TEMUKA SEATS IN TRAINS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22478, 13 January 1943, Page 3

TEMUKA SEATS IN TRAINS

Crippled Soldier

Stands

Action By Temuka R.S.A.

"This is a matter of principle, and wounded soldiers should get the, consideration asked for as a right,” said the chairman (Mr C. C. Stanley) at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Returned Services’ Association on Monday evening, when the provision of first-class reserved seats for returned soldiers travelling for hospital treatment was being discussed. The secretary (Mr G. Harris) reported that, following advice from the Railways Department, a letter had been sent to the Sick and Wounded Officer, Southern Military District, stating the case of a man who had returned from this war on crutches and who had been compelled to stand when travelling on the train to Timaru for hospital treatment, and suggesting that a firstclass reserved seat be provided in such cases. So far, no reply had been received.

-It is not a matter so much for the Sick and Wounded Officer to attend to, as the policy being adopted by the Government in regard to these men which concerns us,” said the chairman. “It is stated that it is the policy of the Railways Department that no seats are reserved under a journey of 12 miles, but this policy should be waived in the case of wounded soldiers. Surely they are entitled to every consideration we can give them.”

It was decided to wait until the next meeting of the committee before taking further action to see if a rep.y were received to the secretary’s letter.

Rehabilitation of Youths “This is one of the vital problems wc arc facing to-day," said the secretary, when reading a report of the conference convened by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb), which was called to discuss the effect of military service on apprenticeships and trainees in the professions, particularly concerning youths who were called up for service at the age of 18. As a result of the meeting, a committee was set up to draft a report on the discussion for submission to the Government. “The whole thing is,” said Mr Harris, “that the facilities for training beys going into the Army are just not there."

Roll of Honour Mr W. F. Evans asked if the “Roll of Honour" for the Temuka district was being kept up to date, the secretary replying that every endeavour was being made to do so, and to avoid the confused position which arose at the end of last war when the Association was obliged to advertise for names for inclusion. It was decided that the secretary bring a list of the names recorded by him to the next meeting when it could be checked by members. It was agreed that a guard of honour be provided by the R.S.A. on the occasion of the visit of the GovernorGeneral to Temuka and that the President (Mr J. L. Menzies) be asked to take charge of the guard. Appreciation of the decorations placed on returned soldiers’ graves by the caretaker of the Temuka Cemetery (Mr S. Southby) was expressed by Mr W. Spillane, his remarks being endorsed by all present. It was decided that this appreciation be recorded in the minutes.

Discussion took place on ways of encouraging men returned from the present war to take an interest in the work of the Association, and it was agreed that all committee meetings be open to men returned from this war and that every endeavour be made to secure their interest. Mr G. Horgan was welcomed by the president and. at the conclusion of the meeting, expressed appreciation of the work of the committee.

The secretary reported that the membership of the Temuka branch now stood at 170, an increase of 10 on last year. CONTRIBUTION FROM WAITOHI The sum of £55 will be handed in as a contribution to the “Win the War" appeal from the Waitohi district as the result of the Gala Day held recently. Mr A. J. Davey presided at a meeting held in the Waitohi Library on Monday evening to finalise the accounts of the Gala Day Committee when it was decided to endeavour to make the Gala Day an annual fixture. The meeting concluded with a dance. Music was supplied by Mr J. McCabe and the Misses D. Davey, G. Talbot and L. Crombie. A “Monte Carlowaltz was won by Miss J. Squire and Mr L. Parish. Mr J. McColl was M.C. RAIN WELCOMED Although the heavy rain experienced during the last few days has delayed haymaking operations and the harvesting of grass seed as well as putting down some crops of wheat and oats, it has been welcomed by farmers generally in the Temuka district. Rape and root crops, as well as pastures, will benefit very considerably. A total of 264 points of rain was recorded in Temuka up to 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Of these, 124 points fell before the same time on Monday. PERSONAL A motion of sympathy with Canon A. H. Norris and Sergeant J. Southworth in the loss of their sons overseas was passed at the monthly meeting of the Temuka R.S.A. A letter of sympathy in his illness will be forwarded to Mr C. P. J. Blathwayt, a veteran of the South African war by the Temuka R.S.A. Mr L. V. Talbot, president of the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union and chairman of the South Canterbury Primary Production Council, will return this morning from a visit to Christchurch, where, in company with the secretary. Mr A. B. Struthers, of Timaru he interviewed the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. J. G. Barclay on matters connected with primary production.