DEFENCE QUESTIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 31, 11 May 1916, Page 7

DEFENCE QUESTIONS.

; A BUDGET OF INQUIRIES. ! Mr Wilford gave notice to move for a return showing the prices paid ' by the Government or by the contractors for various articles sold at the Trentham canteen, the prices charged the soldiers for such articles, and the amount per man received by the 11th Reinforcements from the profits of the canteen. Mr Pavne (Grey Lvnn) gave notice

to move that the House should come to a resolution in connection with the enlistment of Germans in the Expeditionary Forces and the general attitude of Government and country towards Germans. Mr G. Witty (Riccarton) gave notice to move for a return showing the number of men enlisted for active service, with the trade or occupation of each man; the number of men who had gone into camp, with the trade or occupation of each; and the number who had received appointment a,s officers, with the trade and occupation of each.

Mr Payne (Grey Lynn) gave notice of a question to the Minister for Defence regarding the amount spent for repairs on various troopships and the names of the firms entrusted with the work. He wished to know also who had given orders for the work and what were the qualifications and pay of the Defence Department surveyor. Mr Thomson (Wallace) gave notice to ask the Minister for Justice if he intended to remove the embargo against the enlistment of members of the police force. Mr G. J. Anderson (Mataura) gave notice to ask what position Dr. Purdie held in the service of the country. A further question mentioned by Mr Anderson referred to the system of medical examination at Trentham, where the decisions of local medical boards had been reversed after perfunctory examination of the men concerned. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Mr D. H. Guthrie (Oroua) gave notice to move on May 11th that a respectful address should he presented to His Excellency the Governor in reply to His Excellency’s Speech. LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Leave of absence on account of illness in his family was granted to Mr R. F. Bollard (Raglan). Mr Tan Henare (Northern Maori) was granted leave of absence for one day. EXPIRING LAWS. The Expiring Laws Continuance Bill was read a first time on the motion of the Prime Mnister.