§ COLONEL COLTHURSTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the case of private soldiers who enlisted prior to the 8th August 1870, and under the conditions laid down in the Act of 1867 for twelve years, and who are now desirous of re-engaging to complete twenty-;one years' service, will be taken into consideration with a view of relaxing in their regard the provisions of paragraph 59, section XIX. Queen's Regulations, 1881, namely, that re-engagements will only be allowed in special cases?
§ MR. CHILDERSUnder the paragraph of the Warrant of June last to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, commanding officers are at liberty to recommend the re-engagement of privates in the 12th year of their service; but they must do so on special grounds, which, however, are interpreted liberally. I have already approved the re-engagement of nearly 200 men; but I do not propose to relax the practice in this respect.