OVERSEAS FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 March 1943, Page 3

OVERSEAS FORCES

ALLEGED SLEEPING ON BENCHES MATTER TO BE INQUIRED INTO. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A. promise 'that he would inquire into the position was made by the Prime Minister, Mi' Fraser, in the House when Mr Hodgens (Government, Palmerston North) asked him an urgent question about reports that overseas servicemen had had to sleep on benches in the Square at Palmerston North. He asked that if this was so the Prime Minister would endeavour to arrange for their accommodation. “The position as stated by the member is due to the insufficiency of accommodation in the cities and towns when large numbers of men are granted weekend and other leave,” said Mr Fraser in reply. “I can say that not only the A.N.A. Club but all clubs who interest themselves in the welfare of soldiers co-operate to the fullest in Palmerston North and everywhere else to meet the' difficulties of soldiers in the matter of accommodation. I certainly will have inquiries made into the position that arose at Palmerston North as reported in the Press, and every possible effort will be made by the Army authorities, by the Patriotic Board and, I am sure, by the clubs themselves, to meet exceptional conditions that may arise. Special provision has been made in Wellington and Masterton for overseas servicemen. I have no doubt that if servicemen are sleeping out in Palmerston North the matter will be taken up without delay.”