GRATUITIES TO SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16451, 19 February 1919, Page 7

GRATUITIES TO SOLDIERS.

NEW ZEALAND'S SCHEME

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.")

WELLINGTON, February 18. Tho Minister of Defenoo stated to-day that no arrangement had yet been mad® for the payment of the service gratuities authorised by Parliament last session. This applies to men still with the Forces, as well as to men who have received their discharges. Many communications wero reaching the Dcfenco Department from men "who desired to learn when tho gratuity would bo available, but no date could bs iixexd. Sir James Allen mentioned that tho whole schcmo was being further considered, and it was possible that alterations -would be made. 1 The arrangement of the payments was by no means an l easy matter. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, February 18. Last session, Parliament par.sed proposals of the Minister of Dcfenco for pa3 r ment of a bonus to soldiers on tho basis of servico in the Expeditionary Force oversea. A rumour now current that'authority has boen given for tho payment of tho service bonus to officers who are still oversea was mentioned to Sir James Allen to-day. Ho denied that such action had been taken, and stated that tho amounts to be paid to individuals had not been fixed; in fact, the wholo scheme was being reconsidered, and it was possiblo that alterations would bo made.