FEATHERSTON CAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1918, Page 3

FEATHERSTON CAMP.

AN UGLY DEMONSTRATION'.

SETTLEMENT AFTER STO&MY INTERVIEW.

Wellington, Not. 23. The Dominion stai&s that there has been much dissatisfaction and discontent at Featherston camp, culminating in an ugly demonstration by some 5000 men in front of headquarters. Ultimately the men presented 11 demands to the commandant having reference to discharge without pay or the usual sick leave to men who had been ill and to stoppages on various aceounte, to which the men strenuously object. They also asked: Who is to get canteen funds now in hand! Will home service men be discharged under the same conditions as members of the expeditionary force? Sir James Allen and Colonel Gibbon went up to the camp, and a stormy interview followed with the men's delegates, A further interview took place with General Robin and Colonel Tate, ending in a settlement, which is said to be satisfactory. Tie authorities gave way on a number of points. They admitted that leave without pay, while legal, might be inequitable in some cases, and the question would be decided at an early date. The canteen money would bo given to the returned soldiers' hospital at Trentham. Homo service men would be treated in the same manner as men* of the Expeditionary Force,

MINISTER'S VERSION OF INTERVJJJW,

230THINO ffiREGTjiLAR OGOOERED.

EPIDEMIO ABATING,

Wellington, last Night. __ The report that was published on Saturday that during his visit to Featherston Camp Sir James Allen and the Chief of Staff were wai£e"d upon by a sergeant deputed to put before them some grievances of the" men, the interview .heiug somewhat of a stormy one, the Minister denies the statement, saying:—The sergeant did not interview me at all at Featherston. He took the proper course through his commanding officer, and C.G.S. to the Adjutant-Gen-eral to discuss certain legal questions and grievances, and all were settled by the Adjutant-General except one. and on that the Adjutant-General authorised him to se« me. and he came to see me That was on the quesfion of sick leave for the men who have been in hospitalThe Minister stated that he agreed that the men should ha allowed to go on side leave, provided the P.M.O. or Medical Board decided it was safe for Them to go away. Sir James Alien added that the representations were made in entire order, and instead of the sergeant being noisv, he was quite the contrary. Tho influenza improvement which manifested itself some days ago continues. The cold snap of Saturday, it ffas feared, might cause a sct-baek, but from to-day's reports it does not seem to have been the ease, fewer admissions to hospital being reported an 3 of a less serious nature. It is hoped to-day's bright sunhsine will prove a beneficial factor.