RETURNED SERVICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24913, 12 May 1942, Page 2

RETURNED SERVICES

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF FORCES « A meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Services’ Association was held last night, the president (Mr S. G. Scoular) occupying the chair. Social Committee’s Report It was stated that a social function was being arranged for June 3, to which all returned members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F., with their wife, mother, or lady friend, would be invited. The women’s section of the association would assist at the function, and the R.S.A. Choir would contribute to the musical programme. The Social Committee also reported that arrangements were being made for the association to cd-operate with other organisations for the provision of amenities and entertainments at local camps and outposts. An invitation had been extenfed to the United States Minister to New Zealand, Brigadiergeneral P. J. Hurley, to meet members of the association when he visited Dunedin. Interests Safeguarded It was stated that the securing of travelling concessions for men in the Armed Forces on various bus services was still being pressed by the association. It had been found that this Was a national question as well as an Otago one. The War Emergency Committee s-re-port stated that Dominion Headquarters had already approached the Government for an increase in pensions to cover the Court of Arbitration’s cost of living bonus, and as from May 1 a 5 per cent, increase had been granted on war veterans’ allowances, economic pensions, and Maori war pensions. The question of supplying tram passes to disabled members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. was referred to in the committee’s report. Provision was being made for the consideration of supplying passes to members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who were suffering from “ impaired locomotion.” The number of applications for these passes always exceeded the number available, and the pensions’ medical officer allotted passes to those most in need of them. The committee also reported that the question of the remission of subscriptions of members on home service had been considered, but it had been decided to leave the position as at present. Any case of hardship could be discussed with the secretary, who had power to act and to issue a cash purchase booklet to the wife of the member. The committee had also considered the fact that soldiers could secure assistance from the soldiers’ Financial Assistance Board.