SOLDIERS' WANTS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 251, 22 October 1919, Page 5

SOLDIERS' WANTS.

DEPUTATION TO PARLIAMENT REPLIES BY MINISTERS. By Telegraph.—vPrcss Association.) ,» WELLINGTON, this day. A deputation from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Conference waited on nembers of Parliament this morning. Sir William Lang, in the temporary absence of Mr. Massey, occupied the chair. The deputation presented demands irrived at by the conference regarding and. repatriation, and allowances. The speakers were the president I Mr. Boxer), Messrs. Long. Mitchell. Colquhoun, aud Leadlcy. > The Hon. 1). H. Guthrie, replying, said the question of quicker administration of the policy of settlement had not been neglected. A soldier who wished to inspect a section need be under no expense, because his expenses would be paid. The country must take a risk in settling the soldiers on the land, but it was a dangerous doctrine to preach that a soldier, no matter what happened, must be supported by the Government. All available land would be offered to soldiers first. For years the Government had endeavoured honestly to stop land aggregation but time after time the provisions made had proved useless. A new clause had now been completed which he hoped would be effective. It was now proposed to take land from the aggregator at tbe Government valuation, plus 10 per cent. He denied that tit men were compelled to return to their pre-war occupations lie agreed that it was reasonable to ask that the allowance of £50 for equipping a home should be increased to £75. but be considered that the pressure for in crease of loans for business from £30( to £500 would involve risk of the systen breaking down under its own weight. 'Die Hon. G. Coates said, with referenci to tbe nroposnl to make the increase ii officers' pay retrospective, that this mat ter had been considered, and it had beei divided that it should stand. Mr. Massev said the discussion wai useful, and had cleared up many mis apprehensions. The Government hat never resitated to do all possible fo returned soldiers, and would coutinu' to do so. , DEATH OF A CHILD. MURDER CHARGE DISMISSED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A young woman. Margaret Ethel was charged in the Magistrate's Com to-day with the murder of an infan child, also concealment of birth. 'I'll more serious charge was dismissed, an on the minor account, accused was con mitted to the Supreme Court for trial.