MAORI VETERAN’S SERVICE.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 September 1919, Page 5

MAORI V ETERAN’S SE RVICE.

CLAIM MADE FOR MEDAL.

LEVITY AMONG OPPOSITION.

\V'ELLINGrTON, Sept. 24.

‘A recommendation from the Pen--siong Committee that a petitioner who was not entitled to them under the present regulations should be granted the Maori War medal and pension resulted in a. good deal of levity in the House of Representatives this afteiu noon. .. _ Mr A. Harris (Waitemata)4 said that this vc~teran did not press for the posSion but rather for some I'eco,—,'nition for his services in the Maori War.

From the Obposifion side came the suggestion: Give him the 0.8. E.

Mr Harris: With due deference to the leader of the Opposition, I don’t think the petitioner is the sort of mom who would like the 0.8. E. . Sir Joseph Ward: I never said that. (Laug.hter.)

Mr Harris continued that some Vis-_ ible token of his services was what he xvantcd. whether a bronze medal or a cross or anything of the kind. A member: Why does not the Goversment give him a, seal? Mr Harris: I -fxardly think a seal would meet the case.

Mr T.’ W. Rhodes (Thames), who replied as Chairman of the committee, said he was Sorry to see the levity \\‘i’rh which the House discussed the matter. The committee had made :1 favourable recommendation, ‘and the committee was absolutely unanimous in its decision. Mr J. Pzryne (Grey Lynn): Hear, hear. There were four of us there. (Laught.el-.)