SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

Evening Star, Issue 16351, 17 February 1917, Page 1

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir. —-1 would like to briefly explain the objects of the Second Division League, a public meeting for which is advertised elsewhere. A number of private meetings have boon held, and it has been aseej-tained that the average man, though willing enough to shoulder his responsibilities, finds the position a great hardship under the present rates of pay, allowances, and pensions, the pa.y and allowances are inadequate, and the pensions are granted at the option of the Pension Board, so that a man has no feeling of security as far as his family is concerned, and apparently the tvi ves and children will lie called upon to pear undue hardships. Outside feeling has freely expressed tho opinion that men are prepares] to go on Is od or 2s per day as long as the wives, children, and dependents arc adequately protected, and tins sentiment shows clearly whore the great difficulty lies with regard to married men. It was also thought, and frcelv agreed to. that we should widen tho scope of tha league to include all .soldiers and thc.tr d-mendents. After full and careful disci; sion, it was therefore decided that our platform should consist of the following planks, which are. given in order of precedence : 1. The league to be strictly non-poli. tical. 2. Ihe league to endeavor to secure adnquate pay, pensions, and allowances for all soldiers, and their dependents. 3. The league to endeavor bo help the Government to carry out the provisions of Dm Defence Act and Military Service Act. 4. That cimilar leagues be organised throughout Xew Zealand. Tho platform will, therefore, be found to appeal to the grout majority of tba community, and the public meeting, at which the .Mayor has consented to act as chairman, has been called for the follow, ing purposes:—(!) to explain the objects of the league; (2) to answer questions! f3) to enrol members.

I therefore trust that, in addition t(> Second Division men and their wives, all the interested of the public will attend. Vot general information it may be stated that lit the first general meeting of the leagua all members bolding office on the executive will tender their resignations, to enable a fully representative executive to be ap. pointed. .Also it is proposed to alter tha name of the league, as it now embraces the interests of all soldiers; but this will be discussed at the first general meeting, I am, etc., H. Id. Pattle, Provisional Chairman (care of Bray Bros.)* Lchmary 17.