R.S.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19836, 27 June 1934, Page 5

R.S.A.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 26. The R.S.A. conference was opened to-day by the Mayor. Sir Andrew Russell (president) is in tl\e chair. The annual report was approved without discussion. Congratulations on his election to the Legislative Council were extended by tne Governor-General to Mr W. Perry, the Dominion Vice-President. After Lord Bledisloe’s departure. Mr Perry said he had at all times advocated the just claims of returned ioldiers fearlessly, frankly, and fairly, and he intended to continue his efforts in that direction. He regarded the distinction conferred upon him as a recognition of the principles of justice and fair play for which the R.S.A. always stood. It was decided to approach the Government with a view to getting grants for approved cottage home schemes. In view of the acute distress among certain South African veterans, it was decided to ask the Government for a special grant to be administered by the Association-in conjunction with the South African War Veterans’ Association. Means of overcoming the drain on resources by itinerant unemployed returned soldiers was discussed. It was stated that the matter had been discussed before by the Dominion executive and the opinion expressed that co-operation among the branches would meet the position. Several remits were carried relating to pensions of widows of ex-soldiers married after discharge. Another remit approved was that the residential qualifications enabling overseas returned soldiers to apply for the old age pension be reduced to 15 years. The restoration of a proportion of the cuts made independent of war pensions was also asked for. $