RE OFFICERS' OUTFIT ALLOWANCE.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2686, 4 February 1916, Page 6

RE OFFICERS' OUTFIT ALLOWANCE.

Sir,—Some time has now olapsed since the matter of the extra allowance for outfit to officers of the N.Z.E.F. was brought under the notice of. the Prime Minister, who previously stated that be was quite prepared to give the extra grant if he found tho first grant, namely, £20, was insufficient. The Prime' Minister stated that he had heard n£ complaints from officers in this connection. He is quite a ware that it is con. trary to all military regulations for officers themselves to move in this matter, but if . they were allowed 1 to do so lie would find that £20 does not cover half the cost of outfit, arid under the present system, which gives n.c.o.'s the privilege of sitting for commissions, especially where married men are concerned, tho cost of outfit in 6ome cases constitutes a hardship whioh is quite unnecessary when a man 16 prepared to sacrifice everything to do iris duty to his country. Meanwhile, reinforcement after reinforcement is leaving this country, and the_ grant is still kept in abeyance. I submit that this should be given prompt attention. Since the war started prices have gone up considerably, as the following prices will show, every, article being quoted at lowest price and only necessary goods being given:— Drill uniform, 375. 6d.; dress uniform, £o 10s.; s. orown belt, 255.; sword, 425.; field glasses, £10 10s.; revolver, £5 10s.; service, £8 10s.; compa6s, £2; hat, 10s.; cap, 14s. Cd.; trunk, 405.; two pairs boots, 355.; blankets, Shirts, underclothing, putties, w.p. sheet, etc., could not be obtained under £7; greatcoat, 50s. Trusting a more able pen than mine will take this question up on behalf of the officers wno are unable to do so on their own behalf.—l am, et °'' SQUARE DEAL.