OBSERVANCE OF ANZAC DAY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21746, 31 March 1936, Page 3

OBSERVANCE OF ANZAC DAY

PLEBISCITE OF RETURNED MEN SUGGESTED

A request will be sent to the Dominion headquarters of the Returned Soldiers' Association by the Christchurch executive that a plebiscite be taken among members throughout the Dominion on the observance of Anzac Day. The matter was brought forward at last evening's meeting of the executive by Mr W. E. Leadley, and it was decided to suggest that ballot papers be sent out with the next number of the "Review" containing a three-fold issue: the present observance, the Australian observance, or the observance of Anzac Day on the nearest Sunday. . Mr Leadley said that the Auckland association had taken a wise move in holding a plebiscite, as it gave a definite authority to the association's opinions. He suggested that the Christchurch branch should hold a plebiscite. It should be advertised and all returned soldiers given an opportunity to express their views, whether members or not KJe was not suggesting a plebiscite because he wanted a change, but because the matter would, be dis-, cussed at the next Dominion confer-

ence, and the delegates should go with the authority of the men. The Rev. F. T. Read said that he felt strongly that members had more right than non-members to express their views. He moved that headquarters be asked to request the associations to hold plebiscites. Mr W. H. Darby said that he felt that only financial members, who did work for which others benefited, should be allowed to vote. On the suggestion of Mr W. E. Leadley, who said that he would support Mr Read's motion, it was decided to ask headquarters to send out ballot papers with the "Review." The chairman. Mr B. O. Priddis. added that thf conference expressed onlv the-views of members of the association and others should not be given a vote.