THE KING'S CERTIFICATE

Taihape Daily Times, 28 May 1919, Page 5

THE KING'S CERTIFICATE

A HANDSOME PRODUCTION

WELLINGTON. May 27

The Defence Department is about to distribute a very handsome King's Certificate on Discharge, to men of the Expeditionary Force who have boon disabled in Avar service. About. .".0,000 New Zealanders are entitled to (bis document, and 8000 copies art; ready for distribution. Applications are now invited from the remaining participants, who can obtain the necessary forms from any Defence OfhVe or from Base Records, Wellington. The certificate is a large one. printed in two colours on heavy paper, and will make a handsome picture when framed. The design is by the celebrated "Punch" artist, Bernard Partridge, and depicts Britannia, regarding a line of soldiers representative of the forces which made up the Army of Britain and the Empire. On columns at the sides arc the names of the countries represented. The certificate sets out the name and rank of the holder, followed by the sentence: "Served with honour, and was disabled in the Great War." The date of discharge and the lithographed signature of His Majesty the King follow.

It will be seen from the form of certificate that it is intended for men who were discharged disabled. Those who were not disaled will, it is understood, receive a similar certificate differently worded, at a later date. Officers who were gazetted out of the forces through wounds or illness will receive the King's Certificate slightly different from that issued to the rank and file, and supplies will shortly arrive from the War Office. Applications for this certificate are now being recenved. These certificates will be distributed in addition to those provided by the New- Zealand Government, for which competitive designs are now being called.