SERVICE IN. SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 136, 26 February 1918, Page 8

SERVICE IN. SAMOA

Sir,—With reference to the explanation given in your issue of this date as to the conditions under which 62 men are employed for service in Samoa, I am somewhat puzzled to know under which authority the Director of Recruiting is inducing men to take up duty other than under the strict terms of the Army Act, and in accordance with the King's Regulations. I am not aware of any known authority which, on the one hand swears a soldier in under the Act and immediately persuades the detail to contract himself out of the benefits off the said Act. The only occasion I know of when a soldier is required to sign on provisionally is covered by Section 322, K.R., but does not apply in this case.

I very much doubt whether Captain Cossgrove's action is not ultra vires. It is bosido the question to say that a man need not sign on unless he likes. It savours very much as though the Department was speculating in the labour market and getting a cheaper, but less efficient, article thereby. We have seen the effect of so-called economy in tbo escape of German prisoners of war from detention here. Are similar tactics'going to obtain in regard to Samoa? —I am, etc., LEX.