RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 30 May 1919, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION.

annual conference,

Per Press Association.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 29

At the Returned Soldiers’ Association Conference this afternoon remits dealing with tubercular and venereal cases were considered. .In regard to the former, it was agreed that the Government -was attempting to cope with the position, but the sanatoria accommodation was insufficient,, and a resolution was passed: protesting against the attitude of the residents ot Devonport, which forced the authorities to close Narrow Neck Cariip. The delay in getting men fitted with artificial limbs was uiscusscd, and a remit was carried to the effect that an export should bo obtained and placed in charge of a central factory, and better allowances and accommodation be provided for limbless men when away from homo for treatment.. The committee’s recommendations in regard to pay and gratuities were adopted, and it was agreed to advocate that the ration allowance of 2s to undischarged soldiers who were outpatients at hospitals be increased immediately to 4s per day. The matter of demanding an extra shilling a day for members of the Tunnelling Corps to bring their pay up to 6s a day (the British rate) was referred to the incoming executive. In connection witli allowances to widowed mothers, it was decided to approach the Government to have such put on a better footing. At to-night’s sitting Mr. Batten moved, on Mr. Jacob’s behalf, to rescind the motion carried at the afternoon sitting in favour of retrospective officers’ pay. Mr. Elliott moved an amendment that retrospective pay be asked only for secoml-lieutcnants. Tho amendment was lost on the voices, and the motion defeated by 28 to 26. A subsequent motion that no action should bo taken in the matter for twelve months was carried.

It was unanimously agreed that headquarters should defray the expenses of secretaries at tho secretaries’ conference.

Mr. Harper, a member of the Pensions Board, addressed the conference o.« the pensions administration, and answered numerous questions, receiving a hearty vote of thanks. On concluding, the legal committee submitted the following resolution:— Tliat a Bill bo introduced in Parliament for tho purpose of having April 25 made a close holiday, to be called “Anzao Day,” in commemoration of those who have fallen in the Great War. The Bill shall also provide that on Anzac Day . all places of business and amusement shall bo closed, also all hotels.