SECOND DIVISION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12063, 19 July 1917, Page 4

SECOND DIVISION.

WELLINGTON CONFERENCE. STATEMENT BY DEFENCE MINISTER. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON. July 18. Addressing the. Second Division League's Conference Sir James Allen said he felt fairly safe in predicting that the combing out and re-examina-tion of the remaining First Division reservists would produce at least one reinforcement, and possibly two. The classification of tho Second Division would not be completed until August. Ho was confident of the loyal support of tho Second Division, and the Government would do its best to relieve them of their difficulties in respect of wives and other dependents. He could not, give definite information, but ho intended to submit a scheme to Parliament as early as possible. Tho conference resolved -

"That the Government, be requested to provide the necessary machinery for completing the medical examination of each class of the Second Division at least one month before tho ballot for such class is taken, also that, all C2 men, after being passed as frt on reexamination. shall not be required to go into camp before the expiry of three months from such re-examination." Other resolutions were:--- " Tint, the medical examination bo matin the deciding factor as to tho liability of tho State, so that if a man is passed as physically fit by the examining .Medical Board, the State shall take full responsibility from the moment, of his parading for entry into camp, and that, in the event of his death or disablement by disease or by accident (when on leave included), he and his dependents shall be entitled to the same pensions and allowances as if death or disablement occurred on active service, or resulted from his employment, as a member of the Expeditionary Forces."

Thai' the Government, be requested to provide swell competent control of the cost of living as will ensure protection against pensions and allowances from being at- any future time, rendered inadequate hv the opera.tions of thofie seeking privato profit out of the necessaries of life, the Govrrntjient to take such action as will result ih the. reduction of the cost of living, and that allowances to wives and all dependents increase in the same ratio as the cost of living.''

" That provision he made by the Government for recording the votes of all soldiers at homo or abroad at all general flections and referenda, and on all national questions submitted to the people for decision by popular vote." "Thai the should provide a legal representative in each town where a board sits, whoso services shall be available to appellants before the. Military Service Board fre.ei of cost to appellants." "That, -the register of all classes of reservists I>a immediately completed by the authorities, and steps be taken to enforce the penal provisions of the Act."