DEFENCE COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE.) (Mr. GLENN, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, I-12

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1920. NEW ZEALAND.

DEFENCE COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE.) (Mr. GLENN, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 14th Day of July, 1920. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of eleven members, to deal with all matters in connection with defence ; with power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Glenn, Mr. Kellett, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. E. Newman, Hon. Dr. Pomare, Mr. Potter, Hon. Sir R. H. Rhodes, Mr. Seddon, Mr. R. W. Smith, Mr. Stewart, and the mover."— (Hon. Mr. Coates.) Wednesday, the 6th Day of October, 1920. Ordered, " That the report of the Defence Committee on the petition of the Home Service League (Incorporated) be referred back to the Defence Committee for further consideration." —(Mr. WRIGHT.) Thursday, the 7th Day of October, 1920. Ordered, " That the names of Mr. J. S. Dickson, Mr. S. G. Smith, and Mr. Masters be added to tho Defence Committee ; and the Committee to have power to confer with any Committee appointed for a similar purpose by the Legislative Council." —(Hon. Sir R. H. Rhodes.)

INDEX.

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16 4 1 61 6 85 65 16

6 9 61 8 3 16 8 7 131

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EEPORTS. No. 95. —Petition of Thomas Drummond and 87 Others, of Cashmere Hills Sanatorium. Petitioners pray that the sanatorium on Cashmere Hills be not handed over to civil control. 1 am directed to report that, as the proposed change in administration of the Cashmere Sanatorium will not deprive the soldier T.B. patients of any of their present privileges, and that in particular their present right of appeal to the Director-General of Medical Services for the remedying of their grievances will not bo withdrawn, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1920.

No. 12. —Petition of Joseph Ingley, of New Plymouth. PETITIONER prays that he be granted the New Zealand War Medal and all the privileges pertaining thereto. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th August, 1920.

No. 4.—Petition of GILBERT Weattieuston, of Dunedin South. Petitioner, alleges that while attending the Sutton Territorial Camp in 1915 lie contracted rheumatism so badly that he is unable to earn his living, he prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that as the evidence produced appears to support the petitioner's claims the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth September, 1920.

No. 19. —Petition of John WaTiDINo, of Coromandel. For payment of amount of gratuity due on account of services rendered by his late son during the recent war. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. Bth September, 1920.

No. 18.—Petition of W. E. Buckley and 4 Others. Petitioners pray for recognition of military services during the Maori War. I am directed to report that, as this petition refers to a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1920.-

No. 84. —Petition of Lieut.-Colonel E, Jenninos, of Rotherham, Amuri, Canterbury. For payment of an amount equal to the difference in pay of military and civilian doctors during the influenza epidemic. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 14th September, 1920.

No. 64.—Petition of G. L. Scansie and 8 Others (Jugo-Slavs). That disabilities imposed on Jugo-Slavs resident in New Zealand by the war legislation may be removed. I am directed to report that, as this petition deals with a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st September, 1920.

No. 5. —Petition of Mrs. Jessie Vance, of Blenheim. For a compassionate allowance in respect of the death of her husband, who was accidentally killed in the Awapuni Military Camp. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should lie referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th September, 1920.

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No. 267.—Petition of C. Heywood and 29 Others, of Te Kopuru, Northern Wairoa. I hat Dalmatians, Crotians, and Jugo-Slavs (otherwise Austrians) may be debarred from working the gumfields. I am directed to report that, as this petition deals with a matter of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1920.

No. 34.—Petition of F. F. Woltbr, of Wellington. Petitioner complains of his treatment whilsl interned on Somes Island, and prays for inquiry and relief as to his naturalization rights. I am directed to report as follows : — 1. With regard to the petitioner's prayer that his naturalization rights be restored, this is a matter of policy for the Government; but the Committee expresses the opinion that there is no evidence of any conduct on the part of the petitioner that should stand in the way of regranting his naturalization rights. 2. With regard to the petitioner's prayer for a public inquiry as to his loyalty and his internment, the Committee is of opinion that, as difficult questions of State policy during the war are involved, the question should be left to the Government. 29th September, 1920.

No. 117.—Petition of G. F. W. Kroner, of Wellington. Petitioner complains of treatment whilst interned on Somes Island, and prays for investigation by a legal tribunal and adequate redress. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 29th September, 1920.

No. 6. —Petition of Colonel Thomas William Porter, C.8., of Wellington. That the annuity granted under section 96 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 19115, be increased to meet the altered conditions caused through tin' present high cost of living. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th September, 1920.

No. 240. —Petition of Mrs. Ac.nes Ntoon, of Mosgiel. For payment of war gratuity due on account of the late George Arnott Nicol, which would have been paid to her late husband but for his untimely death. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government with a view to steps being taken to enable payment of the gratuity, or an amount equivalent thereto. 30th September, 1920.

No. 242.—Petition of William Lingard and 4 Others, and No. 303, Ben Riddle and Another (holders of the New Zealand Cross). That the name of Harry Charles William Wrigg be removed from the list of holders of the New Zealand Cross and the decoration be recalled from him. I am directed to report that, in view of the conflicting decisions that have been arrived at by various Committees which have from time to time inquired into the question, the Committee recommends the Government to' institute a special inquiry by a Supreme Court Judge or other competent tribunal to examine the whole of the documentary evidence and hear witnesses on both sides. 6th October, 1920.

