RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7416, 27 May 1920, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Delegate Appointed to Dominion Conference.

wfg oral meetini? of the i Western Bay of Plenty Returned Soldiers Association was held in the Foresters' Hail last evening Captain W. H. J. Poole presided over a large attendance of members from ail parts of the district, amongst those present being -Lieutenani Colonel Wilson Captain Cawte, Messrs E. G Fox G WilkieV. Clark, C. N Clark B'ggs, J. Murphy, Buckworth, Friers, Andrews, Wintle. Dines L. J. Hall, R Petherbridge, WLloyd, W. Padlie, Moulder, Foster W. Davies, J. Wallace, J. Miller, H. P. Clarke, Todman, Houghton, Gibbon, Macken, Jersey, J. F. King, P. Beaumont, j. Douglas, Govan, W. Housby, Court, Wilkins, Blunden, Williams, M. Meadows, D. Mansell, and, others. Several honorary members aho , attended. Election of President and Auditor The Secretary explained that the meeting had been called to elect a president and an auditor ; also to consider whether the Branch will send a delegate to the Dominion Conference/and if so, to prepare remits. Mr Friers moved— That Lieut. - Colonel F. A. Wilson be elected President.—Mr Davies seconded the nomination. No other nomination being forth com in g Lieutenant- Co lon el Wilson was declared elected President amidst applause. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson then took the chair, and returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. Mr Buckworth moved —That Mr R. L. Thomas be appointed auditor to the Association —Seconded by Mr Todman and carried unanimously. Notices of Meetings. Mr Norris moved—That notices of meetings be sent by letter a week prior to meeting, and by telegram three days before meeting.—Seconded by Mr Todman and carried. Executive Committee. Captain Poole moved—That an executive committee consisting of the local members of the general committee—five to be a quorum — be appointed to deal with emergency business.—Seconded by Captain Cawte and carried Delegate to Conference. Mr Housby moved—That the Branch send a delegate to the Returned Soldiers' Conference to bo held in Wellington

Mr Andrews seconded

Several members supported the motion, which was put and carried unanimously.

Mr C N. Clark was appointed delegate to represent the Branch at the. Conference, and Mr Todman emergency delegate if Mr Clark is unable to getaway. Remits for Conference The meeting then proceeded to consider the question rf remits for the Conference, and it was agreed that the secretary should make representations to the Conference in regard to the following matters: That the Government be urged to continue loans to re turned men. That Asiatics be excluded from this country. That all land for ex-soldiers be thrown open to Europeans and Maoris without distinction, that is on open selection.

That the Government be asked for a reply as to when the Hosking's Estate is to be made available for selection.

That better medical treatment be provided for tuberculosis patients.

That the pensions of returned men should not be reduced because of a man's earnings. That on account of the increased cost of living endeavours be made to raise the scales of pensions. That the payment of advances for stock, etc., to returned men be expedited. That the delegate oppose politicalaction by the Association. That the attention of Headquarters Land Committee be called to the ineffectiveness of the Land Purchase Boards throughout the Auckland Province, and that the Minister of Lands be requested to make a clear statement of their duties and powers.

That the members of the New Zealand South African Contingents be eligible for membership of the Association and for land ballots.

That the secretary oppose the formation of separate centres, but if centres are established the Western Bay of Plenty Association will join Auckland.

That this Association protests against the unnecessary expenditure on the recent Maori camp at Rotorua-

A vote of thanks to the chair man was carried by acclamation