WAR VETERANS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 137, 13 June 1938, Page 6

WAR VETERANS.

I appreciate the remarks of the Prime Minister when he says that if a man is down and out, whether he has been to the war or not, he is a human being just the same. If he cannot earn his living he is a charge on the rest. This includes, of course, the Imperial veterans, who never come into the discussion, and who, just like other mortals, also have disabilities. Thirty thousand of these exImperial soldiers have landed on these shores since the cessation of the South African War, many since being in Xew Zealand having been in great need, as their New Zealand-born comrades have been. Tt took some years for other Governments to see that the. Xew Zealand South African veteran needed he has this assistance. In the War Veterans' Allowances Act there is no mention of that part of these thirty thousand Imperial war veterans who have not crossed the Great Divide. Mr. Perry did brinir the matter up in the Legislative Council. He said ir a'New Zealander did serve in a Home regiment he would be entitled to allowances; the person who served in the same regiment and who had since come to Xew Zealand to live would not be entitled to allowances, and as these men were-an asset to the country they should be assisted, Mr. Perry maintained. These Imperial war veterans who in their daily work help to produce the wealth of this country, and in the taxation on their spending© help the Consolidated Fund, are deserving of help themselves. Yet these Imperial veterans are not worthy of mention in any demands made on behalf of war vetevans. i agree with the Prime Minister, who is endeavouring to bring in a superannuation scheme which will assist all of those who need assistance, soldier and civilian, which gives fair play for all, special privileges for none. This would to a large extent nullify the fostering of the war spirit among the sons of these soldiers. The sons of these war veterans, Xew Zealand and Imperial veterans, can only have common cause when the law of the land gives common benefits for services rendered. I believe with our Prime Minister his plan will do this. WM. MURDOCH.

I most emphatically support Mr. Kendall in all he has said to Mr. Savage in connection with the claims of war veterans. Mr. Savage says, "Let the public judge for themselves."' The great measure of assistance rendered by the public to. the returned soldier during and since the Great War, leaves no doubt as to the outcome of this opinion. As usual, the executive of the Xew Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association. Wellington, provides the door of escape for the politician. This body knows little or nothing of the difficulties of the disabled returned soldier. If it does know it most certainly has failed to express its opinion accordingly. Mr. Kendall is right! W. A. CLINTOX, President, Disabled Soldiers' Welfare Assn.