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New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10287, 23 May 1919, Page 4

The Minister for Defence has made tiie following statement with regard to the demobilisation of New Zealand soldiers ip. Egypt:—“No one regrets more than I do the fact that our men in Egypt have not been able to return to Now Zealand for demobilisation at a faster rate than has been possible up to the present. No effort has been spared to obtain the necessary shipping for this purpose, but this is a matter which cannot be controlled from Now Zealand, as the providing of ships is in'the hands of the Ministry for Shipping. Further, it has been found necessary during the past month or two to cancel arrangements which had been made for the return of our men in consequence of the serious disturbances that have been talcing place in Egypt. I can only say that the latest advice received was to tho effect that demobilisation of the New Zealanders would be resumed at the earliest possible date, and that as a matter of fact a small number of unfit men were awaiting embarkation, but no shipping was available for tho time being.” It is understood that it is necessary to keep a garrison in Egypt, and if tho New Zealanders were allowed to leave immediately tho Australians would expect similar consideration. Some of tho Dominion troops will return later than others, as arrangements have been made for 10 per cent, of their number to make the return journey via England.

Tho Wellington City Corporation, so it was stated at the Town-planning Conference yesterday, has tho only Town-planning Act in existence in Now Zealand at present. Under this Act the corporation authority had the power of veto regarding frontages, air space, etc., and this, said the speaker, made for better conditions than previously existed*