Defence Expenditure.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 May 1918, Page 4

Defence Expenditure.

QUESTION OF OFFICERS' RANK. WELLINGTON, this day. The position of territorial officers who have been taken into camp and given a lower rank, than they previously held, and which it is understood has created considerable irritation, was discussed by the Defence Commission yesterday. Asked if he did not think an error had been committed in taking this action, Major-General Robin said it was not admitted an error had been committed, as the situation was forced by the provisions of the Military Service Act, which is not a respector of persons in its insistence that every fit man must proceed abroad when he comes into military service. The Act had the effect of throwing a surplus of inexperienced officers on our hands, and legal difficulties were involved in reconciling the provisions of "Miltary Service Act," which emphasises the necessity for respecting the King's commission if possible. This has caused an unavoidable delay. Regarding these officers' disposal, this problem exists on other parts of the Empire, as applications" are being received asking employment here, the applications stating why they are supplied in their own Dominions, Continuing, General Robin added: "The decision has now been come to that men have to go into camp as sergeants by the middle of the month." It is understood that a party of officers have made their arrangements for such a contingency as has arisen, and they have been legally advised they must be given commissioned rank, and that -they cannot be deprived of .their commissions except as the result of courtmartial. They will probably fight the authorities, and there will be some legal proceedings.