UNITY IN CLAIMS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 123, 26 May 1943, Page 4

UNITY IN CLAIMS

CASE OF SERVICEMEN DESIRE OF GOVERNMENT (Special to Star) WELLINGTON, this day. During his address at the opening of the R.S.A. Conference this morning, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in dealing with the problems 0 f rehabilitation and pensions, said it would be much easier for the Government if they had only one organisation to deal with.

"I would ask," said Mr. Fraser "that, if it is humanly possible' representations on such matters be made with one voice, and with one direction, and with one set of p ro . posals put before us. We will, not guarantee to accept every one," said Mr. Fraser with a smile, "but weSvili guarantee to give every considers tion to matters brought forward by the R.S.A."

It was confusing to the Government to get two conceptions of what should be done for returned men added Mr. Fraser. It was recognised that there were many ideas and plans to help the men who had served, and it was well that these should be debated, but it would assist the Government greatly if one set of proposals was placed before it. The Minister also referred to the publication in the public Press of reports of deliberations within Cabinet room by an unnamed organisation, not the R.S.A. He said that statements made in the Press that certain action was in contemplation by Cabinet had the effect of embarrassing the Government and misleading the public. He paid tribute to the consistency with which confidences had been respected by the R.S.A.