R. S. A. CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 June 1934, Page 7

R. S. A. CONFERENCE

LOYALTY TO THRONE MORE AID FOR DISTRESSED [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, June 26. An atmosphere of enthusiasm and loyalty to the Throne prevailed at the R.S.A. Conference, when Lord Bledisloe formally handed over to the Association a portrait of His Majesty presented by the British Empire Service League. Sir Andrew Russell said the delegates deeply appreciated the presence of His Excellency. Lord Bledisloe had been referred to as the Dominion’s farmer Governor-General, but no reminder was necessary. He was also the country’s Commander-in-Chief. That constituted a very definite link, for His Excellency and returned soldiers. Sir A. Russell stressed the allegiance to the King of every soldier of the Empire.

Lord Bledisloe, in the course of an address, said that in the King we had an immense personal asset. He was not only the chief link of the Empire, but lived for his people, and lived in their hearts. Accordingly, his picture would serve to.remind them of nothing but what was good, noble, upright and just. His life was an inspiration to his people from the highest to the lowest in the land. Lord Bledisloe went on to deal with the lot of the returned men at the present time, their courage, and the sympathy due to those in difficulty. He congratulated the returned men on their admirably conducted relief camps, which were a model to Dominion men. He said: “Better times are coming. It is my earnest hope and prayer that they may materially improve the lot of those who, like yourselves 'and those whom you so efficiently represent, have deserved so well of their country and the Empire.” APPEALS FOR GRANTS.

It was decided to approach the Government with a view to getting grants for approved cottage home schemes. In view of the acute distress among certain South African veterans, it was decided to ask the Government for a special grant to be administered /by the Association in conjunction with the South African War Veterans’ Association.

The means of overcoming the drain on resources by itinerant unemployed returned soldiers was discussed. It was stated that the matter had been discussed before by the Dominion Executive, and the opinion was expressed that co-operation among the branches would meet the position. Several remits carried were relating to pensions, including proposals for clarifying of the position of the eligibility for pensions of widows of exsoldiers married after discharge. Another remit approved was that the residential qualifications enabling oversees returned soldiers to apply for old age pension be reduced to 15 years. A restoration of a proportion of the cuts made in dependents’ war pensions was also asked. NATIONAL HOUSING SCHEME. WELLINGTON, June 27. A national housing scheme,' as a means of materially reducing unemployment, and giving.men work at normal trades, was propounded at the R.S.A. Conference, to-day, and approved by a majority. It was submitted that building costs were at as low a level as these had been for a very long time, that work would be provided near the homes of those engaged, that the money would be directly reproductive, that men would be engaged in their trade, and wages be ruling rates, thus increasing spendingpower of the people.

Another resolution was that in view of the continued distress among exservicemen, and families, headquarters be directed to make strong representations to the Canteen Board’s Fund, and the National War Fund Council, with a view to obtaining at least £25,000 and £20,000 respectively for the relief of unemployed and distressed soldiers during the next 12 months.

A unanimous protest was made against returned men classed A and B, also men over 50, being taken off relief and placed on sustenance by the Unemployment Board. It was decided to ask the Board to have the cases, brought before local certifying officers by the R.S.A., reconsidered with a view to the men being continued on relief works.

The Government is to be approached with a request for an art union in connection with the twentieth anniversary of New Zealand troops entering the war, three-quarters to go to the R.S.A. to find employment for returned men. The Minister of Education is to be asked to reinstate facilities for vocational training at Technical schools.