BONUS ARMY.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 April 1919, Page 4

BONUS ARMY.

MANY BACK-TO KHAKI

London, Feb 4

The doubling of the soldier’s pay for all our Armies of Occupation by means of a’bonus of 1/6 a day has brought a considerable improvement in the recruiting figures. The bonus began on Saturday. All who enlist n>w are entitled to the bonus, which goes on until the reconstruction of the permanent Army and reconsideration of its pay are decided. Soldiers returning from the western front speak of the enthusiasm which the Government’s statement as to the necessity for a strong Army of Occupation has produced. “If this statement had been made six weeks ago there would havo been no trouble with regard to demobilisation,” they say. “ The are quite keen to see the job through and many who were in a hurry to leave the Army are now just as anxious to stay.” Lord Sydenham, discussing the mhtter with a representative of The Daily Mail, said : “ For some time it will be necessary to maintain a powerful Army in occupation of the bridgeheads on the Rhine. If this vital military requirement is realised an ample supply of volunteers will be forthcoming. By volunteering the younger men escaped the turmoil during the period of industrial resettlement and may hope to return home when employment has become plentiful. Meanwhile they will have the satisfaction of discharging a great patriotic duty essential to complete the spleudid work of our victorious armies.”

Sir William Seuger, M.P. for Cardiff, said: “ We should jeopardise our position if the Army were so reduced chat we could not dictate our terms of peace. We must hold on firmly- until the whole business is settled.”

Brigadier-General Sir John Barnsley, speaking as a soldier and a Birmingham manufacturer, said he was able to weigh both sides of the problem and he was confident that a big army of occupation was vital. • CIVIL LIFE DISAPPOINTMENTS. Iu the large garrison towns and in industrial areas where many exsoldiers have returned to work there is already a desire to return to the colour’s. In the Devonport area men who have been slightly incapacitated and discharged from service months ago are seeking to return ; while men who have been demobilised find that the attractions of civilian life are not so great as they anticipated aud are seriously thinking of rejoining the colours.

In South Wales voluntary enlistment has begun; a number of men have presented themselves at tho Cardiff recruiting office. An experienced recruiting officer there said on Saturday that be is making preparations for a large number of enlistments, for be is confident that men having once tasted military life will be anxious to return to it, particularly as it will now be spent under peace conditions.

In the Eastern Counties, where there is a large number of discharged soldiers, many are contemplating returning to the Army after a short holiday. “I am for helping to wind the watch on the Rhine,” said one, “ directly I have had a good rest, and hundreds of my mates will he with me.”