IN CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 142, 17 June 1936, Page 10

IN CONFERENCE

RETURNED SOLDIERS PROBLEMS FOR DISCUSSION CARING FOR COMRADES

Approximately one hundred delegates from returned soldiers' associations in all parts of New Zealand met in Wellington today for the annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, which will last for two or three days. Ninetythree remits on matters affecting the welfare of returned soldiers, especially those suffering from war disabilities, are to be considered by the conference, and committees were set up this morning to report on the recommendations made by the branch associations on war pensions and treatment, canteen and war funds, land settlement, Anzac Day, re-establishment of returned soldiers, employment, and other matters. The Dominion president tthe Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C.) is presiding at the conference, and welcomed delegates when they met. He then introduced the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), who declared the conference open and wished delegates a successful meeting. Mr. Hislop said the conference was the fifth he had attended and the majority of those present had been there before. Although they looked a little older, they looked just as cheerful ac'.ive, and determined to carry on. The future of the association was assured in their hands. Mr. Hislop referred to the absence of "their loved, revered, and valued chief, Sir Andrew Russell." He referred to the work Sir Andrew had done for the association and said that he was glad that Sir Andrew's mantle had fallen on the Hon. W. Perry. Practically from the beginning of the association Mr. Perry had worked unselfishly and vigorously for the cause, and there was no one more worthy of the office of Dominion president. (ApThe position of the returned soldier had been improved during the year, Mr. Hislop continued, and he referred to the Veterans Allowances Act and amendments to the Pensions Act. There were still anomalies and work for them to do to improve the position still further. Public support had increased, more money being forthcoming for Poppy Day funds. While they had that continued support they could go forward with confidence to advance the cause they all had at heart.

membership increases. Mr. W. E. Leadley (Christchurch) moved the adoption of the annual report (published elsewhere) and congratulated the executive on the work of the association during the year. The membership of the association had grown during the last nine years, and it was becoming more and more a body worth belonging to. The Rev. J. M. Stewart (South Canterbury) seconded the motion, and also congratulated the executive on the progress made during the year. _ The Dominion vice-president (Mr. B. J Jacobs, Palmerston North) discussed land matters and reviewed the i recent changes that have been made in the administration of State Advances. He read a report of a deputation to the Minister of Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone) and the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) when the attitude of the Government was outlined by the Ministers. The adoption of the report was held over to enable a committee to report on the Veterans' Home at Auckland. Committees were then set up to consider the remits sent in by branches, and are meeting this afternoon.