IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 260, 2 November 1932, Page 10

IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN.

As an Imperial soldier of long service, I think the time has come when all Imperial ex-servicemen should get together through the N.Z.R.S.A. and form small committees of Imperial ex-service-men in each branch of the N.Z.R.S.A. and ex-servicemen's clubs to deal with matters concerning Imperial ex-service-men, such as pensions and particularly assisting distressed Imperial men. Some two or three years ago it was stated that the Prince of Wales' fund had allotted some money for the relief of distressed Imperial men. The Patriotic .Association has administered some such fund, as in recent months ti py have given a number of Imperii! nirii small grants of money and odd days' work. Lately this seems to be getting cut out, as nine times out of ten when an application is made it is declined. We do not blame the Patriotic Association, as they have to carry out instructions. It is time all Imperial ex-servicemen joined up with the nearest ex-service-men's club and formed small committees inside their association. I have often dcard ex-Imperial men grumbling about how they are treated. It is their own fault. They will not join any club. I have been a member of the N.Z.R.S.A. for the past five yeare, and I can assure them they have fought my battles for me; but we must all belong to some ex-servicemen's club to do any good. We have then the backing of all the N.Z. R.S.A. and the ex-servicemen's clubs with us. I am a member of Onehunga Exservicemen's Club, and we have a committee of Imperial men, assisted by the secretary, to discuss all Imperial matters. It is surprising the help the secretary has given us in collecting information and helping in pension claims and seeing that the Imperial distressed man is not forgotten. OLD FAUGH.