R.S.A. CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 252, 23 October 1919, Page 11

R.S.A. CONFERENCE.

CONSTITUTION DISCUSSED. A LIVELY DEBATE. WELLINGTON, AVednesday. j The conference of the Sew Zealand j Jteturned Soldiers' Association was con-1 tinned to-day. The proposed new constitution for the association was submitted. The proposals were drafted by a sub-committtee assisting of Messrs. D. Smith (Gore) and J. H. Luxford (Waikato). 3lr. Smith, introducing- the draft, said finder the old constitution there were focal associations scattered all over the sonntry, subject to the control of one general conference, without the intervention of any provincial council. Under the new constitution there was the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, toniprising five provincial or member associations. These provincial associations would have affiliated to them all local associations who chose to so affilate lie Xew Zealand Association, at its general conference would lay down lines of policy, and the provincial associations voulil work subject to those lines. In. short, it might be said provincial autonomy was given, subject to the resolutions of the annual meeting of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association. The new constitution provided in the schedule for a common constitution for the provincial associations. Alterations to the constitution could only be made by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association in general meeting. The new organisation provided for a common policy and common action for the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association | throughout the country. The constitu- \ tionsof tie local associations would be such as would be in harmony with the constitutions of the provincial associations. No provincial association could -withdraw from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association without the sanction of the general meeting, but a local association could withdraw from a protincial association. Various clauses of the draft constitution were taken seriatim, and the disenssion which took place on them was »t times very sharp. MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS. It was declaea that the following clauses regarding membership should be accepted:— The membership shall consist of five provincial associations (hereinafter called member associations), to be named by the boundary committee. A local association shall'be affiliated with a member association, but such local association may affiliate with any member association provided that such local association shall not be affiliated with more than one member association at any one time. The second portion of the membership clause was then moved. This clause ie: "The constitution of the member associations is and shall remain mutatis mutandis, as set out in the schedule theretoMr E. W. Inder (Auckland) moved as an amendment: "That the constitution of member associations shall be prepared by such member associations and shall in all respects conform to the requirements of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association constitution. The amendment was lost and the original clause adopted. MOTION THAT LAPSED. Mr. A. B. Sievwright (Wellington) said he was soing to move an extraordinary resolution in order to expedite business. The motion wae: '"That tWi meeting adopts the report in toto m order to "ive the system an opportunity of being "worked under by the various provincial organisations." He said unless the conference got on to the matter of pensions there would not be a quorum to decide the vital questions which were on the agenda paper. Mr. E.F. Andrews (Auckland) opposed the motion. If they went through the draft he believed it would be adoptea with minor amendments. As it stood, he could not agree with the draft constitution, and he" was sure his association could not either. Other associations would be in the same position. After-a heated discussion, Mr. D. Co'.qnkonn (Dunedin) moved an amendment that a committee consisting of two delegates from the large centres should go over the constitution and select points for debate. Mr. Sievwright said he would allow hie motion to stand over. The chairman said the conference had endeavoured on three occasions to settle the difficulty, but without result. During a "further discussion Mr. Sievkright said he would not withdraw hia motion. A MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION. Mr. E. W. Leadley (Christchurch) supported the motion, and remarked that they had reached a stage in the discusBon where they would argue and argue ■without getting any further. The most important business they had to do, and by important he meant as far as the lank and file of the association was con> eerned, was the matter of pensions. The chairman intimated that no mention had been made at the House ot Bepresentatives of pensions. Mr. Andrews agreed that pensions was one of the most important matters to be dealt with. He was prepared to discuss pensions even if the constitution went through. He strongly objected to the constitution being adopted in its present etate. Mr. Colquhoun's amendment was lost. BUSINESS DATA CONFIRMED. At the chairman's suggestion the executive were called together to discuss the situation. At 6.30 p.m. the conference was reopened and a motion con« finning all business data was carried unanimously. Mr. Batten then asked fo r a roll call to ascertain whether there was a quorum present. The general secretary explained that in order that the conference might continue it was necessary for at least 23 t associations to be represented. That constituted a quorum. Investigation revealed the fact that there was a quorum present, but that owing to the departure of delegates for • their homes there would not be a quorum for the evening session. It was proposed that delegates present should constitute an advisory committee to deal with all matters not yet decided On by the conference. Mr. Sievwright wanted to know what lad become of his motion, and Mr. Haycock pointed out that it had 'been superseded by the motion confirming the business of the conference. TJNDER OLD CONSTITUTION. Mr. J. D. Harper (Wellington) then proposed a motion restricting the Advisory Committee, and explained that the association would have to carry on under the old constitution. Mr. Haycock seconded the motion, and said the delegates had got to the right stage of compromise. If the resolution were carried unanimously it would show that the association was not split. The motion was carried unanimously.

Hγ. K. J. P. Aldrich asked the conference to make provision for finance, ■and he moved that the capitation fe headquarters be increased to 2/6 for new members and the renewals remain as at present. He called the delegates' attention to the financial statement, and re-

marked it was impossible to carry on. The association at present was carrying on with borrowed money. A general discussion followed, during which it was moved and carried unanimously that the executive borrow £500. This concluded the 'business.