R.S.A. EXECUTIVE

Grey River Argus, 18 July 1941, Page 1

R.S.A. EXECUTIVE

REHABILITATION MATTERS C.O. TEACHERS IN QUESTION. WELLINGTON, July 16. A report regarding 'the presentation of a draft Rehabilitation Bill to the Government, recently discussed with Hon. W. Nash and other members of Cabinet and the War Council, was given at a meeting of the Dominion Executive Committee of i.ie N.Z.R.S.A. That indication was given to the representatives of the Association, it was reported, was that a Government Bill would be introduced this session, and that the Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment League would probably be incorporated in the plans. A representative of the Association who interviewed every member of a recently-returned draft of sick and wounded ex-servicemen, reported that they were all a “verv fine type.” were appreciative of care and attention given them. Quite a number of them would need assistance to become re-established in civil life. There were general complaints in regard to canteens, particularly that thev were staffed bv Egyptians, and that New Zealand tobacco was not procurable. It was decided to investigate complaints of recently returned soldiers in regard to canteens overseas, and to endeavour, if found necessary, to improve canteen facilities. Concern was expressed over recent statements made before Armed Forces Appeal Boards, particularly when made by ' persons to whom children were entrusted for education. The Association decided to bring concrete and specific instances before appropriate authorities for action. It was reported that naval and air force men in some cases have apparently interoreted the decision not to change the Association’s name as an indication that the R.S.A. was for “soldiers” only, this bein- definitely wrong, and accordingly local branches of the Association are to be requested to reconsider the question of changing the Association’s name, but retaining the initials of N.Z.R.S.A., the suggestitles being either “Services” or “Servicemen’s” Association.