R.S.A. CONFERENCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12646, 2 June 1919, Page 5

R.S.A. CONFERENCE

PINAL DAY'S SITTING. The annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association ' was continued to-day in the Masonic Hall, tho president (Dr Boxer) iu the chair. CANTEEN FUNDS. Mr Seymour, general secretary, said that there was a surplus of £IO,OOO of accumulated canteen funds from Trcntham and other camps, and the Minister of Defence had asked for a recommendation. The executive suggested that tho funds should form the nucleus of a pension fund for dependents of soldiers who died in the epidemic and wore not otherwise eligible. He did nob agree with the recommendation, for he did not see how a dividing line could be drawn between influenza or any other disease or accident. It had i eI1 i ? u Sgested_ to him that the money be applied to a big advertising campaign designed to get the country to real iso its duty to tho soldier and got Ins business back. Mr A. Cnrtayne said that the excess profits should novor have hoen latcd but he did not think that it would be misapplied in the relief of dependents of soldiers who died in the en incline, but were just outside the Act. The epidemic was quite unusual. He moved that the recommendation should) be adopted. Mr T. Miller seconded the motion, which was carried. rcsolv ed to meet next vear 'n Wellington. Votes of thank- were accorded to the o nyor and Citv Council for the use of the Council Chamber, the Press the Tramway Board for free passes’, the Cnnterburv Park Trotting Chib, tho Ravage Club, the outgoing executive and the late president (MrO W Ration). On Mr M’Callunrs motion, it was resolved to increase the headounrters levy to 4k. of which 2; would be paid pack to district committees for orfan- ■ ir-ariou purposes. " The ouifejcnce concluded with “ VnVI 1 Lang Svne.” after which cheers w*v o ■ given for the president, and the Nat- ; icnal Anthem was snug.