ASSISTANCE TO SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16205, 7 May 1918, Page 5

ASSISTANCE TO SOLDIERS.

POSITION OF DRUID LODGES. (rHESS ASSOCIATION Tfi.b:bhi j WELLINGTON, May 6. At- a gathering of Drums huid touigat to welcome several soldier members returned from tuo front the Arch JJruid referred to tlio lieavy iiaoility Ihuid lodges were faced with on account of men at the front. He i-hougut the Government should come to their assistance and. pay the contributions and sick pay of soldiers. The Druid lodges had made levies on their members to meet contributions of members at tlic front, but with the calling up of' the Second Division, the number of contributors would decrease and the liabilities increase. Responding to the toast of the "New Zealand Parliament,'' the Hon. A. M. Mjers said the Government had made an attempt to recc-pnise its responsibilities regarding, soldiers by paying halfinsuranco rates. He" maintained that provision had been made for all soldiers incapaeitntcd or partially incapacitated from taking their place in the industrial life of the community. He would like toJiave the names of "those who had not received this assistance from the Government. Ho asked them to submit tho whole question to the Government, who would give tho matter earnest and sympathetic consideration, !