SOLDIERS' ALLOWANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1919, Page 5

SOLDIERS' ALLOWANCES.

DISTRIBUTION OF GRATUITIES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. Referring to the soldiers' allowances and gratuities, the Minister for Defence stated the amount of separation allowance to married men who left before the Military Service Act came into operation liad been increased to £495,000, allowing the Minister to make separation allowance to the soldier's wife of 3s per day. Machinery was necessary to put that into operation. The Minister was not in a position to make a definite statement regarding the distribution of the £1,225,000 for gratuities. Difficulties arose the details, and he wanted the position clearly defined before making a statement. The proposal of certain pay for a certain period of service might have to be reconsidered. Continuing, the Minister said the local bodies favoring the abolition of the territorial system were making a grave mistake. He merely wished a defence force for use at any time it is required and a sufficient staff for training. He thought men should enter camp at 18 years for four months' training. Camps could be established in both islands, and the course would be similar to that for the Expeditionary Force, With physical drill extended. A man might be improved in camp and continue his physical improvement afterwards.