No. 79. —Petition of the Home Service League (Incorporated), (J. E. Hume and 1,899 Others). For consideration of services of Home Service men with a view to granting them certain of the privileges and benefits enjoyed by the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces overseas men. I am directed to report that the Committee recognizes the splendid services of the men who were retained on home service, but until all overseas men have been fully repatriated it can make no recommendation. The Committee, however, is of opinion that in the meantime some medal or badge should be issued to Home Service men in recognition of their services. 6th October, 1920.

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No. 1.47. —Petition of George Miller, of Wellington. Fon an award of compensation for wrongful conviction, degradation, and imprisonment whilst serving as company quartermaster-sergeant in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th October, 1920.

No. 243.—Petition of W. H. Clarke and (! Others, of the Veteran's Home. Petitionees complain that, the Maori War veterans are not receiving the full pension to which I hey are entitled, and they pray for redress. I am directed to report that, in view of it having been reported to the Committee that legislation reviewing military pensions is to be brought down this session, this petition should be referred to the Government, for favourable consideration. 15th October, 192(1.

No. 110. — Petition of Alkxandur Black and 8 Others, of New Plymouth. That they may be granted the New Zealand Mauri War medal. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. I.")th October, 1921).

No. 315.—Petition of Alexandkk IJkgghe Peddie, of New Plymouth. FOR a grant of military pension for services during the Maori War of 1868-70. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation 1o make with regard to this petition. 15th October, 1920.

No. 9. —Petition of VIRB C. Bcchanan, of St. Albans, Christ.church. For compensation for financial losses incurred through wrongful conscription. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 22nd October, 1920.

No. 153.—Pet il ion of S. S. Brandon and 20 Others (South African War Veterans), of Waipukurau. That the same privileges afforded returned soldiers from the late war, in regard to balloting for land, be granted to South African War veterans. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration after the claims of those who served in the Great War have been substantially met. 30th October, 1920.

No. 274. —Petition of Olive Elizabeth Margaret Spiers, of Paraparaumu. For payment of the gratuity due in connection with her late foster-brother, Charles O'Connor. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this is a matter for reference to the War Pensions Hoard, and recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th October, 192(1.

No. 296.—Petition of William Arthur D'Oridant, of Oamaru. For payment of £260 to cover loss incurred through the action of the Defence Department in connection with services during the war. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the question of payment of legal expenses incurred by the petitioner in connection with this case should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th October, 1920.

No. 7, —Petition of the Wellington Society for Relief of Aged and Needy. Fon payment of a gratuity to the Superintendent and Matron of their Home for extra services rendered during the war. _ T am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd November, 1920.

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No. 123. —Petition of Thomas'Drummond and 33 Others (T.B. men), of Cashmere Hills Sanatorium. For improvement in the pensions and conditions of ex New Zealand Expeditionary Force tubercular soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration-, with the evidence, and information submitted to the Committee as attached hereto, along with any further information which may be hereafter supplied by the petitioners. 3rd November, 1920.

No. 222.—Petition of Major J. T. Bosworth, of Palmerston North. For inquiry into circumstances of his compulsory retirement before reaching the age-limit, and for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in view of the petitioner's services having been availed of during the term of his final leave, he should be paid an extra six mouths' salary. 3rd November, 1920.

No. 31.6. —Petition of A. L. E. Maysmor, of Wellington. For compensation for losses incurred through ill health contracted while training for war services. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd November, 1920.

No. 36.—Petition of Thomas White, of Karioi. That he be granted a pension in recognition of his Maori War services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. sth November, 1920.

No. 335. —Petition of Fred C. Pulse, of Wellington. For adequate payment for work done as gardener whilst interned on Somes Island. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opifcion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1920.

No. 75. —Petition of A. E. and Matilda Wellbourn, of Broad Bay, Otago. Petitioners state that through ill health, the result of military services, the male petitioner is unable to earn a living, and they pray that maintenance be provided. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred Io the Government for favourable consideration. sth November, 1920.

No. 149.—Petition of Duncan Macpherson, of Wellington. Petitioner states that owing to injuries received while on duty on the hospital ship " Marama " he is unable to earn a living, and he prays that he may be granted a pension. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1920.

No. 369. —Petition of James Cannon, of Canterbury. For remission of the remainder of the sentence he is now serving in the Auckland Gaol. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government, with the recommendation that the question of shortening the sentence now being served by the petitioner be taken into favourable consideration. sth November, 1920.

No. 320.—Petition of Patrick W. O'Sullivan, of Palmerston North. For compensation for loss and injury to health suffered through wrongful arrest as an alleged deserter. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth November, 1920.

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No. 79.—Petition of the Home Service League (Incorporated), (J.-E. Hume and 1,899 Others). For consideration of the services of Home Service men with a view to granting them certain of the privileges and benefits enjoyed by the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas men. I am directed to report that the Committee has further considered this petition, the report on which was referred back to the Committee on the 6th ultimo, and sees no reason for altering its recommendation —viz., that, while recognizing the splendid services of the men who were retained on home service, it can make no recommendation until all overseas men have been fully repatriated. The Committee is, however, of opinion that in the meantime some medal or badge should be issued to Home Service men in recognition of their services. sth November, 1920.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Defence Committee desires to place on record its hearty appreciation of the services of its Chairman, Mr. Glenn, and has directed that a resolution to this effect be placed on the minutes of the Committee and be reported to the House. G. Mitchell, sth November, 1920. Member of Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Defence Committee held its final meeting this morning. The Committee held eighteen meetings, besides sitting on four occasions as a Joint Committee with a similar Committee from the Legislative Council. Thirty-four petitions were referred to the Committee, and all have been dealt with, twentytwo being referred to the Government, and twelve received " no recommendation." sth November, 1920.

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