SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16963, 27 March 1917, Page 6

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

BRANCH FORMED AT MOSGIEL. A public meeting in connection with the tormation ol a branch of the Second Division Luaguo was held in Mosgiol last evening. Mr A. i\ Quolch (Mayor) presided, ihuro was a good attendance, and Messrs W. K. Brugh and H. H. Puttie addressed the audionco.

Iho Chairman gave a brief introductory address Betting forth the nocesaity for u, greater sum being voted to the dependents at married soldiers, and he said ho felt suro that the members of the second division would see to it that good provision would bo made before they left New Zealand.— (Applause.) j Mr Brugh said the men of the first division hurriedly went to tho front for tho honour and glory of it, aud did their part nobly aud welt. But now tho second division had a littio time to look ahead, and on behalf of both divisions they wore arganising to secure better conditions for their dependents. Tho lcaguo was taking root in all towns in Otago. The first platlorm of the league was that it was nonpohtical. As a reasonable body of men they would put forward a reasonable request to . . liovernment. Tho mantle of the second division fell on the shoulders of individuals of every shade of political opinion, and the league hoped to be able to represent aIL Tho promoters wanted all tho ladies to join too, so that they could go to the Government and show Parliament that the wholo country was at their back.—(Applause). In speaking of dependents lie included thoso of both Mr Brugh quoted tho present scale of allowances, and pointed out that tho children's allowance was totally inadequate. They would also ask for better pensions. Tho widows and children should know their amount, and have nothing more to do than to sign for it The amounts the league would ask for would bo arrived at from resolutions representative of the opinions of all the branches. The third plank of the league—that it should endeavour to help the Government •to carry out the provisions of tho Defence Act and tho Military Service Act—received a lot of criticism, and was interpreted in many ways; but his own interpretation was that they as law-abiding citizens would carry the Acts out. When the time arrived for the ballot they would go willingly to help, to win the war. Ho did not appeal for tho men, though it might be termed harassing for them to go. It was tho wives and children who daily would scan the casualty lists to see how their loved ones were faring.— (Applause.) The last plank was to start branch leagues. The parent branch was in Dunedin, but it wanted a start only. He stressed the point that they must have numbers. He hoped they would all do their best to increase the local branch.—(Applause.) Mr Pattle referred to the existence of the National Association, which aimed at much the same as the Second Division League; but had more planks. It was therefore to the interests of both to act in harmony, rhe National Association was political; the Second Division League was not. The latter had only one plank—better provision for dependents. A monster petition would ask for this, and then the league would retire. Iho National Association had other planks, and would no doubt remain. Tho securing of better allowances and pensions must not be left to tho women. The requests must also bo reasonable, and a scheme was being worked out which would let the dependents know exactly what they had to live on. The mam asset to tho country was child life, and if the children were obliged to live in semi-poverty it would in tune spell ruin to tho country. He emphasised the need to educate, children successfully to combat the economic struggle which was before them. He did not think the war would end without the married men being called upon The men wore prepared to go so long as their women and children were properly provided for. He submitted a scale of figures, which, though not yet complete would make the lot of the dependents much better than present allowances offered; also the pensions to be the same amount as given under the head of separation allowances at present. Better provision would be asked for disabled and partially disabled married soldiers or those with dependents. •I hey wanted the scheme to apply' , , to all men, whether married before the war or since.—(Applause.) In closing, Mr Pattle suggested that names be enrolled till about 50 or 60 were obtained, and then an executive be formed to carry on, the Provisional Committee to resign at the first general meeting.

Mr Keys moved—" That the meeting confirm the league's platform, and that a branch be formed in MosgieL" This was seconded by Mr F. Smeaton and carried unanimously.