DEMOBILISATION.

Patea Mail, Volume XLIII, 20 June 1919, Page 2

DEMOBILISATION.

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND SYSTEMS The publication of a booklet on tho demobilisation of tho Australian forces enables an' interesting comparison to be made between the methods of New Zealand and the neighbouring Commonwealth. There is a great deal of similarity between the systems, but in some important respects New Zealand oilers its soldiers advantages over those afforded the Australians. For instance, there is no four weeks' free railway pass issued in Australia Avhcrc the soldier is simply given a free pass to his home. Our men got this and may commence to use their privilege rail pass later. If an Australian wishes to go into an enlistment district other ihi'.n that in which he enlisted, lie is informed that he must expect delay in completing his pay. Under the centralised New Zealand system there is no necessity for delay through this cause. Supplementary pensions are paid in both countries, the Australian maximum being £o/17/- per week, while the New Zealand maximum is £o.

The contrast is more noticeable in connection with the disembarkation procedure. Australian soldiers are required to proceed from the ship to a depot for medical examination, and iliey are officially exhorted to be patient in connection with this inspection. .Yew Zealand disposes of the whole matter on the ship, enabling the soldier —unless he requires medical treatment —to leave for home and not again go near a defence office. The same rates of sustenance arc paid in both countries to soldiers who have failed to obtain a position after discharge, while Australia also pays a sustenance allowance of .°>/- per day during the leave period of discharge, which in the case of ]914 men, is a period of (iO days unless they have taken leave abroad. The other Australian soldiers get 11 days leave for every six months' service, with a minimum of .11 days. New Zealand's system gives all soldiers 2S days' leave on full pay, irrespective of .14 days' leave abroad if railway and shipping facilities Avill permit. The Australian housing provision is for an advance up to C7OO at fi per cent. Including a sinking i'und which pays off the loan in 37 \ears. New Zealand has a system of advances up (o £750 at 7 per cent., uhich pays off the loan in 25i years, or £IOOO if it is necessary to buy a site and house.