THE RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE GOVERNMENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21086, 12 July 1938, Page 8

THE RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE GOVERNMENT

To the Editor ot “ The Timaru Herald " Sir,—“Digger” is ill-advised to allow his zeal for “Labour” to blind his vision towards actualities. He talks of how the late Government cut soldiers’ pensions, thus placing the soldiers in the first line of destruction. This is merely foolish talk, and not borne out by facts. Surely any responsible person realises that soldier pensioners did not suffer by comparison with other sections of the community In the general cuts. As conditions improved the late Government gradually restored the cuts. I invite “Digger’’ to comment upon the following: When pressed by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to honour the promise to restore all pensions, including the economic pension, to the former maximum, responsible Cabinet Ministers informed the deputation: “Really, w'e are surprised to find that the war pensions allowances, payable under the late Government, are so liberal." And now we have “Digger” giving full play to his imagination, and proclaiming that, as regards cuts, the late Government “put the returned soldier pensioners in the first line of destruction.” He talks about regaining most of the lost ground under Commander Savage. Let us take the case of the single totally disabled war pensioner. Commander Savage has given him an increase, by way of economic pension, of only 2/5 per week. Will “Digger” answer this question? In view of the increased cost of living, is this class of pensioner as well treated by Labour as he was under the previous Government? It is plainly evident that “Digger” does not appreciate the true position. He probably is not aware that to date no assurance has been given the Returned Soldiers’ Association that the existing war pensions legislation would be retained as entirely separate from the

national health and superannuation scheme. Should this assurance not be forthcoming in the near future, it is certain that the Returned Soldiers’ Association Dominion Council annual general meeting will make a pronouncement upon the subject. One of the functions of the R.S.A. is to prevent “ricochets” from striking men like “Digger,” and if he is not already a member he should join up immediately. The premature shell or two that may come over, as referred to by “Digger,” hold no terrors. They may be premature, but, especially should “Digger” be the gunner, are much more likely to be “duds.”—l am, etc., R. W. ANDERSON. Timaru, July 10.