WORKLESS RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 226, 21 June 1935, Page 7

WORKLESS RETURNED SOLDIERS

Single Men’s Plight DOMINION CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS Problems affecting unemployed returned soldiers were considered by the annual conference of the New Zealand •Returned Soldiers’ Association yesterday, and a series of motions, which had come before it as remits from affiliated associations, was passed. A motion that the association request that camps for unemployed ex-service-men be voluntary or that every ex-ser-viceinan should have the right to be examined by a private doctor nominated by himself was submitted. , Air. C. L. Calvert (Dunedin) said the original motion was a very dangerous attempt to create a class among unemployed Attention could be given them iu the A r eterans’ Pensions Bill. The ordinary unemployed man hat’ a. right to medical examination before going into a camp. * Air. 8. P. Day, convenor of the unemployment and re-establishment committee, replied that the returned soldier, out of work was not in the same category with others. Often they would break down in camp, but at hontc, cared for by womenfolk, they would maintain their health. Mr. N. A. A’ercoe moved an amendment deleting every word after “voluntary.” Colonel A. Cowles (AVellington) said the men at the two returned soldiers’ camps in the AA r ellington district were happy. There was a waiting list for admission. However, the lot of the single men in towns was most wretched. They would be much better in camp. He described his experiences with men in Wellington, which was that they slept in one of the buildings provided for unemployed and were turned out at 8.30 a.m. At midday they had to have a penny meal. Air. H. B. Burdekin said that what

Colonel Cowles had said was an argument for more camps but not for making entrance compulsory. The amendment was carried, and the abbreviated motion passed. Other remits under the heading of unemployment that were adopted were .as follow: — “That in view of activities in connection with defence matters, preference be given to returned soldiers for employment (all things being equal).’’ “That in view of the continued distress among returned soldiers and their dependants, headquarters be requested to make strong representations to the Canteen Funds Board with a view to securing, at least, £25,000, and to the National AVar Funds Council for £20,000, for the relief of unemployed and distressed soldiers during the ensuing twelve months.” "That all ex-servicemen of 50 years and over should be permanently retired on sustenance at the same rates that they would receive on relief work, including ration or any allowance, this rule to remain in force as long as the Unemployment Board is in existence.” A note to this remit stated that a man who had had active service was at the same physical stage as another man ten years older. Another remit adopted directed the Dominion executive to organise a national campaign to assist unemployed returned soldiers into permanent employment. the Canteen Funds Trust Board and the AVar Funds Council to be approached to provide £5OO for the nnrra~- r *. The unemployment committee submitted the following resolution, which was adopted: “That in the opinion of the N.ZJI.S.A. the time is ripe for a qliange of police in dealing with the problem of unemployment in New Zealand. The association therefore urges upon the Government: (1) That major public works of a reproductive value such as irrigation, afforestation, completion of railways and main highways, and drainage schemes, should be initiated as earlv as possible, wages to be paid at standard rates. (2) That the No. 5 scheme should be gradually withdrawn. (3) That until the above policy can be carried out relief rates of pay and sustenance payments should be increased.”