SHORT HAIR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1220, 31 August 1911, Page 6

SHORT HAIR.

A TERRITORIAL GRIEVANCE. THE PREMIER'S STATEMENT. A grievance of certain territorials was discussed in tho House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. Mr. Greonslade, referring to an Anck' land incident, gave, notic? to a"k the ™i2fr ter f f0r j Dp ?» n » whether it was com? pulsory for territorials to wear their hair of a proper length, and whether he won d fe J ii"thY" PrC(:ISO <lesuition of "proper Mr. E. n. Clark (Chalmers) asked the Mnuster to reply at once, as the matfer was one of urgency. The supposed grievance would be food for the agitation against compulsory training Mr. C. 11. Ponlc (Auckland West) said that many people were very sensitive regarding tiie institution of the compulsory system, and h« frnr»<l that tho ■ ■<■;■* <■ nient of any element of militarism would cause a flare-up." He urged that instructions should bo given to the officers that demands outside the bounds of reason should not bi> made.. Mr. W. T. Jennings (Taumartmui) mentioned the case of a young man resident in Awakino who had been required to travel SG miles at his own expense to Te Kuiti for medical examination. Mr. F. M. 15. Fisher (Wellington) suggested that an early opportunity should be given for discussion of the new defence regulations.. He endorsed what had been said of the haircutling question. Mr. D. M'Laren (Wellington East) related tho case of a lad who hnd had to go up country to work, and had ljeen notified that he must travel at his own expense from Shannon to Palmerston A T orth to be examined. Should there not be a limit to what tho working people had to pay in such matters? Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington South), referring to the haircutting grievance, hoped• that something would be done eoon to remove , discontent. Mr. J. Allen (Bruce) said there had evidently l>een a misunderstanding, and the sergeant-major had stupidly exceeded his duties. Such troubles were sure to crop up, and should be received with as much forbsarance as possible. He was sure the General did not approve of what had been done.

Sir Joseph Ward raid he had asked for a report on the matter. He did not believe in anything being done in regard to the Territorials that would be derogatory to the individual men. No officer should be allowed to carry out his duties in the way that had been reported. The General and tho officers of the Service were all as fully alivo to the importance of carrying out their difficult and delicate duties as any member of the Houfo could desire. There, would doubtless occasionally'be friction and complaints, but if any of the men referred to in ths newspaper reports made representations to Gensr.il Godley, and he reported to the Minister any insularity that might have occurred it would be put a stop to.

STATEMENT BY GENERAL GODLEY,

LIBERTY ALLOWED. Major-General Godley, when seen last night, stated that there was not the slightest reason why any man in tho citizen army should not wear his hair in any way he pleased. No order lo (lie contrary had been given, or would bo given. ITe entirely disapproved of such an interference with individuals.