LOSS OF RIGHTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20634, 14 August 1941, Page 4

LOSS OF RIGHTS

SERVICE DEFAULTERS WORK WITHOUT PAY EX SOLDIERS’ VIEWS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A number of- representations in respect to the Government's policy regarding military defaulters have been made to the Government by the Dominion executive committee of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. It was reported to a meeting of the committee that an assurance was sought that regulations to implement the proposals outlined by the acting Prime Minister, the Hon. W. Nash ori August 8 will contain provisions to ensure that defaulters, beside being detained in camps, are: (1) Given useful work without pay; (2), detained for the duration of the war; (3), deprived of civil rights during detention and for 10 years following the conclusion of the war . It was considered that some provision should be made for the dependants of those concerned. The Government was also urged to expedite the gazetting of regulations in order that appropriate action may be taken withoui further delay. Compulsory War Loan The committee received advice from Mr. Nash that the Government does not propose to enforce contributions to the compulsory war loan from any members of the overseas forces, irrespective of whether or not appeals have been lodged. In some cases, the Minister’s letter stated, default notices may have been issued to non-sub-scribers who are Serving overseas, but when the true position is ascertained no further action would be taken. It was decided to send congratulatory messages to Major-General Puttick on his appointment as Chief of the General Staff and to the recent winner of the Victoria Cross, Sergeant J. A. Ward.

Pleasure was expressed at the report that Mr. Nash had agreed to discuss with the association’s representatives the Rehabilitation Bill before its presentation to Parliament. The association desires to ensure that the rehabilitation provisions will be at least equal to the facilities available after the last war.

It is reported that land settlement for discharged soldiers was the subject of close co-operation with Government officials, including the question of adequate provision for stock.