SOLDIER SCANDAL AT ROTORUA

Taihape Daily Times, 18 February 1919, Page 5

SOLDIER SCANDAL AT ROTORUA

j The ending of the war does not ! seemed to have worked any improveJ raent in the administration of the j Defence Department, judging by the ! latest from Rotorua. It appears that | conscientious objectors are having a | royal time there. Some are employed ! as masseurs and some hold staff positions, one doing clerical work in the office of King G-eorge . Hospital at 17s per day. In the same hospital objectors are waited on at mealtimes by returned soldier orderlies, who have to clear away and wash pots and dishes, whilst the conscientious objectors saunter away off to amuse themselves as they feel disposed. The orderlies work seven full days per week, but the masseurs with conscientious objections do five and a half days. There is no distinction of uniform between the two classes, and it is stated hospitality intended for returned soldiers is accepted by the objectors as their right. One of tho bitterest complaints is from returned soldiers who have to submit fo fro massaged by these men. Representations have been made by the Returned Soldiers’ Asociation to the Minister of Defence in the matter.