FORMER WAR PRISONERS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29245, 1 July 1960, Page 7

FORMER WAR PRISONERS

Conference In City

More than 50 former prisoners of war gathered in Christchurch yesterday for the opening of the New Zealand Ex-Prisoners of War Association’s annual conference.

The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) opened the conference.

Mr J. T. Burrows, South Island commissioner of civil defence, emphasised the need for such organisations in times of national disaster. “Nobody knows better than-servicemen the value of planning and preparation before a crisis takes place,” he said. ■

An outline of some of the work undertaken by the’ Red Cross Society during the war, and at the present time, was given by the president of the North Canterbury centre (Mrs R. I. Brake). In his presidential address (Mr J. A.. Yule) said that the association offered sociability and comradeship. “If troubles ever come your way the association can do a very great deal for you in many ways,” he said. “Throughout the year I received correspondence from people living outside this country asking for information as to how we went about getting pensions for former prisoners of war who had suffered from heart trouble since the war. It is quite apparent that our systems of laws relative to pensions are the best in the Commonwealth,” said Mr Yule. “I appeal once again to you to continue to foster the goodwill and comradeship that is so evident amongst former prisoners of. war. Let us extend this goodwill to others and so play our part towards world peace.” - Funeral Costs The cost of funerals will be the subject of representations' to the Minister of Social Welfare (Miss Howard), it was decided at the conference. The remit stated: “That representations be made to the appropriate authorities that in the event of the death of any former prisoner of war, the Government meets the costs of funeral expenses by a nominal sum, say £50,” .

'Hiis was amended to include all former servicemen. The motion was passed and the condition added that the association also approach the Minister of Welfare regarding the charges of undertaking.