SOLDIERS' CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 17368, 2 June 1920, Page 8

SOLDIERS' CONFERENCE

[Per United Paiss Association.] Si WELLINGTON, June L At the Returned Soldiers' Conference to-day Mr J. D. Harper, on behalf of •"T-k Vell . lll g ton Association, moved—_That this association consider that, an efficient defence schema is essential to JNew Zealand as a country in itself and as a part of the Empire.*' He said he did not think that the war had been done with. rhe League of Nations had not achieved ail that was expeoted of it, and m the interests of the future of thin country we must bo prepared, and must be ready to defend it. At the same time It m the duty of the country to consldei an efficient reconstruction scheme, whieh should be possible with the experience gained. There was a league in the country now which had been formed for the purpose of urging effective future defence. Ho did not know whether the association Vere prepared to offer its assistance to the Defence league, the constitution of wMch had been vridelv pubhahed. However, he threw this out as a ■ suggestion. Mr H, MTherson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was decided to request the Government to donate to the Returned Soldiers* Association the band instruments and "^B? 1 !; 11 * *k. at previously belonged to the N.Z.hi.F. -while on active service. It Yrtts resolved That this conference ai» of opinion that taa time has arrived when the various patriotic societies should earmark a portion of their funds for permanently totally and permanently partially disabled soldiers, aad for men «;ho ws breaking dsrsrci £ro m time to time as a result of their military service. Thnt this oonferouco are of opinion that the practice of paying <ash grants to permanently disabled soldiers, according to the schedule of pensions, is inadvisable, and urge that each case be treated on its merits, having drte regard to the economie loss of the soldier.