NATIONAL RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2761, 3 May 1916, Page 6

NATIONAL RESERVE

Sir,—"Reservist" in your columns of to-day refers to some reported act of insubordination long left undealt with by Headquarters. The dates and facts referred to by him evidently point to a trouble that arose in the No. 7 Group, Napier. On December 21, 1915, alleged acts of insubordination by the platoon commander of two inland platoons and another officer were reported by the Officer Commanding Grouj). . Immediately after the Christmas holidays action was taken by Headquarters to deal with the complaint. After full consideration of the mass of correspondence, it was determined that the District Commandant, Colonel Porter, should hold a personal inquiry. This was held in Napier on March 17, and his decision then given. 'The whole trouble arose from a misunderstanding concerning the duty of officers commanding units to appoint their own non-coms. No insubordination was intended against the O.C. Group, who has since recommended the accused officers 'for appointments in General Directions, and also reports that the platoons about which the trouble arose have actually doubled hi _ strength, working with greater patriotism than ever, loyally, under the' Officer Commanding tho Group, and in barniony with the Executive Committee, on wliich they have appointed a representative.

If "Reservist" refers to a report otlier than tlie foregoing, unknown • to Headquarters, lie should report the fact through his officer for inquiry..' The Headquarters Staff, consisting of only twounpaid officers'for the whole Dominion, can hardly he compared with the tmnerial Armv Staff in the expeditions discharge of their duties.—l am, etc., nONA-FIDE RESERVIST. ' May 2, 1916. '