NEW ZEALAND R.S.A.

Southland Times, Issue 21428, 24 June 1931, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND R.S.A.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PENSION QUESTIONS DISCUSSED CONSTITUTION OF BOARD (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 23. The annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association opened to-day, Sir Andrew Russell presiding. The Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, opened proceedings. Sir Andrew Russell, in thanking the Mayor, remarked that in him the association had found a new friend. On the recommendation of the pensions and after treatment committee it was agreed that its patients who would normally be admitted to Kew Sanatorium should have the option of going to any other sanatorium in the South Island. An Auckland remit was approved to the effect that the constitution of the War Pensions Appeal Board be not altered and that the services of the permanent secretary be retained. A commission consisting of the chairman of the War Pensions Appeal Board and Dr Acland and Dr Wylie was appointed to investigate the whole question of supply and repair of artificial limbs. The conference expressed the opinion that the wives of men in receipt of full pensions for dual disabilities who are otherwise organically sound and who marry at any time after their discharge should be eligible to receive pensions. It was decided to urge the Government to take immediate steps to put into operation all the findings of the Rehabilitation Commission.

The executive was authorized to frame regulations for the manufacture . and distribution of poppies.

High appreciation of the valuable services which Mr J. D. Harper, Dominion treasurer, had rendered to the association on the subject of pensions was expressed. Mr P. S. Anderson (Dunedin) moved that the executive investigate the question of endeavouring to have pensions granted to aged ex-soldiers along the lines of the Canadian Act. He considered that, the time was coming when war relief funds should be amalgamated. Mr B. J, Jacobs said the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ -Association had dealt with the question of pensions very thoroughly and he did not think they should depart, from their set policy. The Rehabilitation Commission was trying to get what Mr Anderson was after, and the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association had determined to move for this whole-heart-edly.

The question was held over until the report of another committee had been received.