R.S.A.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17295, 5 November 1921, Page 13

R.S.A.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the executive of the Returned Soldiers'. Association was held yesterduy, the Rev. \V. Walker. presiding. .... Fifteen new members were elected. It was decided „,to make representations to' the Government to ensure that the Avonhead demonstration -farm and the Cashmere' poultry farm should be kept in Commission, and to urge that the 200 acres attached to the Avonhead farm should be cut up into 10-acro blooks for the settlement of returned soldier poultry farms-. Several oases of pensioners' applications were reported as having been brought to a successful issue, and it was decided to urge the authoritiesconcerned to continue the campaign lor increased pensions for • widows, widowed mothers, and badly disabled soldiers. . ■• A case was reported of a returned soldier, who had nad a nervous break- ■ down, as a result of His war service, and had been refused treatment by the Defence Department, on the grounds that he had not been treated for such trouble whilst on active service. The soldier, it was stated, had gradually become worse, and had finally been»adniitted to a mental institution. . Three cases of tubercular soldiers who had been refused treatment on similar grounds, wero also reported, and it was decided that the secretary should proceed to Wellington to interview Sir Donald McGavm. DirectorGeneral of Medical Services, and, if necessary, Sir Heaton Rhodes, Minister of Defence, regarding these cases. It was reported that a largo number of dismissals, from the Post and Telfv graph Department were impending, and it was decided to bring the matter under the notice of the Association, with a view to protecting the interest* of returned soldiers -who are members of the public service. - • It was reported that the Lands Department had declined to accept any further applications for loans under the D : ficharged Soldiers Settlement Act for the purpose of buying or building houses. It was decided that tho secretary should immediately register tho Association's vigorous protest, and point out to Mr Massey that he had promised not to withdraw such benefits until at least 12 months' notice had been - given of the Government's intention to do so. «———» > —— Sura the campaign against rats was inaugurated some few weeks back, when reports of plague in the Commonwealth came across the Pacific to these shores, good work has been accomplished in the city, on the wharves, and amongst shipping in stamping out the post (says the Auckland "Star"). _.The total caught last month was 1685, an increase of 400 on the figures for September. Ou tho wharves tho clearance of tlie scampering pest has been marked, excellent results having been achieved with tho use of traps. W atersidc officials are particularity pleased with the determined and successful effort the Harbour Board is making in the matter.