RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16822, 30 May 1919, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHUROH. May 29. At the Returned Soldiers' Association 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, hut that sanatoria accommodation was insufficient, and a resolution was passed protesting against the attitude of the, residents of Devonport, who forced the authorities to close Narrow ' Neck Canip. ; The delay in fitting men with, artificial limbos was discussed and a remit was' carried to the effect that an expert should be obtained and placed in charge of a.central factory, aud better allowances and accommodation be provided for limbless men when away from home .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, outpatient* at hospitals he increased' immediately to 4a per day. -, -..•'.■ . L .' The' matter of demanding an extra shilling a day for members of the tunnelling corps to bring their pay to r '6s, the British rate, was referred to the incoming executive. - _■ . In connection with allowances to widowed mothers it was decided to approach the Government to have suou a better footing. • . At to-night's sitting of the Returned Soldiers' Association Conference, Mi Batten hoved on Mr Jacobs' behalf to rescind a motion carried at the afternoon sitting in favour of retrospective officers' pay. Mr Elliott moved an amendment that retrospective pay be asked for only for second lieutenants. Th'e amendment was lost on the voices, and the motion was defeated by 28 to 26. A subsequent motion, that no action should be taken in the matter for' twelve months was carried. It was unanimously agreed that headquarters should defray the expenses of secretaries at the secretaries' coitfer- ■ ence.

jVIr Harper, a member of the Pensions Board, addressed the conference on pensions administration, and answered numerous questions, receiving a hearty Vote of thanks on concluding. The legal committee submitted the following resolution: "That a Bill he introduced into Parliament for the purpose of having April 25th made a close holiday, to he called Anzac Day, in commemoration of those who had fallen in the great war; the Bill shall also provide that on Ahzac Day all ■places of business" and amusement shall he closed, .also all hotels."