OVERSEAS DISCHARGES

Taihape Daily Times, 6 March 1919, Page 4

OVERSEAS DISCHARGES

THE CONDITIONS

WELLINGTON, this day

'Applications by members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Fortfc for discharge in England have become numerous, no fewer than ninety having been dealt with at Base Records in one day recently. There is an excellent reason fpr some of these discharges, as the soldier utilises his time in England to improve his knowledge of the business in which he is engaged as a civilian. Thus the Dominion gains from the increased efficiency of these enterprising men, and the Defence Department throws no Obstacle in their way so long as their dependants are not prejudiced. If the time required for picking up this knowledge is not more than three months, the soldier may secure leave for this period., one month on full pay and the remainder without pay. However, a discharge overseas has to be subject to several important provisions, as the dependants in New Zealand must be considered. Allotments are suspended upon receipt of the cabled request for discharge, and they cease altogether on the actual date of discharge as notified from England after its approval.

If the soldier desires immediate discharge in England, inquiry has to be made in New Zealand regarding the bonafides of the application, and it is only granted when the"" authorities are satisfied that the reason is sound.

In cases of discharge abroad in lieu of return to New Zealand in normal sequence, the application is cabled to New Zealand at the applicant's expense, and the Defence Department's investigates the position from the point of view of the soldiers dependants. The written approval of the next-of-kin is required and if there are dependants, the Government requires a legal guarantee that the State will be under no liability for their maintenance as a result of the soldier's discharge overseas. This is enforced with a bend for £3OO. These provisions are designed to prevent hardship to dependents tlirough the stoppage of allotments' on discharge. When the » procedure is complete, the approval for discharge i» cabled to England. The Bamo precautions on behalf of dependents, are taken in cases of application tor immediate discharge. If the discharged soldier returns to New Zealand within twelve months he will be entitled to receive in a lump sum the amount which the Government would h-ivre paid for h*s passage from England to New Zealand, had ho traveilad with his unit on the transport.