RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16821, 28 May 1919, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

CONFERENCE AT CHBISTCHTJBCH, (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 27. At the Returned Soldiers' Conference this morning it was decided to refer the question of the basis of representation at the Conference to the Organisation Committee. A Wellington remit that members of the Samoan Advance Party should be eligible for membership was unanimously adopted. It was decided that the Conference should find no decision regarding the eligibility of Red Cross, P.M.C. A. and V.A.D. workers for membership. Discussion took place on the soldiers' journal, "Quick March," and it was resolved to set up a committee to 'consider ways and means to improve the circulation, and report to thS Confer-' ence.

A proposal that any person who had worn the King's uniform during the present war, and had been honourably discharged, should be eligible for election as associate members, without the right to vote, to the Returned Soldiers' Association, was submitted by the Auckland Association. It was contended that this would enable the Association to officially take up cudgels on behalf of men who had been discharged from camp. It was, however, pointed out that the adoption of the remit would entitle Boy Scouts and others to become associate members, and" the proposal was thrown out on the voices. A 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 McCallum. Christchurch. Mr_ A.ndrew (Auckh ci) said the Association would be pruiicl to admit to their ranks old veterans, but would object to men who had served in other wars but who had successfully appealed against serving in the present war. (Applause.). He moved an amendment to this effect.

Mr Melling (Auckland) seconded the amendment. He knew of one South African veteran whose service then was in the Remount Department, and who contended that this service excused him from service in this war. Mr Leadley (Christcliurcli) said the spirit of the amendment was wrong. The South African veterans carried the spirit of soldiers. Mr Melling pointed out that a certain labour leader who liad served in the South African war had since been imprisoned for twelve months for sedition. Tlie motion would entitle this man to join, the Association. Mr Leadley: "We could use our own discretion about admitting him. Members: You couldn't help admitting him. The rules would compel you. The amendment was lost on the voices, and the original motion was also lost by a large majority. Mr Brown (Wangarnii) moved that a federation be formed with South African Veterans' Associations and other organisations of veterans, to deal with any matters that may be of common concern.

Mr Malone (Napier) moved an amendment that the Conference affirm the principle of admitting veterans of the South African and other wars, but that consideration of matter be deferred for twelve months. Mr Pridham _ (Wanganui) said tho motion did not intend that the veterans of other wars should be admitted to membership of the Association, but that the Associations should affiliate. The amendment was carried by a large majority. The following remits were carried:— That this Association considers that all conscientious objecfcors having received a sentence should be made to serve the full term and that the Government be urged to nse every endeavour by offering rewards and bv any other means at their disposal to bring to trial every man who failed to parade when called in the ballot. That as returned men in country districts find a difficulty in obtaining the 1914-15 riband and service chevrons, the Defence Department be requested to supply tlie same. That it be a recommendation to the Government that for the purpose of inclusion under the benefits conferred by tlie War Pensions and Repatriation Acts returned soldiers who were domiciled in New Zealand prior to tlie war and served with a force other than the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, shall be eligible onlv on proof being shown that they -enlisted before returning to New Zealand, or that they enlisted in New Zealand prior to such service with another force. That in the reorganisation of the Defence Department and staff, active service men should have preference That it be demanded of the Government to declare Anzac Day a statutory holiday, and that the day be one of commemoration for thosa who gave up thleir lives during the greas war.

That this Association asks that legislation be passed to give wide powers to disburse the various funds now in the hands of patriotic bodies, so that they may be made available for the assistance of fit men as well as sink and wounded. Two other' remits touching on tfta same subject, but on more general lines, were carried. The following remit was negatived—"That the present system of giving the same privileges to soldiers who were m camp at the time of the armistice as to those who left New Zealand be discontinued.