FRST DIVISION DEPENDENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 179, 28 July 1917, Page 6

FRST DIVISION DEPENDENTS.

'. MOTHERS' LEAGDE MEETING, A preliminary meeting of members of the Mothers' League of First Division Soldiers was held yesterday afternoon at tlie Chamber of Commerce in Swanson Street. A large number of ladies was present, and Mrs. Bolton was voted to the chair. The object of the League Vfß.fi explained as being to better the financial conditions of those dependents of tLc boys at the front. The meeting resolved: "That all pensions of widowed mothers whose sole support falls at the front be raised to £1 per -week, exclusive of the old age pension; that old age pensioners be allowed by law an earning power of fl per week; and that all pensions and allotments that are granted to members of the Second Division should come into operation for wives and children of the First Division as soon as passed into law." A very large number of complaints was aired, and the opinion generally expressed ■was that the present system underlying the granting of pensions and allowances was anything but satisfactory or just, and a. readjustment of conditions was absolutely necessary. Many actual instances of hardship on dependents were received. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. W. Bruce; secretary. Mrs. E. Xicol; treasurer. Mrs. A. Kdmonds: executive, Mesdamcs A. Poulton, Krown. Wood, McCabe, Ellis, Auckran and Eolton. Next Friday, at 3 p.m.. the League will "Jt*ain meet in Swanson Street.