SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3172, 24 August 1917, Page 6

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

BOX OFFICERS. The weekly meeting of the "Wellington Second division .League and Acting Central Executive was held last ovening. Mr. R. A. Armstrong, president, was in the chair. A reply was received from the Minister of Defence on tho subject of the pre-ballot medical examination, statitig that the matter was not 'being neglected. After discussion, tho secretary was instructed to write to the Minister, expressing tho dissatisfaction of the league with the indefinite naturo.of the reply, especially in view of the shortness of time now available, and the fact that the requsri has been standing for some five months past. With reference- to the cost of living, it was decided to forward to each member of the Parliamentary Committee-a copy of the resolution on tuts subject passed by the league conference urging that special precautions should bo taken to prevent any pensions and allowances 'granted being subsequently rendered of less value by increases in the cost of the necessaries of-life.

Mr. H. P. Toogood, representing tho Wairarapa leagues, attended for the puvpose of bringing forward a remit on the subject of "boy officers," which had been referred by conference to the acting executive. After discussion the following resolution was carried:— 1. That the possibility of the officering of Second; Division drafts by juniors, particularly boys drawn from classes of secondary schools, is looked upon with strong disfavour by reservists, and that the Minister of Defence be urged to make 6uoh, necessary provision as will ensure the appointment to these positions of officers of mature age and experience. 2. That for this purpose the leaguo suggests tho immediate recall of suitable men from the front, or, failing this, the. establishment of special officers' training classes for men of the Second Division who may be prepared to volunteer for entry upon a course of training at once. The secretary was instructed to supply each member of Parliament with a copy of the resolutions of the recent conference, which liavo been printed' in booklet form, with a covering letter soliciting support, and urging the league's demands upon the immediate attention of the House.

A mass of correspondence dealing with matters of national organisation, was dealt with, and the formation of new branches at Lytlelton and Hamilton was announced.