ERRING SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 114, 31 January 1918, Page 5

ERRING SOLDIERS

——:"♦ QUESTION OF CONTROL. Last month tho War Roiief Association passed a resolution to the effect that it was desirable that returned soldiers discharged from sanatoria should, as far as possible, bo dispatched direct to their homes, and bo under some supervision by the Government whilst making their transit connection. In due course this resolution went on to the Minister of Defence, and Sir James Allen's letter on tho subject was before tho association yesterday, li.is letter ran:—"l have to adviso you that as far as possible my Department controls the movement of all soldiers travelling to or from hospitals and sanatoria. Complete arrangements aro made for all journeys, and definite orders given to the soldier. You will recognise, however, that as theso soldiers travel singly it would, be ijuito impossible to send every soldier to or from a hospital under the care of a representative of the Defence Dcpartrnant except at a huge expense, and further that our returned soldiers Mid their relatives, would generally much resent such treatment, for it is tho minority and not the majority who fail to carry out their orders to proceed direct to their destinations. Soldiers discharged from convalescent homes" usually require no further medical treatment, and proceed immediately on their three weeks' privilege leave, during which period they hove, if so desired, a free pass over all Government railways. These men are free agents, and so long as they behave themselves aro entitled to go where they please, and your Executive Committee would, lam sure, not desire to restrict their privilege in any way. There are, unfortunately, numerous instances There, cwii\jr. to an idea of mistaken kindness and hospitality, soldiers weak from their wounds or other disabilities obtain ton much liquoi, with disastrous clients, both to themselves and the good name of the Army they still belong to. and if any tactful co-onoratmri of the patriotic societies can lessen this evil, it would be much appreciated liv mo. Any suggestions you can offer to enable tho officers of my Department to assist your association or any other patriotic society in such good work wfll receive most favourable consideration ; but I am satisfied that any attempt by tho Defence Dennrtm-sfit to Further wince the liberty of the soldier in the direction suggested would be. resented by all sections of tho community." "Not a bad letter, gentlemen," wns the comment of the chairman of tho meeting, in which opinion tho meeting concurred. It was agreed that no further action need be taken.