THE SECOND DIVISION.

North Otago Times, Volume CVI, Issue 13975, 10 September 1917, Page 2

THE SECOND DIVISION.

FURTHER STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTER. WELLINGTON, September 7. .Another statement about the Second Division mis made in the House today by the .Minister of Defence. The matter was raised by Mr Veitch, who read the following telegram irom': Waiiganui: "Second Division League here understand Glass A of Second Division balloted here next month. Urgently insist legislation passed on line of league's proposals before ballot; also immediate arrangements for medical examination."

Mr Veitch said that the message showed that there was some anxiety on this matter, and he. would be glad it" the Minister would make a statement. Sir James Allen said he had seen two members'of the League the previous aftem:on. They had seen.him before to make a request that members of the Second Division should be examined before (he ballot. This proposal was carefully gone into, but it. had been found that this could not be done in accordance with the law, but he had iuformed the members of the league that he was anxious to give as much lime as possible between the ballot and the tinio of calling into camp, and that the best he could do for the Second Division men was to increase this period from two moiulis to three months, in. order to do this it would be necessary to have a.ballot of the first class of the Second Division in Octo ber. The men drawn would go into camp in January. The league rcprescntativs were not altogcJicr satisfied with this, because they still cling to the idea that they could get the medical examination before the ballot, but he was sorry lo say this could not be done. As to whether legislation would lie put through rested with the Qoverument and with Parliament. The legislation asked for was an amendment of (lie Pensions Act. The Government had not yet decided what should l:e done, and the Bill was not, there•'ore, before the House, but he hoped Hio Bill would bo through Parliament before the end of September, The Government would deal with the matter at an early date, and he hoped that soon afterwards'the House would be asked to deal with it.

A SOUTHLAND PROTEST. (Per Press Association.) INVERCABCJXL, September 7. At an emergency meeting of tho Second Division League executive, it was decided (o telegraph a strong protest to Cabinet, pointing out that the taking of the ballot for Class A before passing an amended scheme of separation allowances and pensions, was a distinct breach of faith,