N.Z. RETURNED SOLDIERS1 ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16447, 28 May 1919, Page 4

N.Z. RETURNED SOLDIERS 1 ASSOCIATION.

RESOLUTIONS CARRIED,

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 27. At the Returned Soldiers’ Conference this morning it was decided to refer tho question of the basis of representation at the conference to the organisation committee. A discussion took place on the soldiers’ journal Quick) March, and it was resolved to sot up a. committee to consider ways and means to improve tho circulation, and report to conference. Tho proposal that any person who had worn the King’s uniform during tho present war, and had since been honourably discharged, should be eligible for election as associate members, without tho right to vote, to the Returned Soldiers’ Association, was submitted by the Auckland Association. It was contended that this would enable the associations to officially take up tho cudgels on behalf of those men who had been discharged from camp. However, it was pointed out that tho adoption of the remit would entitle the Boy Scouts and others to become associate members. The proposal was thrown out on the voices.

The proposal that veterans of other wars than the present one who could show a “clean” discharge could qualify for admission as members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was moved by Mr. MacAllum (Christchurch). * Mr. Andrews (Auckland) said the associations would be proud to admit to their ranks old veterans, but would object to men who had served in other wars but who had successfully appealed against service in the present war. (Applause.) He moved au amendment to this effect.

Mr. Moiling (Auckland) seconded the amendment. Ho knew of a South African veteran whose service then was in the Remount Department, and who contended that tins service excused him from service in this war.

Mr, Loadley (Christchurch) said the spirit of the amendment was wrong; the South African veterans carried the spirit of soldiers. Mr: Moiling pointed out that a certain Labour leader, who had served in the South African War, had since been imprisoned for twelve months for sedition. Tho motion would entitle this mail to join tho association. Mr. Leadley: Wo could use our discretion about admitting him. A .member: You couldn’t help admitting him; tho rules would compel you to. Tho amendment- was lost on the voices, and tho original motion was also lost by a large majority. Mr, Brown (Wanganui) moved: “That a federation bo formed with tho South African Veterans’ Association and other organisations of veterans to dor.l with any matters that may be of common concern.”

Mr.. Malone (Napier) moved an amendment: “That the conference affirm the principal of admitting veterans of tho South African and other wars, but that consideration of the matter bo deferred for twelve months.”

Mr. Pridham (Wanganui) said the motion did not intend thiW veterans of other wars should bo admitted to membership of the association, but that tho association should affiliate. The amendment was carried by a largo majority. The following further resolutions were carried: “That this association considers that all conscientious objectors having received sentence should bo mado to servo tho full term, and that tho Govornmnt bo urged to uso every endeavour, by offering rewards and by any other means at their disposal, to bring to trial every man who failed to parade when, called in tho ballot.”

“That, as the .returned men in the country districts find difficulty in obtaining 1914-15 riband and service chevrons, the Defence Department bo requested to supply same.” “That it bo a recommendation to tho Government that, for the purpose of inclusion under benefits conferred by the War Pensions and Repatriation Acts, returned soldiers who were domiciled in Now Zealand prior to the war, and who served with a force other than tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force, shall bo eligible only on proof being shown that they enlisted before returning to New Zealand or that they en r listed in Now Zealand prior to such service with another force.” “That in tho reorganisation of tho Defence Department and staff active service men shall have preference.” “That it bo demanded of the Government to declare Anzac Day a statutory holiday, and that the day bo one of commemoration for those who gave up their lives during the Groat War.” “That this association ask| that legislation bo passed to give wider powers to disburse various funds now in tho hands of patriotic bodies, so that they may be made available for the assistance of fit men as well as sick and wounded.” Two other remits touching on the same, subject, but on more general lines,' were carried. The following remit was negatived) “That the present system of giving the same privilege to soldiers' who were in camp at the time of the armistice as to those who left New Zealand be discontinued.”