§ 59. Mr. GOLDSTONEasked whether it is a common practice of the military authorities of the Durham Light Infantry, now stationed in the vicinity of Gates head, to make deductions from the pay of the men for wear and tear to billets and breakages; whether these deductions are made without the consent of the men, and in a number of cases without their having incurred any such liabilities; whether such a practice is permissible; and what steps it is proposed to take to put an end to this practice, in view of the dissatisfaction caused in the regiment concerned?
Mr. BAKERI find on inquiry that through a local misunderstanding some small deductions had been irregularly made by certain Commanding Officers. Orders have already been issued by the military authorities to the units concerned which will prevent any recurrence.