THE KING’S CERTIFICATE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16447, 28 May 1919, Page 6

THE KING’S CERTIFICATE.

# A HANDSOME PRODUCTION. SPECIAL TO HERALD. AVELLINGTON, May 28. The Defence Department is about to distribute a very handsome King’s certificate on discharge to men of the Expeditionary Force who have been disabled in war service. About 30,000 New Zealanders are entitled to this document, and 8000 copies are ready for distribution. Applications are now invited from the remaining participants, who can obtain the necessary forms from any Defence Office or from Base Records, AVollhmton. The certificate is a largo one, printed in two colours on, heavy paper, and will make a handsome’’picture when framed. The design?" is by the celebrated “Punch” artist, Bernard Partridge, and depicts Britannia regarding a lino of soldiers\ k representative of the forces which made up the army of Britain and fcho Empire. On columns at the sides arc the names of the countries ropre sented. The certificate sets out the name and rank of the holder, followed by tho sentence: “Served with honour and was disabled in the Great War.” The date of discharge and the lithographed signature of His Majesty the King follow.

It will be seen from the form of the certificate that it is intended for men who-were discharged disabled. Those who were not disabled will, it is understood receive a similar certificate differently worded, at a later date. Officers who were gazetted out of the forces through wounds or illness will receive the King’s Certificate slightly different from that issued to the rank and file, and supplies will shortly arrive from the War office. Applications for this certificate are now being received. These certificates will he distributed in addition to those provided by the New Zealand Government, for which competitive designs are now being called.