BILL EXPLAINED

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1935, Page 14

BILL EXPLAINED

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ MEASURE. MEETING OF PATEA BRANCH. The salient features of recent legislation enacted to protect returned soldiers and their dependents were explained at the quarterly meeting of the Patea branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association by Mr. T. E. Roberts, honorary solicitor, on Tuesday. Mr. Roberts was accorded, a hearty vote of thanks for his explanatory remarks, members expressing themselves pleased with the protection now afforded the “burnt out men and others prematurely aged by war service. The committee reported that financial members numbered 86, and that £55 had been paid out in the relief of distress and the subsidising of labour. Canteen and national war fund grants totalling £2 monthly, had been received, the help afforded being largely due to the generous response to the Poppy Day appeal and the annual ball proceeds. * The suggestion of the chairman, Mr. R. W. Haddow, that a parade to observe Armistice Day be held on the nearest Sunday to November 11 was favourably I received, it being decided to attend the several churches in annual succession. Last year’s parade, which was well attended, was held at the Anglican Church, and it was decided to attend the Presbyterian Church this year, subject to the approval of the Rev. H. B. Burnett. Referring to subsidised labour, a questioner was assured by members of the committee that no abuse of the labour by employers would be tolerated. An employer could not use the labour to reduce costs on a job to a level that would prevent competition from other sources. While the association’s scheme made a 50 per cent, subsidy available to any person using unemployed members, it was desired that members themselves should do their utmost to assist by employing their own less fortunate comrades. Members of other associations would be welcomed to local meetings, it was stated.

Reference to the successful picnic held last year in the Patea domain was made, and a picnic to either New Plymouth or Opunake in the early part of February was considered. New Plymouth was decided upon as the venue, and the suggestion will be submitted to other associations in Taranaki with a view to securing excursion rates for a monster picnic representative of members of all Taranaki groups, their wives and childlen.