Soldiers' Debts

Horowhenua Chronicle, 26 July 1915, Page 2

Soldiers' Debts

OKDEKS ON PAY NOT LEGAL. From time to time applications have* been made to the Defence Department to recognise orders on pay lor debts to members of the Expeditionary Force. In making it clear that the Department cannot accept such orders, District Orders .state: "The Department ha« its own work to do in training and equipping the men and in paying allotments to relatives and dependents, but it cannot undertake to add to it« duties th: l collection of debts." Orders on ~oldiors' pay. it is stated, have no legal authority -whatever. It is pointed out also to the mis- ; i ided soldier who thinEs enlistment provides sufficient excuse for his evading liabilities that lie is in no way exempt from the civil or criminal pro* cess of the ordinary Courts. Creditors can take proceedings in the ordinary coiwse and on a judgment summons there is nothing to prevent liis being arrested and imprisoned by order of a .Magistrate.—Dominion.