EX-SOLDIERS' RELIEF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 74, 29 March 1933, Page 5

EX-SOLDIERS' RELIEF.

DISCRIMINATION DENIED.

DEPUTATION TO MR. FORBES.

A deputation representing the Soldiers Mothers' League which waited on the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G \\- Forbes, yesterday, expressed dissatisfaction at the way certain relief fund* were being disbursed by the Returned Soldiers' Association. The complaint was made that relief was being granted only to men who had joined the association. . , , ■, Mr. A. Harris, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said that from the canteen funds about £1500 a month was distributed for unemployment __ relie., Auckland's share being about £220. me intention was to help returned soldiers, whether members of the E.S.A. or not. The Auckland association had been advised to that effect by the trustees, but it had refused to allow any man to benefit unless he paid 5/ and became a member. A representative of tae trustees had informed him that unless the association agreed to abide by the conditions, other means of distribution would have to be considered. The deputation desired the appointment of a representative of the Soldiers' Mothers League to sit with the representatives of the R.S.A. entrusted with the disbursement of the national war and canteen funds. Mrs. E. Niecl, lion, secretary of the league, eaid she was constantly in touch with large numbers of returned men who were in dire distress, and who, because they were not members of the R.S.A., could not obtain help. The association had refused assistance to members of the Otahuhu Ex-Servicemen's Club, which had a roll of 700. many of whom were requiring aid. The Prime Minister promised to have inquiries made into the questions raised hy the deputation. Sir George Richardson, president of the Auckland branch of the R.S.A., .said this morning that no discrimination ■wa S shown between members and nonmembers of the association. Numerous complaints had been received asking why members should join the association when non-members received the fame consideration. All returned men "ere assisted as far as funds would Permit, but the amount available was tfo small to go far. Money had been to the Otahuhu men for distribution.