HIGHER PAY FOR SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 24600, 24 November 1941, Page 6

HIGHER PAY FOR SOLDIERS

SUGGESTION MADE BY ORETI RESIDENTS MORE SPENDING MONEY A proposal that efforts be made to induce the Government to increase the pay of soldiers by 1/- a day and that this amount be paid to them in the field in addition to the present allowance was made at a largely attended meeting of Oreti residents. A number of speakers, including returned soldiers, argued that the treatment accorded to soldiers in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forde was not comparable with that of civilians remaining in New Zealand. It was emphasized that most young men in private employment in New Zealand were drawing high wages, while those who had joined the forces and were risking their lives were limited to a meagre spending allowance. The present allowance of 17/6 a week paid to privates in the field was not considered sufficient for spending money and it was stated that the troops would appreciate an increased allowance. They were most grateful for the parcels which they received, but it was felt that they would also like to receive a higher cash allowance or gifts in money. It was stated that the soldiers overseas received opportunities to visit places of great interest, but frequently they had insufficient money to take advantage of them and the majority of them would probably not have such an opportunity again. CASH GIFTS Several speakers suggested that substantial cash amounts should be sent to the four district soldiers overseas from the residents, but it was pointed out that such a practice would be unfair as other districts with more soldiers overseas could not accord such generous treatment. It was decided to press for an increase in pay for the soldiers and to bring the suggestion before the Winton District Patriotic Executive.