REPATRIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1919, Page 5

REPATRIATION

GREAT QUESTION {OF THE YEAR

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION.

SPEEDY ACTION DEMANDED

(United .Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day

The annual conference opened to-day, Dr. Boxer presiding. About sixty delegates were persent and were welcomed by the Mayor. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association President, in his address, said the great question of 1919 was Repatriation. The Government had had three years’ of experience and had done practically nothing. He hoped to see a single Minister responsible for repatriation, co-ordinating the whole scheme in his own person. He eulogised the work done by the patriotic bodies, which had been doing the Government’s work. The Government had recognised the Association as an official body and he hoped to see the day when every single Lands Boards in New Zealand would have a member of the Asoaciation thereon. He urged loyal support of the local Associations and greater interest in matters affecting soldiers’ interests.

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day

The annual report presented at a conference of New Zealand delegates of the Returned Soldiers’ Association contains severe criticism of the Government for its hasty legislation of last session The Executive, says the report, has consistently urged upon the Government and people generally the imperative need for providing at the earliest possible date machinery for repatriation. The Government created a department of repatriation with greater regard for political consideration than efficient administ (ration, The repatriation policy had not been enunciated because the Govern ment has none to put forward, and any constructive suggestions maiclo 'jiavo come chiefly from the Association and representatives of Repatriation Committees.

After dealing with the cost of living, particularly as it affects the ex-soldier, the report 'refers to his future, and a radical remodelling of our social system, which it says is imperative, and for a long period to cjome- industrial unrest i« likely to be such as both to tnreaten the whole economic basis of society and create uncomfortable conditions for those whose positions in the social .organisation are not relatively well paid and secure. It was to bo regretted that the Government had given no indication that it realised the position. The problem of repatriation would reach a critical stage in a few months; but, so far as the preparations by those responsible were concerned, the were that it would be sheer good hick if there was not serious trouble. _ With regard to land settlement, insufficient data was available to judge’ the success or otherwise of the scheme of settling soldiers Certain features of the administration of the Land Department, says the to port, call for severe comment. The de maud io. - land- by i-efiurned' soldiers is no casual ona to bo satisfied through the ordinary channels o' land exdiango