. The authorities gave way on a number,of points. They admitted that leave without pay, while legal, might, be inequitable in some cases, and said it would be decided at an early date. " The canteen money would be given to the returned soldiers' hospital at Trentham. Home service men would be treated in th,e same manner as men of the Expeditionary Force.