RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18183, 2 March 1921, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last night, Dr Harrison presiding. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Lawson, to urge the Government to form a bureau to imd employment for the large batch of immigrants, cx-servico men, wlio are coming to New Zealand by the Waimana. The Secretary of the Roxburgh Returned Soldiers’ Association Wrote that, in view of the fact that the Teviot Estate was soon to be thrown open to returned soldiers, his association considered soldiers should be warned that in its opinion the rentals were excessive and the water supply <jn several of the blocks inadequate.—'l lie matter was adjourned till the next meeting, in order that further information might be obtained. A letter was received from the District Secretary stating that the sub-committee, understood the Dunedin Executive had been informed that in cases where ignorance was pleaded men who had lost the rebate for prompt payment of interest accounts owing to ill-wording of the account forms would be credited with it, and that the forms in future would carry sufficient and proper notice. REPATRIATION SUBSIDIES./ The District Secretary reported mat the Acting District Repair aciorr (Jiucer had ad-; vised nini mat, he might take it lot granted mat married subsidised workers, wno suttbred liaidsnip on account ot tnc retention by ■ the board of the ss, need only apply at tne office and substantiate their cases and the 5s would not be retained. In the case of single me nwho were supporting! parents or Had other obligations, and whose training was being periormed satisfactorily, no retention would be The District Repatriation Officer had also advised the committee that the cases of subsidised workers who broke down in health and nad to cease work temporarily were decided on their merits. It the breakdown were caused by a war disability, the facts were piaced belore the Pensions Department and the man referred to Medical Headquarters tor examination. The board had not in any instance deducted pay from a man who had been temporarily off vvqrk; but whole it was known that a man’s disability had been brought about by' his own excesses the amount usually received by him from a board would be stopped until he returned to work. AN UNFORTUNATE MISTAKE. Relating to Mr Jones’s statement that his information concerning me alleged intention ot the Y.M.C.A. to dispose ot the Soldiers’ Club furnishings .came. irom one' ot the secretaries (Mr Bates), a letter was received Irom the general secretary replying that Mr, Bates emphatically denied having given the information alleged, and said he nad never spoken to Mr dories, and would not know Mr Jones if lie met him. Furthermore, he protested against the publication of his name in connection with the incorrect information, as it was liable to prejudice him in the eyes of the directorate of the Y.MC.A. Mr Johes said he wpuld' take any responsibility himself He had mistaken another man lor Mr Bates, (and would like the committee to take him into its confidence and allow him to see the secretary ot the Y.M.C.A. and clear the executive. ’ This course was agreed to. , SOLDIER MENTAL PATIENTS, The Prime Minister having stated that betore he could consider the association’s request for a public court of inquiry into the admission and treatment of soldier mental patients at Scacliff definite cases would have to be cited, the sub-committee recommended that tuo "following names of exmental patients and others” be submitted to Mr Massey—-Privates Donald Macintosh (Hanmer), A. B. I).' Box (Port Chalmers), W, B.' Miller (Portobollo), Nurse Miller, Mrs J. K. Muclie, and Colonel T. W. M’Donald. The report mentioned that Private Macintosh had allegations to make as to the treatment of Privates LTeely and Maitland, and that Colonel M'Donald would give evidence in support of other cases. Mr Jones moved, and Mr M'Nish seconded, the adoption of the report, with a view to ser g it on to tne ( Prime Minister. Mr Clar 1 . ’ .. j any proof that Colonel M'Donald > ill give evidence if required? Mr Jones: Colonel M'Donald is willing to conduct the case for the association if the Defence Department allows him. hlr Calvert considered that if Colonel M'Donald had knowledge of any cases other than the three mentioned they should bo embodied in the report. After further discussion the motion was carried. CLUB MANAGERSHIP. Mr M'Crao, who h a< J given notice of motion —“That an advertisement be inserted calling for applications for the position of secretary of the association and manager of the club at a salary of £450 per annum,” — ■said he wished first to affirm the desirability ot the dual position, and question of salary later. The committee being agreeable to this alteration, he moved — “That this executive is of opinion that the secretaryship of the' association and the managership of the club should bo held by one and the same person.” Mr M'Lean seconded the motion. Mr Calvert considered there was more than enough work for one man in the secretaryship. Mr Wilson pointed out that the secretary, had three or four meetings a week, and would therefore require an assistant at the' dub. Mr Clark suggested that the matter might be left to the incoming committee, and that their secretary or the present manager could carry on the club for the interval from the end of April. Mr M'Crae held that an appointment wquld have to be made at an early date, and explained that he had spoken of a manager, and not a caretaker. The man might not be there more than an hour or two a day, but, he would be able to manage the club for them. The work of the association was decreasing, and they should remember that the time was not very fur distilnt when they would not be able to keep a full-time secretary. Dr Harrisoli agreed that one man should bold both positions, and remarked that th© club position would be more secretarial than caretdking. Mr Clark moved as an amendment, that the matter be left to the incoming committee.—Mr'Stewart seconded this. Mr M'Crae held that the manager should be appointed a rryonth before and not after the club opened. Mr M'Nish asked if the Building Committee would not have, something to say. In reply to Mr Wood, the Secretary stated that his appointment provided that he might or might .not be manager of the club. The amendment was put to the meeting, and carried by 8 votes to 2. It was explained, in reply to an inquiry, that at present there was an attendant at the club, which was under the control of the secretary of the association.