RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 21076, 13 April 1932, Page 12

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ AFFAIRS

—4EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The Executive Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association met last night, those present being—Messrs W. F. Forrester (president), P. S. Anderson, F. Thomas, J. Cameron, J. Adair, A. M'Hutclion, J. Skinner, H. L. Peterson, A. Leedcn, A. Palconer, G. H. Fercns, L. Merrier, and S. J. Gordon. MEMBERSHIP. 1 Twenty-three new members were elected. One transler outwards was approved, and one resignation was accepted. it was reported that the final figures of the membership campaign contest with Christchurch at March 31 were Christchurch 1,917, Dunedin 1,861. POPPY DAY. Mr H. L. Paterson reported on the preparations made for Poppy Day, on Friday, April 22. He said that arrangements were well under way, and stalls allotted for various points on the streets. Alt the districts had been thoroughly organised except KaikoraiWakari and Dunedin North. In regard to the former place a lady had come forward ami agreed to arrange the collecting in the closely-settled area, and it was hoped to make arrangements for the canvassing of Dunedin North. PENSIONS. The Secretary, in submitting a report from headquarters on the question of proposed reduction of pensions, said it should be made known that the association had made strong representations to the Government on the subject and had done everything within its power, Tho Government, while deciding to make a reduction in economic pensions, had agreed to exempt from the reduction soldiers’ disability pensions. It was decided to write thanking headquarters for the action taken. D.S.S. ACT. A circular from headquarters stated: —“ The following extract from a letter recently received from headquarters from the Minister of Lands in connection with representations made by the association on the council resolution for a revaluation of house properties mortgaged to the Crown under the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act, will no doubt be of interest to members of local associations:— . In regard to loans under the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act it is not considered that any general revaluation is necessary. Nevertheless, though there is no authority to reduce mortgages, my department is prepared to consider applications from mortgagors who are in difficulty with a view to making such adjustments as may be possible in individual circumstances, and any mortgagor who wishes to do so can approach tho_ Commissioner of Crown Lands for his district to have his case considered.”