RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1916, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

PROBLEMS OP THE FUTURE AN INTERESTING SCHEME. The returned soldiers' problem was the subject of a lengthy letter from Captain Donald Simson, which was read at the meeting of the Patriotic Committee last night. In the course of the letter, Captain Simson said the danger of allowing a condition .of drift and apathy to grow was a very grave one, and the problems attached to the returned soldiers must be faced. In addition this, the effect on voluntary recruiting was serious,' and whereas dissatisfied men, continually' ventilating their complaints and grievances, publicly and privately, will hinder it, on (the other hand every returned man should be, both in loyalty to his comrades in the fighting line and to tiie Empire, a valuable recruiter. He suggested: (1) the .formation in the principal towns of New Zealand of Returned Soldiers' Clubs, on sound lines; (2) an association of returned soldiers, all the branches of which will be affiliated, and of which all returned soldiers, will be members; (3) the establishment of an information bureau within the precincts of the club. The advantages of clubs were set out, and Captairr Simson said the formation of a Returned Soldiers' Asseciatien would reduce to a minimum "the growing herd at street coders, betel bars, etc., as well as letters of complaint and abuse which appear in the Press," The formation of an inf#rrnation bureau would enable every soldier to discuss with the secretary in charge (a returned soldier), all matters connected with pay, allowances, grievances, suggestions, etc. Captain Simson then set out in detail the advantage of his scheme.

Mr. J. E. Wilson agreed that there was a great deal of truth in what Captain Simson said. In Wellington, vphere they had a large number of returned men, a club filled a useful purpose. The establishment of a club would call for the expenditure of several hundred pounds, but it would be a great convenience. The matter of providing a club in New Plymouth had already been considered, but the number of men here just now was small, and he questioned if the expenditure was justified. Mr. H. Goodacre suggested that tickets should be provided for returned soldiers, giving them the right of honorary membership to the New Plymouth Club.

After further discussion it was agreed that this was the beat, temporary measure, and Messrs. Goodacre and Hill, and Captain Hartnell were appointed to take charge of the scheme.