R.S.A. AND POLITICS

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1941, Page 4

R.S.A. AND POLITICS

SOLDIERS’ PARTY Not Favoured by Canterbury Members 1 [Per Press Association] | CHRISTCHURCH, October 6. I Unanimous opposition to the proposal made in Auckland to amend the constitution of the Returned Soldiers’ Association by deleting the word “Non-Party” was expressed by the members of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Assn, at a special meeting to-night. The vote of this meeting is not binding, because there was no quorum within the time limit required for a general meeting, but by the time that this Auckland proposal was discussed, more members had ar - rived, making a fair attendance. The president. Mr D. W. Russell, said that the member would have seen in the newspapers that the Auckland branch proposed that the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Assn, shouiu change its from non-political to political, and to party political. “That will no doubt come before the Dominion conference,” he said, “and an expression of opinion from this meeting would help your delegates. In my personal opinion, something that has made for the greatest and unitv of the / ssn. has been the clause saying that it is non-political and non-party. I knew of nothing more calculated to br.ng about o.isunitv tnan political strife. " When we come into Uris Association we come as friends.” . the non-party and non-political policy of the Assn. A memoer, who declared that he had strong political views, said that he hated the idea' of politics in the Assn., which had profited by' keeping clear of politics. | To another member, who said he could not understand the intention ;of the Auckland proposal, Mr Russell l said the idea was probably to have , a Soldiers’ Party aftei- the war, “and . I know of nothing that would split a : body more than that,” he added. Successive Governments had always met the Assn, in a very fair spirit. Mr Russell’s motion was carried enthusiastically.

Change of Name R.S.A. PROPOSAL. P.A. CHRISTCHURCH October 6. Approval of the nr.oposal to change tlie name of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to “The New Zealand Returned Services’ Association.” was given at a meeting of members of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association to-night. Though there was no quorum within the lime limit set for the general meetings, many' members arrived late. The motion passed will be taken as a guide by delegates to the’ New Zealand Council of the Association.