HOME SERVICE MEN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12102, 12 July 1920, Page 7

HOME SERVICE MEN.

PRESS CLAIMS ON MINISTERS

WELLINGTON, Saturday. A deputation for the Home Service League introduced by Mr A. Mrigb-. AI P., waited upon the Prime Mmistci, the Minister of Lands and the Master of Defence to-day. Mi L. Vine chairman of the League, asked that the benefits given to the given to those not allowed to emba.k r»n motive service. r Phe gratuity was not the main object, but the removal of the stigma of “shirkers. , . . The Prime Minister: I don t think that slur was cast to any extent. Mr H. Elliott, secretary of the League, instanced men entered m the camp, Class A. who. had sold then business, but were classed unfit ,jm.t before sailing. Staff corps men held back in New Zealand did not have the same chance of promotion and distinction as their fellows who nad SO The°Minbder of Defence-. “The man who went overseas also had a very good chance of going out altogether. Over 4 0 of the staff corps were kll Mr Massev, replying, said that tremendous claims were being made on the Government, but justice would be ■ done to the best of the Governments obilitv. The Home Service League could* rest assured they would get justice There was the question of cost to the country and the figures showed the gratuity would cost £200,000, tne mufti allowance. £42,000 and the children’s allowance £400,0j0, a total I of about £650,000. ~ The Minister of Lands had estimated extending the privilege of tne, Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act to the Ho lie Service League and South African veterans would mean a fur-' ther £3,000,000, which could nOo be afforded at present. He advised the League not to press the claims, but to wait.