QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 717, 31 October 1914, Page 5

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE.

SUPPLY OF KHAKI. ARMY RESERVISTS' POSITION, . In the House of Representatives this week, Mr C. K. Wilson, Taurriarnnui r*rew the attention of the Government to the fact that the Imperial Government had given large orders to Canadian firms for tha supply of woollen goods. He asked whether the Government would communicate with the Impsrial l ities with a view of getting a simi-' | lar order for New Zealand. If such Si orders were received by the mills !of the Dominion it would go a long I way towards keeping up value of I New Zealand woollen goods. | The Minister for Defence, Hon. JI Allen, said that the Imperial Gov. ernment had communicated with theNew Zealand Government " asking whether the Dominion could provide kakhi cloth either for uniforms or for overcoats; and also whether it could supply complete uniforms. There had been a considerable demand on our mills for the supply, of uniforms and overcoats for our own forces; but in addition to the elofih required for these, the mills of the Dominion would be able to manufacture a certain amount of cloth for export to the Old Country. This fact he had cabled Home, and he was waiting for'a reply as to how much cloth he should order. Mr Wilson also asked the Government to state the condition of small settlers on Crown lands who, as army reservist, had been summoned to join the colours. He knew of four men in this position, and they all left wives and children. There was no ona to carry on their farms during their absence, He asked whether tbe Government would make provision for the protection of the wives and children during their husband's abset.ce. The Prime Minister said that the question wa3 one which concerned the Imperial authorities; it was really not a matter which concerned the Dominion Government. In the case of British reservists going to the war, the New Zealand Government had'provided for them the same rate of pay as the Dominion's own men were receiving, and their wives would receive the Dominion allowance so long as their husbands were on active service. Mr Wilson: But tha chief difficulty is with regard to the rent. I want to know whether tha wives will ba inter fered with in respect to the rent. Mr Massay: If tha cas?s are' referred to me I Bhall sea that no hardship is imposed upon them.