SOLDIERS' TROUBLES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 1912, 31 March 1920, Page 11

SOLDIERS' TROUBLES.

MATTERS FOR INQUIRY. The Mayor of Christchurch (Dr H. T. J. Thacker. M.P.) suggests that a special committee of the House of Representatives should be set up to consider the complaints of returned soldiers and their dependents with regard to the treatment which they have-received from the authorities. ! Speaking to a Sun representative 'to-day, Dr Thacker mentioned that he Ihad received two'letters of complaint in, 'regard to the effects of soldiers who | died of influenza aboard the troopship | I Tahiti. One was from a father residing lat Green Island, Dunedin. Eighteen i months ago he received advice that his boy's effects were then in the charge of the Board of Trade, London, but would be forwarded to him. He has heard nothing since. In the second case, some of a soldier's dirty clothing was returned, but not his wristlet watch, pocket-book and photographs. According to Dr Thacker there are other cases of a similar nature; and he considers that they should be looked into, although perhaps the missing effects may never be recovered. Another matter that could be considered by a speeial committee of the House, said the Mayor to-day, was the plight of some soldiers' wives and families, who were being penalised on account of the misconduct of the men. There were instances in which men had deserted at Home, leaving their wives and children practically stranded here. These women get no gratuity; but they should be placed on the same footing as widows who had lost their husbands at the Front.