War Marriages

Levin Daily Chronicle, 9 April 1918, Page 1

War Marriages

("Auckland Star's " Spccial Correspondent.) LONDON, February 7. The question of war marriages was again Taised in the House yesterday, and New Zealand's attitude was given, so said Mr lan Macphcrson, who replied on behalf of the Government, in Sir Thomas Mackenzie's letter to the "Times'' On February 2. "Sir, —With reference to the letter from your correspondent '-Senex' on the question of war marriages with oversea soldiers, may I say that I am. sure no one would regret more than the overseas representatives in this country that any English girl should fall a victim to the conditions named? At the same time, it is only right that I should state the attitude taken up by the Dominion which I represent on the general question of marriages in the Old Land. For obvious reasons we do not encourage our men to marry here, but if they decide to do so, then this office gives to those interested and who apply for' help every assistance possible in ascertaining the bona fides of the soldier. We both cable and write for information, and this is supplied in confidence to the applicants. However, whenever a soldier decides to marry, his personal Tecord is investigated, and we require to be satisfied that it is a good one before permission j is granted; we also ascertain that his 1 pay account is in order and that the allotment of 3/- per day to relatives or others can be varied in favour of j the future wife. Cables are sent to New Zealand for this information. We also make inquiries as to whether the intended wife bears a good character, and we endeavour to obtain a written certificate from a clergyman to this effect. In no instance is permission given to Maori members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to contract marriages in this country. "It will be seen, therefore, that everything possible is done, so far as New Zealand is concerned, to assist both parties to the proposed contract. "I am, sir, yours faithfully, (Signed) THOMAS MACKENZIE, '' High Commissioner for New Zealand'' Further, there appeared in yesterday's "Times" the following letter: — "Sir, —The letter from Sir Thomas Mackenzie which appeared in your issue of February 2 compels me to ask you to grant me si • c for a reply. The man whose aiuocetlenis I desired to investigate was u New Zeulandcr, and in pursuance of my purpose I called at the offices of the New Zealand Government in the Strand. I stated the facts of the case to a gentleman who was, I presume, an official of that Government (the interview took place in a corridor). This official told me that his Government could give me no aid in the matter, and advised me to write to the man's commanding officer. I was quite unable to obtain any further assistance or advice. It might be well if Sir Thomas Mackenzie would cause an inquiry to be made as to whether the excellent provisions described in his letter are carried into effect by his subordinates. "Tour obedient servant,

" (Signed) SENEX.''