N.Z. RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14702, 1 June 1920, Page 4

N.Z. RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. June 1. At the Returned Soldiers' Conference to-day Mr J. D. Harper, on behalf of the Wellington Association, moved thatthis association considers an efficient defence scheme is essential to New Zealand as a country in itself and as a part of tile Empire. He said he did not | think war was done with or that the I League of Nations had achieved all that was expected of it. and in the interests jof the future and of this country we must be prepared and ready to defend lit. At- the same time it was the duty |of the country to consider an efficient j reconstruction scheme, which should be possible with the experience gained. 1 There was a League in the country now which had been formed for the purpose of urging effective future defence. He did not know whether the association was prepared to offer its assistance to the' Defence League, the constitution of which had been widely published.. However, he threw this out as a suggestion. Mr H. Maepherson seconded the motion. which was carried unanimously. It was decided to request- the Gov : ernment to donate returned soldiers' associations the band instruments and equipment that previously belonged to the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces while on active service. The following remits were passed : That a Bill be introduced into Parliament next session providing that Anzac Day be a stntutorv holiday: that, in the opinion of the Association. the present- sliortage of house property and the excessive prices thereof, and of the s; areity of building operations, a're iargelv the direct result of the whole-, sale exportation of building timber by most of the largt timber corporations throughout New Zealand, and that the Government lie urged to stop such exportation. and commandeer all available building material for the erection of houses.