SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17587, 18 September 1917, Page 6

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

MEETING AT EEATHCOTE. A special meeting of the Heathcoto Valley Branch of the Second Division League was held on Saturday evening to meet Messrs Yates and Moore, repi-e----u ntatives of the Christchurch League. 'Jhero was a very i’eir attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr S. Schofield, who briefly f.velcomed and introduced tho visitors.

Mr Yates, secretary of tho Christchurch League, outlined tho objects of the organisation and made an appeal to all men of tho community to rise to a fnli conception of their dignity and responsibility as men, and to do everything in their power to foster the movement. Medical inspection before ballot. pay, allowances and pensions were i'uliv and lucidly dealt with. MV Mooro laid special emphasis upon tho vital need of organisation of both men and women. Ho also dealt with the vexed question of differential scale of pensions and concluded with a stirring optical for unity. Roth speakers wero listened to with the keenest interest, and after the addresses several questions wcro'asked and discussed. Hearty Totes of thanks were, carried by acclamation. At a business meeting held immediately afterwards the following permanent officers of the branch wero appointcd Chairman, Mr S. Schofield; secreVan* and treasurer, Mr C. Smith;. com- . mit’tee, the chairman, the secretary, and Messrs J. Doolan, E. Elson, A. Settle, J.V Westbrooko and C. Lyes. The enrolment of members was 'then proceeded with. Tho meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Hall Club.

A circular letter was received by the i/vttelton Borough Council last, evening from the Christchurch Second Division League, asking tho council to pass tho following resolution and forward it to tho Prime Minister: “That, the Government ho urged to immediately make adequate provision for the wives, children and dependents of all Second Division reservists.” Councillor T. Hempstalk moved that the resolution should be supported. Councillor C. 31. Agar seconded the motion. Councillor Ck C. Johnson moved that the following words be added to tho motion: “and that all men who have enlisted pud been balloted for. such men having .dependents, shall have the same claim us Second Division men.” Hie motion as amended was adopted. The Second Division League asked the IVoolston Borough Council last evening to support its claim upon the Government to make adequate provision, for tho wives, families and dependents of Second Division reservists. Tho request was acceded to. At the meeting of the Sumner Borough Council last, evening the. Christchurch Second Division League wrote urging that the Government, ho _ requested to make immediate provision for tho dependents of the Second Division. The letter was received.

Mr Ralph Stringer,> sccrftarv of the North Brighton Second Division League, received answers yesterday to several telegrams forwarded to Wellington. Sir James Allen stated in his opinion it would h e to the disadvantage of a soldier and his dependents if separation allowances are fixed by statute. There had never been a case, in which allowances provided by regulation had been reduced, but on the contrary amended regulations had improved allowances. Th 0 Prime. Minister and Sir Joseph Ward stated that the matter would receive every consideration. Last evening Mr Stringer forwarded the following telegram to the Minister of Defence: “Understand Cabinet considering matter to-day, 1 her of ore venture to suggest that as Second Division men who are risking everything, including their lives, are desirous that Parliament be afforded the opportunity of voting on this important subject, it would be gracious of you to grant their request.”