SECOND DIVISION MEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10115, 24 October 1917, Page 5

SECOND DIVISION MEN.

EXPRESS DISAPPROVAL OF GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE. (Pib Pbesb Association.) MASTERTON, Oct. 24. At a meeting of the Second Division League members, hold last night, the following resolutions were carried : “That this meeting expresses its keen disappointment at the inadequate, provision made tor dependents of soldiers by the Government, whose action will condemn the dependents of our fighting men to a period of hardship for which there is no necessity whatever, when the present prosperity of the Dominion is taken into consideration. Thai this meeting requests the Government to increase the separation allowances to soldiers’ wives to (is per day and to children to Is Gd per day, thus enabling them to live decently without the necessity of making application to the Financial Assistance Hoard, or any other board that may he set np. That this meeting strongly resents the statement of Mr -Massey that the Second Division Leagues is not playing the game, and wishes to express its displeasure at the Prime Minister making such a remark, which, in our opinion, is quite unwarranted and uncalled for. Further, that we consider the action of the League’s executive in placing its claims before individual members of Parliament far more legitimate than holding caucuses for the purpose of bringing into line members of Parliament.” MEETING AT NAPIER. NAPIER, Dei. 24. A meeting of (ho Second Division League passed a resolution last night urging the Government to reconsider the allowances and pensions, and protesting against Mr Massey’s statement that the League was not playing the game. It. called on the Premier either to substantiate on withdraw the assertion. Sir Joseph Ward’s statement that, the Second Division would have to remain in the Dominion unless it abandoned the demands was also adversely criticised, Mr Vigor Brown’s suggested non-combat-ant tax was approved, and the meeting reiterated the resolution that the Second Division should go to the last man. ami the Main Body men must bo relieved at any cost.