MOTOR PATROL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2906, 19 October 1916, Page 7

MOTOR PATROL

(PSTISN OF PAY

ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT

"lhe Now Zealand Government teems to be putting obstacles in the j way of recruiting for tho Motor-boat Patrol," said a prospective recruit to a ; Dominion reporter yesterday. "After 'much delay the Government consented to make up the Imperiaai pay to colo;nial rttos m the case of_ married men, but nothing is done for single men who may join tho motor patrol. Then a, limit of 160 men haß beon imposed by tlio Government, although tho Admiralty, I understand, would like more, and qualified seamen already in camp; who would like to transfer from tho infantry to a branch of work for whioh they are particularly fitted, are refused .permission to do so,"

Tie decision of the Government to imake up the pay in the oaee of married men joining the Motor Boat Patrol /was announced some days ago. Tho differenoe between tho 'Imperial rate and tfra Now Zealand rate is 2s. 6d. per day jn the case of mechanics and 4s. 6d. per day in the case or sub-lieu-/jtenants, and 'the payment of theso amounts has made ii possible for soma ; married men. to join the patrol without tearing dependants inadequately provided for. But it is not clcar why , tho concession was withhold from unmarried men, who form the majority of tho appliowits appearing before tho_ Admiralty representatives. Tho position now is that a man possessing the qualifications required will probably bo Setter oif financially if he joins the Vsnv Zealand Expeditionary Foroo than if he enlists in the Motor Boat Patrol, although on the score of danger. and responsibility the .patrol ought to he the better-paid scrvice.

The limit of ISO- men appears to have been due to a feeling in Defence circles that New Zealand should not send many men into other branches of Imperial service in view of its own heavy obligations for Reinforcements. The fixing of the maximum number of recruits may prove no : embarrassment to the Admiralty representatives, in viow of the faot that the number of suitable applicants is not very large. New. Zealand's amateur yachtsmen enlisted freely in'the earlier _ stages of the war, and many of the skilled motor mechanics still in tho Dominion aro required for the maintenance of essential industries, .

Complaint las been made, in thin conneotion, tliat certificated marine of- • fcers are Jiofc allowed to Join tlie Motor Boat Patrol, oil theg round that'tlicy are required for tie mercantile 6ervice, although the samo men are permitted to enlist in the Expeditionary Force and go abroad as infantrymen. A. Dominion rormrtor, who made Rome inquiries on this point, was informed that the enlistment of marine officer's was governed by the general rules for the exemption of men engaged in essentia! industries. The supply of certificated officers for coastal and overseas services had to he maintained, and although ssuch officers could enlist in the' Expeditionary Force in the ordinary way. they would not be called up for service, or would even he discharged fi-ojn camp after beginning their training;, if ovidenco that they' were required in their own profession wasV,laced before the Ministry of MiK nitions. ' * • . ' A correspondent has asked This Dominion if ''next-of-kin of men going away with the patrol are granted the same concessions on trains and steamers as next-of-kin of members of the Expeditionary Force." The question evidently was asked under a misapprehension. No suoh concessions, are granted the next-of-kin of soldiers leaving New. Zealand with the Expeditionary Forces. It is only when men return to the. Dominion invalided that the Government assists their next-of-kin to reaoh the port at which they are i to fie disembarked. !