R.S.A. CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12168, 19 June 1925, Page 6

R.S.A. CONFERENCE

COLONEL MCDONALD’S CHARGES FINDINGS OF COUNCIL ELECTION OF OFFICERS Per Press Association DUNEDIN, June 18. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Conference was continued to-day, when considerable business was done. The greater amount of the time available during the afternoon was occupied in hearing the written charges made by Colonel T. W. McDonald in connection with soldier mental patients. This matter was dealt with privately. The question of the purchase of poppies for “Poppy Day,” 1926, was also considered in committee. In connection with the South African and Maori war veterans, it was decided that the Government be asked to give sympathetic consideration to claims of veterans of the South African and Maori wars, who, from the point, of view of enlistment, are long rSfeidents in New Zealand, and who are in necessitous circumstances. If necessary legislation is to be asked for in this direction. A great deal of discussion was centred round the organisation and constitution of the association, and the following remits were dealt with: — “That the present system of district conferences be abolished, and in lieu thereof all associations of 100 financial members or more be entitled to direct representation at the Dominion Conference.” “That it is not in any way advisable to raise anv change in the venue of the • assooiation’s - headquarters.” (Otago.) ■ “That the constitution as to the Dominion executive committee remains as at present, but that rule 44 he amended so that meetings of the committee are called at the discretion of the Dominion president, according to the necessity oi upon the request of a majoritv of members of the committee.” “That the constitution of the executive standing sub-committee remains as at present.” “That this conference affirms its definite. nolicy that Anzac Day b'e observed on Anril 25th.”—(Auckland.) “That this conference is of opinion that the association should continue its policy of impressing upon the Government the necessity of the establishment and maintenance of an . efficient defence force.W—(Wellington.) ANSWER TO CHARGES In connection with Colonel McDonald’s allegations respecting soldier mental patients, after hearing the renort and lengthy discussion, it was decided: “That this council, having considered the report of the standing sub-commit-tee upon the charges made by Colonel McDonald against the Government at a meeting of the Wellington Association. held on June 4th, 1924, in connection with the commitment of returned soldiers to mental hospitals, finds ns follows: —Charge I—‘That from 1916 to 1919 certain soldiers' were illegally detained in mental hospitals for varying periods in contravention of the provisions of the Mental Defectives Art, 1911.’ charge proved. Charge 2 ‘That when representations were made to the Government on the above subject during the period aforesaid. Ministers of the Crown misrepresented the petition to the Returned Soldiers’ Association and to Parliament.’ The finding was that certain statements made bv Ministers as above were substantially incorrect. Charge B—‘That when a commission was ret, up hy the Government to inquire into the complaint of a certain soldier that he had been illegally detained as aforesaid, the Commissioner exonerated . the officials who were responsible lor the wrong done to the man, and stigmatised the complainant as suffering from a form of mental disorder.’ The finding was that th's council does nor, find anv rea«on to impugn the bona fides of the Gqjnmisiioner who investigated this complaint, hut it is satisfied that, the whole of the facts were -ot he'ore the Commissioner: that the officials concerned took their original action, although illegal, believing such action to he in the best interests of t' e soldier concerned; that the Wellington Association he informed accordingly. The council, therefore, directs hc.ndonarters +o annroach the proper authorities Tmmediatelv, so that appropriate action may ho taken. ELECTION OF OFFICERS ■President. Colonel H. Stewart (Ganrorhrrv): vice-president. Mr W. Perry (Wellington!: lion, treasurer, Mr J. D. Harper; Dominion executive, Wollin'rton. Messrs A. T. Duncan. G. W. Pliiikliord. and D. G. Mnnro; executive standing sub-committee. Auckland, Mr Austin C»rr. M. a.nd A. Aldred; and Marlborough, Mr N. A. evens; Canterbury. Messrs IV, f;. tnadlev and H. .1. Knight: Otago, Messrs L. S. Graham and J. M. White.