SECOND DIVISION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9126, 23 October 1917, Page 4

SECOND DIVISION.

MASS MEETING IN WELLINGTON.

; : . .. a- Y^LLmmO^, <*& 82, A ma-ss'v meeting ,was held last nighfc to protest against the failure of the Government to make adequate provision for the Second Division. Two resolutions were carried, .each with ona dissentient. ■'';■'■•

One resolution disagreed with the Ministerial statements as to the probabilities of an early peace and urged the Government to refuse to be pressed by financial interests into any slackening of itß duty to the wives and dependents of soldiers. The other resolution expressed strong disapproval of the failure of Parliament to -provide adequate separation allowances, and urged the Government to reconsider the question and bring, down a now scale of 6s per day for a wife'and Is 6d per day for a child as the absolute minimum enabling them to decently maintain themselves.

Long letters were read from Mr Massey, and' Sir Joseph Ward defending the position taken up by the Go" vernment. The former, in reply, to a request to explain his charge that the Second Division was not "playing the i game," said he referred to attempts Ito use political influence and • implied threats in telegrams and resolutions at public meetings. -, ■ , ■ j Sir Joseph Ward said he had not accused the \League of not "playing the game," iaod r. dealt at length with I the financial situation. \ | Mr 'B. A. Armstrong, president of I the League, said there had been no threats, Dut he believed in argument. He strongly condemned the Prime Minister's accusations. ( They were only attempting to obtain proper provision foi their wives and children. They wore in the grip of the military system, and once they wer.e,in uniform their voiefi would be stilled as still as members' voices were after the famous caucus, of October 10. They must make then complaint now. - ,