2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9961, 3 May 1918, Page 5

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

MANIFESTO ISSUED DOMINION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD. A meeting of the executive of the Second Division League was held last evening, Mr R. A. Armstrong presiding. It was decided to issue tho following manifesto:— That the National Executive of the Second Division League, having promptly expressed its disapproval of recent happenings in Christchurch, desires to call public attention to the fact that the dissatisfaction among reservists has been due entirely to the policy of drift adopted by the Government. The concessions made to the long-standing and continued requests for adequate conditions have been wrung from the Government purely, as the result of the organised efforts and convincing arguments of tho league. If those provisions are right now they were also right at the session, of 1917, when the powers of caucus were used to prevent Parliament carrying them into effect. The league asks the public to realise that, if dissatisfaction now exist® among a section of tho community to the extent recently demonstrated in Christchurch, how much greater and more universal would have been tho dissatisfaction and consequent disorganisation at this critical time, had' the league not organised and forced the authorities to grapple with the many problems affecting the calling up of the Second Division? To this extent the league has benefited not only soldiers and their dependents, but the community as a whole, and has saved the Government from that awkward position to which their policy of drift was unquestionably leading. In response to numerous requests from leagues it was decided 1 to hold a Dominion Conference in Wellington on the 22nd inst. FBATHBRSTON RESOLUTIONS. Press Association. CARTERTON, May 2. The annual meeting of the ,Featherstem Second Division League.last night passed the following motion:—“That the Government be loyally assisted in prosecuting the war to a victorious issue, and be urged to protect all soldiers and their dependents from economic disabilities; that the Financial Assistance Board’s grants, etc., ,be made in accordance with the scheduled conditions, and irrespective of income conditions; that the importance of the Government providing adequate maternity benefit be urged; as a'solution of the birth-rate problem; that the meeting records its satisfaction at the concessions secured, and regrets that Parliament was permitted to subordinate the claims of soldiers and dependents, especially as the Dominion finances are in a state of buoyancy; and that the meeting supports the calling of a national conference.” GENERAL ELECTION DEMANDED. Presa Association ' BLENHEIM, May 2. A crowded meeting of the Second Division League put its case before Mr R. McOallum, M.P., who was subjected to considerable hectoring. Subsequently strong resolutions were carried, expressing dissatisfaction at Mr McOallum’s replies, and no confidence in him as the representative of the electorate; find’‘ calling "dn the national executive to organise demonstrations throughout New Zealand, demanding a general election.

With reference to the Premier’s comments on the Christchurch incident, a resolution was passed deprecating any attempt to make capital out of the riot and prejudice the claims of the league.

CRITICISM FROM HAMILTON Press Association.

HAMILTON May 2. At a very largely attended meeting of the Second Division League last night, the Government was strongly criticised regarding its attitude in regard to exemptions and the allowances. A resolution was carried urging the Government to increase the wife’s allowance to 6s per day, in addition to the soldier’s allotment; also to review all First Division and Class A Second Division exemptions before sending married men with families into camp. The Government was also urged to reconsider the principles governing tho Military Service Board in allowing exemptions. Several members considered that medical unfitness should bo tho only ground of exemption. Religious objectors were also criticised. Tfie league considered shat the three months’ leave promised before entering camp should always be given. The members of the league wore willing to fight, but wanted their dependents assured against hardship. SPLIT IN CHRISTCHURCH LOYALISTS AND EXTREMISTS' AT LOGGERHEADS. Presa Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. A general meeting of members of the Christchurch Second Division League was held to-.iight to discuss the future policy of the league. Mr . F. Toogood, of the National Executive, was present. During the discussion it transpired that the executive of the Christchurch branch passed a resolution last Friday recommending tho National Executive to declare that members of the league were released from all obligations if the Government did not grant the league’s demand' by May Slst next.

The extremist section of the league at to-night’s meeting secured the upper hand, and a motion to rescind Friday night’s resolution being lost, the loyalists foldlowod the chairman out of the hall.

A new chairman was installed, and ho refvused to accept the following motion:—“That wo Second Division Reservists arc prepared to serve under the Military Service Act.” The other loyalist members of the executive then resigned and the meeting broke up.

An outcome of recent happenings will probably bo the formation of a new Second Division League, confined 1 exclusively to what are termed “loyalists.”

Another Press Association telegram reports that at, n mooting of the North Otago branch o f the league last night the demand that the league’s proposals bo given effect to by tbo Government l was reaffirmed.