THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 149, 19 March 1919, Page 8

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

MANY MARRIAGES IN

ENGLAND

Several matters of importance in connection with the. New Zealand Expeditionary I'oreo are mentioned in a. report received by tlio Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) from Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, commanding tlio A'.Z.E.F. in tho United Kingdom. The report is dated January i, 1919. "To ensure that sanitary and medical ailrangemonts and accommodation . on board transports aro thoroughly satisfactory," writes General Richardson, "an Embarkation Medical Board has been ■ formed. This board is to bo responsible to mc, through tho Director of Medical Services, that there is no overcrowding and that the men are properly accommodated, and that tho best possible conditions for ensuring tho health of the troops on tho voyage are provided. "It has been found impossible to make satisfactory arrangements in the United Kingdom for students and apprentices to complete their .education and training, therefore they will be given priority in repatriation. "A largo number of marriages are taking place, which will considerably add to our difficulties in regard to shipping accommodation. I estimate that about 2000 wives and families "will have, to be returned, and that marriages will continue up to the last draft. "Practically the whole of the horses in the N.Z.E.F. in the United Kingdom have now been sold. The prices realised have, been from 33 to 50 guineas. By anticipating the falling market these prices are about ,£lO in excess of present-day values. "Every endeavour has been mado to obtain information from the War Office as to tho conditions under which motor lorries and cars can be obtained for Now Zealand on demobilisation, but the Department concerned will not supply the information. I am informed I hat this is owing to the fact that the makers of vehicles are arranging for tho War Office to return them all vehicles on demobilisation. If this is true, the New Zealand Government will require to purchase its requirements from the trade and not through the War Office. .Further information regarding this matter will be supplied later.

"During the past six months, clothing, etc., to the value of .£30,972 has been salvaged."