SECOND DIVISION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17592, 24 September 1917, Page 5

SECOND DIVISION.

- DOMINION CONFERENCE. ! A special meeting of the central executive of tho Federated Second Division Leagues was held at Wellington on

Friday afternoon for the purpose cf considering the replies made by the Minister of Defence to the questions asked in tho House by members of Parliament along tho lines of tho proposals of the recent Dominion conference. Tho replies, which had been delayed from

Wednesday last, wore printed and circulated in tho House on Friday. The president of the National Federation (Mr It- A. Armstrong) was in tho chair, and in placing the printed answers before the meeting stated that

from the many letters and telegrams received from branches throughout the Dominion it was evident that considerable anxiety existed among reservists regarding the manner in which the league’© proposals were likely to bo treated by tho authorities. These branches looked to the central executive to protect the interests of the league, and in considering tho various Minis-

terial replies on the points at issue the executive must decide whether they were justified in allowing matters to drift any further. It was a heavy responsibility, particularly in view of the many requests they had received from different leagues, to call another Dominion conference. Tho answers were then discussed in detail, and met with unanimous expressions of disappointment and disap-

proval. it being felt that the groat principles upon which tho league’s proposals are based had no echo of sympathy in the replies as printed. After due deliberation file following resolution was carried :

“That, in view of the absolutely unsatisfactory nature of the Ministerial replies to the questions put in the Houso affecting the proposals of the Second Division League, the central executive of tho National Federation is reluctantly compelled to follow the only course left open, and immediately convene a Dominion conference of the leagues.” It was decided to hold the. conference on Thursday next, at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street.

NEW BRIGHTON. The New Brighton Second Division League met on Saturday evening, the Mayor (Mr F. Kibblewliitc) presiding over a very large attendance. Correspondence relating to the league’s negotiations with tho Government was dealt with in committee. The question of New Brighton’s representation at the Dominion conference, to be held in Wellington on Thursday next, was discussed. It was decided by a large majority that the league should be represented by three delegates. Regret was expressed that the conference would clash with the

“Our Day” effort, for which all the members had been actively working. Messrs G. T. Robinson, R. Browning and A. Hulino were elected delegates and a good sum of money was collected in tlio room towards tho expenses. KAIAPOI. A very enthusiastic meeting of tho recently formed branch of tho Second Division League was held in tho Kaiapoi Borough Council Chambers on Saturday night. Mr H. Reroll presided over a large attendance. Tho aims, objects and demands drawn up by the Dominion were read and adopted. The following committee was elected :

—Messrs H. Revel! (chairman), J- 11. lieay, A. Brown, 11. Johnson, Morgan Williams, J. Murphy, A. Green, W. Tourelle, R. Sewell and J. Smith. Mr L. Collins was elected secretary. Messrs H Revell. R. Johnson and R Sewell were appointed delegates to represent the branch at the conference of Second Division Leagues in Wellington on Thursday.

It was decided to hold a public meeting at tho band rotunda on Tuesday evening, commencing at eight o’clock.

BELFAST

A meeting of Second Division men was held in the Belfast Town Hall on Friday evening, thero being an attendance of fifty reservists. Addresses wore delivered by Messrs Gresson and Wright, members of the Christchurch league. It was unanimously decided to form a branch of the league. Mr E. J. W otton was appointed president, and. a committee of seven elected. Practically every man present was enrolled. The visiting speakers were accorded a hearty voto of thanks.