COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1916, Page 2

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY. Ey Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Yesterday. Mr. Massey was a9ked if, in the event of_ the British Military Compulsory Bill being passed his attitude towards securing- reinforcements for ;the Dominion would bo effected. He replied: "Not a bit. My attitude is perfectly clear. It all depends on the supply of men. Up to the present it lias been sufficient to meet our obligations." Asked whether the adoption of compulsion in England was likely to modify the considered policy of the Cabinet he said he was not in a position to express any opinion.

DR. THACKER'S STATEMENTS. MINISTERS VARY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. With regard to Dr. Thaeker's statements the Hon. Mr. Allen says he cannot understand the complaints re pay. The instructions are mat men are to be paid fortnightly until cVrs'ehaTged. In some, cases pay is withheld until the man's book comes from Egypt. The department must check the pay received before arrival to prevent overpaying, which has actually happened in a few cases. To prevent this an amount is held for adjustment purposes. He could not say whether it would ever amount to £7 Kls.

The Hon. Mr. Russell says the Public Health Department has no control over soldiers who have been discharged; they then become civilians and are entitled to treatment in public hospitals. He could not evpress no opinion on the cases quoted till ;tho medical oflicer responsible had given their version, if any had been asked for explanations. With regard to the man alleged to have gone to Rotorua, Mr. Russell said if dispatched by the authorities it would surprise him very much to learn there was any delay in admitting him. If he went'on his own account as a discharged soldier he could not be admitted. If the man is disabled l,e should apply to the Pensions Board and if he needs treatment can get it at the public hospital. Judgment should he reserved in the cases quoted. If Dr. Thacker forwards statements full inquiry will be made.