GETTING IMPATIENT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3197, 22 September 1917, Page 6

GETTING IMPATIENT

The delay in bringing down the Government's proposals regarding tho pensions and allowances of Second Division moil and their dependants is causing anxiety in some quarters. This has been accentuated by tho replies ot the Minister oi? Defence to the bombardment of questions hurled at him daily as to tho intentions of the Government respecting different matters bearing on tho requests of the Second Division League. It ie stated to-day that tho local Executive of tho League decras il. necessary to summon another meeting of representatives of the various branches to con-

sider what is best to bo clone. The concern that, is being shown hy tim Executive of the League as to the Minister's replies is, we believe, groundless. It is obvious f.hnt with tho Bill still urder consideration by Cabinet Siu Jamus Allen is not in a. position to give definite answers to many of the questions put to. irini. Until the Bill is finally approved liy Cabinet it cannot be expected that the Minister of Defence will com mi t himself as to the intentions of the Government. ' It is most desirable, however, that the proposals as finally approved should be made known at the earliest possible moment. There is » good deal, too, to be said in favour of the proposal— the member for Hutt, we .think it was who first suggested it —that Ministers should meet members in a "round the table" conference on {he Bill before it is submitted _ to Parliament. By this means tho Government would be placed in touch with members' views, tho exchange of opinions could be more free than is possible on the floor of Parliament, and agreement might be arrived at in a more satisfactory manner than is possible where me-,n-bers are under the temptation to "talk to tho gallery." Time would probably be saved by the adoption of this course, and the need for subsequent revision of the Government's proposals reduced to a minimum. It is well that Ministers should realise that in this matter of war pensions and allowances members are pledged to sec that lull justice is done to the fighting forces ■and their depandants. Unless the proposals of the Government are framed on just and liberal lines the Government must face the prospect of a severe rebuff.