RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16820, 27 May 1919, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

"ANNUAL CONFERENCE. ' GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. Per Press Association. GERISTCHURCH, May 26: The annual coniereiice of the .New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association opened to-day, Dr. -Boxer presiding. There were about sixty delegates present. They were welcomed by the Mayor (Dr. Thacker).. .. The president in his address said the great question of 1919 was repatriation. The Government had had three years' experience and hud done practically nothing. He hoped to see a single Minister responsible for repatriation, co-ordinating the whole scheme in his own person. He eulogised the work done by the patriotic bodies, which had been doing the Government's work. The Government had recognised the Association as an official body, and.be hoped to see the day when every Land Board in New Zealand would have a member of the Association thereon. He urged loyal support of local Associations and greater interest in matters affecting soldiers' interests. ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report contains a severe jcritioism of the Government for its hasty legislation last session. The executive, says the report, has consistently urged upon the Government and the people generally the imperative need for providing at the earliest possible date machinery for repatriation. The Government created a Department of Repatriation with greater regard for political consideration than efficient administration. A repatriation policy has not been enunciated because the Government has none to put forward, and any constructive suggestions made have come chiefly from the Association and representatives on the Repatriation Committees. After dealing with the cost of living particularly as it affects ex-soldiers, the report refers to "the future radical remodelling of our social system.". It says this is imperative, and for a long period to come industrial unrest is likely to be such as both to threaten the whole economic basis of society and to create uncomfortable conditions for those whose positions in the social organism are not relatively well paid and secure. It was to be regretted that the Government had given no indication that it realised the position. The problem of repatriation would reach a critical stage in a few months, but so far as the preparations by those responsible were concerned the indications were that it would be sheer good luck if there was not serious trouble.

"VVith. regard to land settlement insufficient date were available to judge the success or otherwise of the scheme of settling soldiers. Certain features of the administration of the Lands says the report, calls for severe comment. The demand for land by returned soldiers is no casual one to be satisfied through the ordinary channels of land exchange. The motion for the adoption of the annual report v>as discussed at great length. Mr Batten (Wellington), said thailand settlement was the basis of reparation, and he hoped to see a definite policy laid down. The Association had (Qffle to the stage when it was recognised and respected. Mr Andrews (Auckland) said the report was disappointing. Respecting retrospective allowances the married men did not want a gift from tile Government, they claimed justice, and they must get retrospective allowances. Soldiers at the front, when they com-, mitted an offence were willing to suffer themselves, but the Governnment of New Zealand punished the innocent women and children by cutting off thfeir allowances.

Mr McManns (Dunedin) said that in. the matter of land there was urgent need for direct representation, for land had been purchased at fictitious values based on war profits. "When the Assosiation entered a protest the Government trotted out a successful farmer, and he was always a land-seller and his land was likely to be thrown open. Mr Teadley (Christchurch) said that if there had. been one Minister in charge of Repatriation the matter could have been dealt with much more expeditiously. Soldiers, he thought, should have much fuller representation on Eppa-triaiwon and other boards. No one could say that the present Government had been the friend of the returned soldier.

Mr Laycock (Palmerston North) said he thought they ought to ask the Press to be kind enough to let returned soldiers alone on certain subjects. The newspapers seemed to delight in giving publicity to returned soldiers' offences. If a man committed suicide why should it be mentioned that he was a returned soldier? He hoped the Conference would make representations to the Press in regard to this matter. Mr Jacobs (Palmerston North) said land should be taken compulsorily, and valued. In this way only could the best land be obtained for the soldier. New Zealand had been described as a bankrupt country, yet it could afford to offer the liquor trade 4 J millions and could not give the soldier what he wanted. * The report and balance sheet were adopted.