WAR NEWS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5350, 5 February 1916, Page 6

WAR NEWS.

NEW ZEALANDERS DECORATED.

Electric Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. London, February 3.

The King decorated Corporal Bassett with tile Victoria, Cross, and Captain Shera (.Auckland), Lieut. Turnbull (Wanganui), and Lieut. Bishop (Cltitha) with the Military Cross. Jlie Nei\' Zealanders’ Band from Hornchurch escorted the heroes from Buckingham Palace to the Windsor Hotel. Victoria street was thronged. Sir Thomas Mackenzie gave them a luncheon, at which Lady Hardwicke and 200 convalescent New Zealanders were present. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, in toasting the heroes, said it was amazing that the New Zealanders and Australians had not received greater' honours for their glorious part in the strenuous and sanguinary fighting at Gallipoli. Those on the spot had been surprised that, only one Victoria Cross had been awarded to the New Zealanders for their gallantly. Corporal *B; ssett, in responding, said his only regret was that others of his were not present. Sir James Mills and Captain Dawson declared that Sir Thomas Mackenzie had made London a haven qf rest for New Zealanders.

SO LDIE RS ’ GRIE VANCES

DEPUTATION TO ALLEN.

Auckland, Last Night

A deputation from the Returned Soldiers’ Association interviewed the Hen. Janies Allen (Defence Minister). The result is stated to he that matters which have been a- cause for friction are likely to be adjusted. A large number of complaints were made. These will require a Departmental investigation before the Minister can reply, but where there seemed to be an obvious injustice. Mr Allen gave an assurance he would have the matter righted. Complaint was made of the language and general conduct of certain staff-sergeant majors in dealing with returned soldiers. Mr Allen said he ewas sorry if returned men had not been treated by these officers in a polite conciliatory, and proper manner. That was the at. titude the staff were expected to adopt towards every soldier, whoever he might be.

Five specific cases were quoted. The Minister said that the majority would require a Departmental investigation. Mr Allen emphatically denied that th.* Australians gave each returned soldier £lO on discharge, and expressed the opinion that 30s was sufficient in practically every case. it was impossible to discriminate.