TREATMENT ON TRANSPORTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 173, 16 April 1919, Page 6

TREATMENT ON TRANSPORTS

ALLEGATIONS DENIED. Some little time ago a resolution was passed by the Wanganui-Waitotara Patriotic Association, condemning what was alleged to be improper treatment of soldiers on transports returning to Hie Dominion. The Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) has written to the association asking for the source of its information, and pointing out that the statements wore contrary to fact, and placed the Defence Department in a false position before tlio public. "Unless you can prove the statements that have been made," the Minister states in the letter, "I claim that it is just, that you should give a direct rebuttal with the same degree of publicity as you have given to the indictment." The Minister further points out that ho asked for a report, and was supplied with the following:—(1) Troops are never accommodated in the bottom holds of vessels; the accommodation of troops is always in the permanent third class, and in the " 'tween-decks." The " 'tweendecks" of a vessel is invariably on the main deck, with rows of portholes, and is seldom, if ever, below the water-line. In addition to this, the dormitories are specially ventilated, and fitted for the accommodation of troops. (2) The statement that much acommedation is vacant in the passenger quarters reserved for officers is contrary to communications received from the United Kingdom, repeated cables stating that there was insufficient officer accommodation, and asking for permission to dispatch officers via Canada. AVhile it is considered that there is ample accommodation for officers, in the event of a surplus being available, the practice has always been to utilise such for sergeants or other ranks, with a. view to distributing tho troops as evenly as possible throughout the ship. (3) There is no unnecessary restriction of diet; in fact, it is provided that the most liberal and varied possible scale be given. -Tlio shortage of food in tho United Kingdom has at times made it necessary to restrict the rations below that specified for New Zealand troops, but this restriction, when enforced, was applicable-to the crew, passengers, and troops of all classes. Where food is available or obtainable en route, the Officer Commanding New Zealand troops on board has authority, if lie considers the food inadequate, to order an augmentation, his specified duty in this re-

sped being to ensure that i'nn<l is good, varied, and plentiful. Incidentally, tile reports from the last, six vessels returning to tile Dominion sppak in the highest terms of the food supplied. (4) With regard to the statement that no church services are held on some transports, this is absolutely contrary to fact, as chaplains, who have been on every vessel hut two, would ensure that this was carried out. The routine orders of the two vessels where no chaplains were carried establishes the fact that church services were regularly held.