RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3096, 29 May 1917, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS

' BECEPTION AND SUBSEQUENT TKEATMENT. By Telegraph-Press Association. Dunedin, May 28. The Returned Soldiers' Association Conference to-day resolved that the present conditions regarding dental treatment were unsatisfactory, and that the Government be recommended to treat for dental troubles all returned soldiers up to the date of their discharge, free of charge, including the cost of the anaesthetic. The question of the treatment ot mental cases was' brought forward, and it was mentioned that, according to the .Minister, only a dozen men-jn New Zealand were' so suffering. The conference decided to leavo the matter.as it stands, and to urge the focal associations to put all inquiries in the hands of Hie headquarters of the Returned . Soldiers' Association. The question of the reception of returned men was discussed, and the opinion expressed that the men did not want a civic reception on landing, preferring jto go home as quickly as possible. It was decided to. recommend the Government to hold a parade immediately on .a vessel's arrival, and acquaint the men with the facilities for getting home. ' It was decided not to affiliate with the Keturned Soldiers' and Sailors' Imperial League of Australia, .but willingness was expressed to enter into a reciprocal scheme of honorary membership. A resolution was passed expressing the opinion that officers and non-commis-sioned officers who are returned soldiers should be appointed for training and transport work in the Expeditioniiry l?orce. and that all promotions bo given in the field.

The incoming executive was : instructed to inquire into the position of sergeantmajors promoted in the field, and reverting to the rank of sergeant-major, and to take action with the object of rectifying the procedure. ■Resolutions .we're carried that in tlie event of the death of a returned soldier. a*military funeial be accorded by right;'that the Government nay tne funeral charge if a returned soldier died while ft hospital patient; that local associations be recommended to endeavour to obtain sennrnte areas •in . cemeteries for the burial of returned soldiers, with aview to erecting memorials.