R.S.A. MEMBERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 208, 30 May 1941, Page 8

R.S.A. MEMBERSHIP

Those Who Do Not Go

Overseas

The incoming executive of the N.Z.R.S.A. will consider this year the position regarding the admission to membership of men in the armed services of the present war who do not go overseas. This was decided at the annual conference in Wellington last night. The Waimate branch remit on the matter was that the Dominion council discuss what recognition should be given to men permanently stationed on home service duties, particularly those on naval and air patrol work who, under existing conditions, would not qualify for membership of the N.Z.R.S.A. This remit was recommended for deletion by the association and miscellaneous committee, but on an amendment it was allowed discussion.

Mr. A. J. Kirby (Waimate) said that there were men serving on minesweepers in New Zealand waters, and on air patrol, who would not under the present rules be eligible for membership. His branch felt this war differed from the last in that New Zealand was in the war zone. Some of the men to whom he referred were probably volunteers for overseas but had been retained for work in and round New Zealand. Mr. H. B. Burdekin pointed out that such men could become honorary members of the association but not wear the badge. The president, Mr. Ferry, M.L.C., said that the line had to be drawn somewhere.

Mr. E. F. Wilcox, Christchurch, said that the issue Involved was growing. A tremendous number of men were giving valuable service in the armed forces in New Zealand. They could not become full members. On the other hand many had returned invalided from overseas who had not heard a shot fired; they were eligible. He thought the matter should be considered by the incoming Dominion executive. Dr. N. A. Foden, Wellington, said that if the door was opened at all, they would have everyone who had been in any mobilized unit.