“BURNT-OUT” SOLDIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21064, 16 June 1938, Page 11

“BURNT-OUT” SOLDIERS

To the Editor ot " The Tirnaru Herald ” Sir,—At Auckland on March 10, 1937, a deputation from the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association met the Prime Minister and discussed the treatment accorded war veterans by the Government. On June 10, 1938, Mr Savage made the following statement: “I wish to publish relevant extract from the official verbatim report of the deputation, and to let the public judge for themselves the tenor of my remarks in reference to the war veterans’ pensions.” This relevant extract makes Interesting reading, and judging from Mr Savage’s remarks it is clearly shown that the Labour Government does not stand for preferential treatment in any way for. the “burnt-out” soldier. In a leading article a southern paperaptly Stmts up the position and draws attention to the fact that Mr Savage mates it plain that his motto is "equal treatment for. all.” He refused to acknowledge the truth of the deputation’s contention that a man whose health has been broken down through service to his

, country at such a time as the Great War is entitled to a little more consideration than the ordinary civilian in j need of assistance. In a general way | “equal treatment for all” is a most laudable sentiment, but it must be realised by all fair-minded people that a large proportion of returned soldiers sacrificed the vital years of their lives, when under ordinary circumstances they might have been learning a pro- . fession or trade. On their return to . civil life these men did not all “fit in,” > and many who did resume their prei war occupations have since been • obliged to relinquish them through ill- . health. Although unable to prove . that their disabilities are definitely ■ consequent on war service, the strong . probability is that this is so. Surely, r then, these men are worthy of a little • extra consideration than that accorded . to civilians, but Mr Savage only enig- [ matically says “they are entitled to j as much, in any case.” It is generally ? accepted that in no sense can the Labour Cabinet be termed militaristic, . i but surely the sense of gratitude as r I proposed by Mr Nash towards returned j soldiers should be accepted in its full- > | est significance by the Government, L ( and be made manifest by that touch of >i human understanding so often stressed » by Mr Savage. Now. Mr Savage dogi matically says he is not prepared to t apologise for what the Government > has done or failed to do. The objec-

tive of the Auckland R.S.A. deputation was not to obtain any apology, but simply to ask for ordinary justice plus a modicum of preferential treatment which is undeniably due to the “burntout” soldier. The Prime Minister sees no reason why the “burnt-out” soldier should receive preferential treatment. To be consistent, then, how can he be in favour of the present system of preferential treatment accorded the returned man in receipt of a pension under the War Pensions Act? As matters now stand, the latter is entitled—and rightly so—to a larger pension than, say the invalid who, incidentally, may have landed in New Zealand only 10 years ago. The soldier pensioner has been required to prove that his disability is consequent on war service. It behoves all returned men to become members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and thus build up an effective fighting force against any possible move on behalf of the Government io absorb the present War Pensions Act into the contemplated national superannuation and health scheme. Furthermore, in view of the forthcoming election, it is well for all soldier pensioners to bear in mind that the National Party stands four square for the mantenance of the present War Pensions Act and all it represents.—l am, etc., R. W. ANDERSON. Timaru, June lb.

VISIT OF INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM To the Editor oi ” The Timaru Herald ‘ Sir, —I was very interested to read your write up on the Indian Hockey team which will be seen in action in Timaru on July 7. However, I was disappointed not to see any history of the Prince himself or of the manager. At the same time I hope that some arrangement will be able to be made with the shopkeepers, in order that all will be able to attend the match. As yet there has been no mention of a South Canterbury team to meet the Indians, or of any trial game to pick such a team. Trusting that I will be enlightened in these matters.—l am, etc., INTERESTED.