SOLDIERS’ GRIEVANCES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 31, 7 February 1916, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ GRIEVANCES.

DEPUTATION TO THE HON. JAS. ALLEN. AUCKLAND, February 4. A deputation from the Returned Soldiers’ Association, interviewed the Hon. J. Allen, and as a result it is stated that matters that have been the cause of friction are likely to be 'adjusted. A large number of complaints were made, and will require Departmental investigation before the Minister can reply, but where there 'seemed to be an obvious injustice Mr. Allen gave an assurance that he would have the matter "righted. Com. plaint was made of the language and general conduct of certain staff sergtmajers in dealing with returned soldiers.

Mr] Allen said he was sorry if returned men were not -treated by these officers in a polite, conciliatory and a proper manner. That was the attitude the staff officers were expected to adopt towards every soldier, whoever he might be. Five specific cases were then quoted. The Minister said the majority would require Departmental investigation. Mr. Allen emphaticaTy denied that the Australians gave each returned soldier £lO on his discharge, and expressed the opinion that 30s was sufficient in practically every case. It was. impossible to discriminate.