WAR VETERANS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 June 1937, Page 9

WAR VETERANS

AN EMPIRE PROBLEM

LONDON, May 22.

The increase in the list of member organisations and the extraordinary growth of individual memberships of the British Empire Service League were referred to by Lord Milne, the grand president, at the eighth biennial conference of the league held in London. Lord Milne said it was something to be proud of that, in spite of the fact that nearly 20 years had elapsed since the end 'Of flic war, officers and men who served together had in the last two years joined up in their organisations, not in hundreds, but in thousands. A new problem that had to be faced was the claims of what were known as “burnt up” veterans. These were not war casualties, but were the result of the strain and hardship they went through during the years of the war. Their general health had been undermined and to-day they needed help. It was to the credit of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand that the claims of these permanently aged exservicemen had been recognised, and that, legislation had been passed which permitted the granting of financial assistance to these veterans.

The conference elected Lord Milne, to tho presidency for a furthr two years. It was also agreed that in future the biennial conference of the league should be held in London except in special circumstances, such ;ts a Dominion Centenary, when the council would be permitted to call the conference elsewhere in the Empire. PUBLIC ASS 1 STANCE. A debate took place on a resolution moved by Brigadier-General Alex. Ross, on behalf of Canada, tn which concent was expressed al the circumstances of former members ol the im-p-rial Forces who had emigrated to ilic Dominions and who, by reason ol ag<- and disabilities, had become, and v,t old continue to lie. dependent on public assistance. It was suggested flic- British and Dominion Governments should consider calling a < 1 nlerenc'’ >’t representatives with a view to aseet taining the position and delermininu whether. without violat.in- Hiiidaiiftital principles, tint joint ! in.-dial .‘t'.'i ion- could be Lak'

! ’ri;:.idi''i -( b't'era l Hoss : aid Iha* in < unuda Un-;., were at Rast :?>•' former in- niber.. of the Imperial Forces who v. ere unemployed ami because of their age would not be absorbed into emi Icynicnt. again. There had been a growing sense of dissatisfaction amciig these men. whose hardship was u source of internal difficulty 10 (,'a nada.

Mr it. T. i>. Drew, who. with Major !■.' S. Ila.-ton. represented New Zeal:.nd. s.’.ld that there were lU.OOO OXS' i",i'. ,, 'ii:''n in a similar position in his '\v.

rss-.-lid ion was agreed lo in ! cjm ii and t he conference ac- , -ted v>- Blew's suggestion that the me ion. niter certain drafting amendments, should be brought to the notice oi tile delegates, sitting at the 1111I erial t'oiitcrence. Mr Drew, during a discussion on Empire ;eitleimml. said that emigration trom Un United Kingdom was n-< |<--; unless those at home were prt pared to buy (be good:- which 11-,>■ .e emigrants would produce. The conference decided to appoint .? subcommittee consisting of dcle”atcs from Canada. Australia, New

Zealand, South Africa, and .Great Britain to discuss flic parts which the Dominions and colonies should play in the British Legion’s efforts to improve international relations and their representation on the permanent in-* ternational committee of ex-servipft< \ men’s organisations, of which the legion is a member.