Bumble-Footed Bungling
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
in New Guinea
From Our Own Correspondent WAU, July 20. rE second contingent of volunteer recruits from the Goldfields for the A.I.F. met with extraordinary treat ment at Salamaua, when on the first stage of their journey.
On arrival at the Morobe port, they were “ordered” to go on leave, and to pay for their food in advance, daily, at the local hostelry. These men were receiving pay at the rate of 7/5 per day, and they each had to pay 9/- per day before they could get food.
A sum of no less than £56 was imme diately raised on the Goldfields, and remitted to Salamaua, to assist the recruits in their difficulty—many of them had spent practically their last penny in liquidating their obligations before leaving.
This was an example of pure bungling, and reflected badly on the methods adopted in handling men who have enlisted for service.