Members' Queries

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 August 1915, Page 4

Members' Queries

"BANTAMS " 'Mr; Myers to ask the Minister of Defence, Whether, in view of the many eligible men who are refused for active service solely oil account of being slightly below tho military standard of height, lie will give instructions that where recruits are in every other way satisfactory . a reasonable latitude shoutld be allowed in the matter of height? The Hon, Mr Allen (Minister of Defejuce) replied, Discretionary powers have been exercised by the examiners for some considerable time past in this direction WEEKLY PAY I<X)ll CIVIL SERVANTS, Mr Eussell to ask the Minister ol Do fence, whether the Government will during the war assist members of tin* Public Servico to keep down the cost of living by paying salaries and wages weekly, as is done by private employers? -The Hon. Mr Allen replied. The Public Service Commissioner is being consulted as to whether it is practicable to give effect to this suggestion. •SOLDIERS' LETTERS Mr Jennings to ask the Minister of Defence, "Whether lie is aware that much disappointment and anguish is caused relatives throughout this Dominion owing to non-receipt of letters from our 'boys at tho Dardanelles? [Note.—The above is caused by there being no paper supplied to the boys in the trenches, and some of then have sent messages written on the tops of jam-tins and on thin wood.] The Hon. Mr Allen replied. .1 have already advised those interested that a sheet of writing-paper and an envelope should bo sent with every letter written to a soldier at the front. This is the simplest and most efficient way to secure that such conveniences shall be available