THE REPORTING OF CASUALTIES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2535, 9 August 1915, Page 2

THE REPORTING OF CASUALTIES

-MINISTER'S PROPOSAL

POSSIBLY SEND A MAN TO EGYPT "I really do not know what Mr.' Gunson and the people of Auckland want," said tlio Minister of Defence to a Dominion - representative, when he was shown the Press telegram from Auckland published below regarding tlio deputation of mothers to the -Mayor. "We havo taken every possible step that wo can- to get tho fullest reports of theso. casualties. 1 think that tho reports that nro now coming in are much as can be expected under tho circumstances. I do not. know who is complaining. 7f anj-one who has complaints to make will make thom to me, 1 will inquire into them at once. In regard to tho non-delivery of parcels, 1 am afraid that t'hero was somo delay , at first, because unfortunately somo parcels were sent by direct boat to England, and therefore luul to be lesliippod. Tin's meant a waste of time, but there is no reason to believe that these delays havo been, repeated." Mr. Allen said that ho contemplated, in order to satisfy himself and the public mind, the sending of a special officer from New Zealand to Egypt to inquire into the matter on the spot, and to report to him direct upon tho question. "As far as I know," lie said, "tho present organisation is extremely good, but it is difficult to judge from this end." "Will the officer bo a: military man?" tho Minister was asked. "lio may bo in a sense," was tho reply. ' "You must' remember that the officers .now-in Egypt, such ais Colonel Charters, Colonel Esson, and Major Hall, aro all prominent business men." Mr. Allen said that he did not think the civilian agent would be able to manage matters better than a military man. Ho also paid a tribute to tho excellent work being done by the chaplains in this connection. COMPLAINTS TO MAYOR OP. AUCKLAND. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, August 7. 'A largo deputation of Auckland mothers -.interviewed the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson,- and urged immediate improvement in the system of notifying casualties; and tho progress of wounded soldiers in hospital. Cases were quoted, showing the inadequacy of tho present arrangements, and complaints were mado of'the lion-delivery of parcels sent to soldiers. Tho Mayor states that he has been overwhelmed with .c&mplaints of all kinds, arising out of tho interests of tho men abroad. In his opinion, tho whole system requires rearranging. Mr. Gunson has telegraphed to the Minister of Defence on tho subjcct.