MATAMATA REMITS

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1743, 29 June 1936, Page 7

MATAMATA REMITS

R.S.A. CONFERENCE » Very Successful Issue l I The Matamata branch of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association maintained its high reputation in regard to securing successful consideration of its remits by the Dominion Council at the annual meeting held last week. Of six remits forwarded, five were approved practically in toto by conference, and another was allowed to go by default on an assurance being secured from the pensions officer. The remits were: — Operation on Pensioners. —That a pensioner should not be compelled to risk his life again by having to undergo a major operation when applying for an increase in pension.— This remit was allowed to go by default on an assurance being given j by the R.S. member of the Pensions I Board that no pensioner who refused to undergo a serious operation would be penalised financially as a result. Onus on Pensions Boaras.—That action be taken in the, direction of having the powers vested in the War Pensions Board and the Appeal Board widened so as to enable such boards to deal with applications - for. pensions on the basis of all disabilities disclosed by the board’s medical officer’s report, instead of the board being limited, as at present,to the granting of pensions only on the disabilities claimed for and disclosed by applicants in their application forms.—This remit was approved unanimously by both the pensions committee and the conference. Budget System.—That in all cases where the budgetary system is put into operation provision be made so that the ex-soldier’s allowance will be progressively increased with the increased returns on the farm from the same capital outlay.—The above remit was recommended for adoption by conference, and in being put to the open meeting was reapproved for the second year unanimously. Anzac Day.—That this council reaffirms its Opinion that Anzac Day should be observed as a sacred day of remembrance as hitherto.—This remit, which was supported by the Morrinsville R.S.A., and which confirmed the Matamata remit of last year which was adopted by the conference as national policy, was superseded by the committee concerned in favour of one from Christchurch, which suggested that a poll .be taken per.:- medium of the Review. " The suggested polling gaper .put for- . ward three questions: That Anzac Day be observed on, April 25, each year?; or, in modified form on that day; or, on the ' nearest ■ Sunday to April 25. After a lengthy discussion, in which all the old familiar arguments were repeated, conference, with practically no opposition, rejected the proposed vote and reaffirmed : the Matamata remit. A proposal from Putaruru for the preparation of a standardised address for Anzac Day service was not recommended by the committee, and a further proposal from the Domin-

ion executive committee that the armed forces of the Crown be invited to take part, in uniform, in all Anzac Day parades, was left as a recommendation to local branches. Peace and War.—That in the unfortunate event of another war in which New Zealand is involved, the Government conscript the entire resources of the country—human, material and financial—and that on the declaration of war taxation of excess profits at 100 per cent/ be immediately put into force. That this council urges that an open inquiry be made into the cause of war and at the same time reaffirms its utmost support of the League of Nations and all societies'established to promote peace between nations. * Practically the whole of the suggestions contained, in these two remits were epibodied in the final resolution passed by conference on this subject, after a lengthy debate, and, fpr , the of, unanimity the point asking Tor an inquiry was. not 'pushed by the Matamata delegate. ..