HOME SERVICE MEN

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 120, 14 February 1921, Page 6

HOME SERVICE MEN

4 BADGE OR MEDAL WANTED.

A letter was recently forwarded to the Minister of Defence (Sir Henton Rhodes) b v Mr. E.: Newman, M.P., urging that u medal or badge should be supplied to •>ll home service men, in recognition of their services in New Zealand during tho war period. The following letter has since been received by Mr. Newman: — “I am in receipt of your letter dated January 25, in which you urge that the claims of men employed on. home service during the war for certain concessions, particular!j' in respect to the award of Home medal or badge, should be acceded to.- AVhile it is admitted that the members of the categories you enuincralo rendered valuable service, it is impossible to bring these within the conditions formulated by the Imperial authorities to cover the issue of war medals. War medals are awarded to those who fulfil certain defined conditions, and eligibility for sieeh cannot, be extended to those who failed to qualify by misfortune, disability, or, in fact, any other cause. The only practicable line of demarcation possible in reference to ■lie New Zealand Forces and the Great War is Hint for actual passage over seas, and that has been finally adopted. The New Zealand Go.eminent is considering, however, the award of a commemorative medal, and has cabled to the United Kingdom for estimates in connection with tho same. If (his proposal be finally adopted, it should meet the case of those men who rendered effective service in New Zealand.”