A QUESTION OF FURLOUGH PAY

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – Army Instruction India No. 708 of 1919 provides that all service either in or out of India by military officers in permanent civil employ, who have temporarily reverted to military duty, will count for leave with retrospective effect to the same extent and on the same conditions as if it had been rendered before their admission to civil rules. The meaning of this is that officers who volunteered to return to military duty for the war and who wish to take the furlough they have earned are deprived, by the above Army Instruction, of their right to take it on civil furlough pay and are only allowed the pay laid down in the leave rules for the Indian Army, which is much less than that allowed under the Civil Service Regulations. I trust that the wives and sisters of all such officers will join with me in protesting both in India and at Home in every way in their power against this injustice.

AN OFFICER’S WIFE.

CIVIL PENSIONERS

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – May I crave a little space on behalf of Civil pensioners. They are awarded certain amounts as pensions which stand stationary, happen what may. Do not the rise in prices all round and the high cost of living affect the Civil pensioner and can he face all this on his half-pay or even less? It may be said that to certain of them income tax has been remitted or suspended but while they are very thankful for this, the relief is but slight. Many of them have rendered more than 25 years continuous service, thus becoming eligible for pensions of half of the salaries they were drawing at the time of superannuation, this portion is cut off and he is awarded pension on the basis of a calculation by which he receives one-third or a little more or less on the remainder. To meet the present crisis a substantial percentage on the original salary is suggested until these difficult times are over.

A PENSIONER.

Lucknow.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – Last evening at about 8-15, I was walking home from the Hastings tram terminus when I was suddenly attacked by a man who, brandishing a stick, seized a small valise from my hand and bolted across the Maidan. Two soldiers gave chase, I fear without success. The man probably stalked me from the terminus, as when the attack occurred I was near Bakery Road, on the edge of the Maidan on St. George’s Gate Road, at which point I heard a shout and on turning round was faced by the man who, raising a stick, snatched away the valise and bolted as stated; unfortunately I was unarmed. This account may serve as a warning to anyone walking home from the tram after dark who may be carrying any article of value. I have reported the matter to the local thana.

H.A.W. MATHEW.

Hastings.