HIGHLAND BATTALION SUGGESTED

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 21

HIGHLAND BATTALION SUGGESTED

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 9.

A deputation representing Scottish interests in Wellington waited on the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) with a request that a Highland battalion should be formed in New Zealand. Mr Jones expressed appreciation of the idea, but said the extra cost of the Highland uniform could not be met by his department at the present time. Members of the deputation said that Scottish societies were prepared to assist in the initial cost and the matter is to be investigated by the Minister and the Scottish communities of. the four main centres.

The Minister mentioned being approached some time ago in Dunedin and he then suggested the department would pay towards the cost of a blue uniform if the Scots there would find the rest. They could not see their way to do that, but if Wellington Scots could give assistance in that direction he would agree to the unit being formed and attached to other units. He would see if it were possible to grant more than the cost of the blue uniform, but could not agree to meet the full cost.

When an entrance fee was suggested the Minister asked who would pay it. Major-General J. E. Duigan, Chief of Staff, said that in Australia it was deducted from the territorial pay over a