MEN IN THE CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 42, 14 November 1918, Page 4

MEN IN THE CAMPS

POSITION AS TO RELEASE,

"Ciiu the Minister of Defence give an opinion us to when the men who are in camp will be able to go back to their honjesr" was-a. question asked by Dr A. K. Newman (Wellington Kast) i'n the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. Dr. Newman said there' was a great amount of interest on the point, and if a statement conld 'be made it would give satisfaction to a number of people. ■ . ■ • ' lu reply, Sir James Allen said that demobilisation of those men could not be considered just now. No men who were suffering from infhie.nza could bo allowed to leave camp. Men who were not "contacts'" .were kept apart for a period of eight days, and ho understood that they were disinfected two or three times. If required for urgent public

work, euch as farming or shearing, they were given leave without pay. The question of demobilisation would be for future consideration. It hart to be remembered that peace hud not yet been signed, therefore it would not be wise to release the-men just yet. The matter would 'be considered at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. G. W.ty (Kiccnrton): Will the married men be released as soon as dossible?

Sir James Allen: The present arrangement is,that men required, for essential work are rplwiaed as eoon as they can be let so. , Mr. Witty. Is it necessary to make ap. plication for them ? • The Minister: Yes, otherwise the an. '!•.'• "if ius would not know who to release.