“COLD FEET?”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1448, 18 September 1915, Page 3

“COLD FEET?”

The discussion in the House of Representatives on Tuesday night, during which ceitain allegations were mentioned regarding some ol the men who returned by the Tahiti, was referred to again on Thursday night, when Mr J. T. M. Hornsby wanted to know whether, in view of the ‘remarks made in that day's Evening Post, the Minister for Defence was prepared to hold an enquiry? Also, he wanted to know whether two Ministers of the Crown on Saturday last had made a statement that a large number of the men had returned with what was known as “military rheumatism,” otherwise cold feet ? “I want to ho very particular about my statements in this matter,” said Mr Hornsby, “because this thing is not going to stop where it is now, and I trust that the ( '”qniry demanded by the pub: . ol this

country will be held. 1 think it is only right that such an enquiry should he held.”

Mr T. A. H. Field said that after the men had been feted here it came as an anti-dimax that those belonging to Nelson had had to return steerage.

Mr R. P- Hudson supported these remarks. It was a pity that the same practical evidences of sympathy we showered upon them when they arrived could not be continued until they reached their homes.

Replying later, the Minister said he knew nothing about Ministers talking about “cold feet.’’ As to the suggested enquiry, there was no indication ot any necessity for such an enquiry. He would know when he received his report. As to the complaints of steerage passages for soldiers on small coastal steamers, instructions had been issued that invalids should have saloon passages.