DEFENCE OFFICERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1744, 4 August 1917, Page 3

DEFENCE OFFICERS.

CRITICISM ANSWERED. 'SIR JAMES ALLEN SPEAKS OUT. The Defence Minister did more Ilian say “leave my officers alone” in the llo.ii.sc of Representatives yesterday. He"explained at considerable length why his officers had been retained in New Zealand, and expatiated on their business capacities. A number of questions -had been asked in ibis respect by members. Sir James Allen deprecated the fact that suggestions and innuendoes were placing' bis officers in a very unfair position.. When the first New Zealand Reinforcements were sent away, explained Sir James, the Defence Department deliberately retained men who were very anxious lu go, because it was realised that they were infinitely more valuable for defence purposes in New Zealand. The wisdom of ibis had been shown by the excellent way in Avhicb the New Zealand Reinforcements had gone forward. He had refused many limes (he entreaties made by General Robin to be soul to (he front. He was wanted more in (lie Dominion. Colonel Gibbon had offered again and again (o go to (he front, but he had con(inuod (o refuse him permission. He knew of no one who Idled a position heller (ban Colonel Gibbon. (Hear, hear). If Colonel Gibbon had gone to (he front, he ventured to say that he would have been a BrigadierGeneral by now. Sir James did not Ihiuk it at all fair that these sort of questions should be placed on the Order Paper. Dr. Thacker (Christchurch Easl) ; “Why don’t you give us a chance- fo reply /" Continuing, Sir James said'ihat (here was Colonel McDonald, who had given exceptional services in the camps. He had begged to go to the front,, but the colonel’s services were of more value in New Zealand. These two men were making very good sacrifices. Dr. Thacker; “Making good sacrifices to bolster yon up!" (Order, order). Mr Dickson (Parnell) : “What aboiit the men who have received distinctions ?" Sir James went on to refer to the remarks made about Colonel Potter and Colonel Anderson. These remarks were totally undeserved. (Hear, hear). A member: “It is only the wowsers who are getting on to them.” The Minister referred to comments made aneiit (he, business capacities of the officers in the Defence Department. They were really all good business men. Because they donned the uniform it did not mean (hey lost their business value. There were some men who would cast aspersions on the uniform. All* Wilford: “Now now. I don’t think there is one member in the House Avho Avould say that.’' A member: “I am one. It is not Hie uniform, but it is the swagger that goes Avilh it.” Sir James said that really all the officers Avere making .great sacrifices. He proceeded to read over a list-of the officers, giving their business qualifications. There Avere insurance agents, farmers, land agents drapers, and’others. Some of them Avere returned'men. They had a bayonet instructor Avho was a lawyer. Mr Wilford remarked that the last-named person fought to be able to charge (Laughter). Dr Thacker said that all the officers mentioned had not been .to the front. Sir James Allen: “There are mighty feAV men in the Defence Department Avho Avould not go.” Dr Thacker wanted to kno.AV about Colonel Hiley. The Minister replied (hat Colonel Hiley had offered his sendees free of cost to (he country, and had done fine work, and incidentally saved the country thousands of pounds.