EX-SERVICE MEN

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 52, 2 March 1921, Page 7

EX-SERVICE MEN

AN EMPIRE CONFERENCE

MAINTENANCE OF IDEALS

(SKITS* raCII ASSOCIATION.—C«nr»IMT.)

(AUSTRALIAN • NEW ZEALAND CARLE ASSOCIATION.) CAPETOWN, 28th February-

The Empire Conference of ex-service men opened at the City Hall. A mes* sage was read from the King, declaring that he waa sure that union of Empire warriors would strengthen the splendid spirit of fellowship evinced in the war, and give a new life to the noble British ideals'they fought so gallantly and successfully to save.

Lord Haigj in his speech, dwelt upon the common heritage all the parts represented possessed in the Empire. They were partners in a world-wjdte federation of nations owning the King as a symbol of unity. Tho bond which held ex-ser-vice men together should never be loosened, but should be handed unbroken and unbreakable down to their children's- children. There should be a guarantee for all time, thToughout the wide Empire, of the maintenance of the wide idieale for which they had fought. General Smuts said he hoped the conference would help the Governments to d,e»i with the -welfare of soldieOT. There w-as a true and honenjt .desire by the Governments and peoples of all part* of the Empire to dp their best to meet-cases of hardship. A motion to form a British Empire League of ex-service men was adopted. A discussion followed on the basis of representation. Mr. Dyett (Australian delegate) said the Dominions, should have one vote, not a vote for every exservice organisation, as suggested for South Africa, because the latter, unlike Australia, had failed to link up with rival organisations. Mr. Leadley (New Zealand delegate) considered Mr. Dyett was making a mountain out of a molehill. It wae not a question of South Africa out-voting Australia or New SJealand/. They were therre for each other's benefit.

Ultimately it was agreed that Britain and the Dominions, should have two votes each.