RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12711, 5 August 1919, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

DOMINION EXECUTIVE MEETING. [Peu Press Association.] t WELLINGTON, August 4. Hie quarterly meeting of the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand lieturned Soldiers’ Association ivas held during the week-end, the sessions occupying three full days- There were present;—Dr E. Boxer (president), aiessrs C. W. Batten (vice-president), J. D. Harper, R. j. F. Aldrich, R. B. pell, x\. Uurtayne (Wellington), B. J. Jacobs (Palmerston North), J. A. Cowles (Wairarapa), W. Pollock (Auckand), A. S- Laing (Dunedin), T. MilP 1 ; (Taieri), H. Scott (Tirnaru), N. B. i a | jUm auc | ‘ T3. Leadley (Christcliurch), L. S. Graham (Invercargill), D. J. B. Seymour (general secretary), and Lieutenant-Colonel -Mitchell (Wellington district organiser). ihe resignation of Mr M’Lean (Otago) as vice-president was accepted 'ptu regret, ana was referred back to the Otago District Committee for a nomination.

The board of management of “ Quick March-’ (the official organ of the returned soldiers), presented their report, which was regarded as very satisfactory. The chairman (Mr Harper) also announced the resignation of Mr L. S. I anning as associate editor as trom September. A resolution was carried expressing appreciation of Mr c anning s services and regretting that circumstances had arisen which in Mr I .alining’s opinion made it advisable for him to resign the position. .n M^ d , a “ les Matthew, Holmes and x/hatneld attended as a deputation representing the Women’s National Reserve, to enlist the association’s support in erecting a national memorial chapel m the soldiers’ cemetery at Karori. The .adies were thanked for their work and interest in the matter, and after discussion it was decided that the association take no direct action in the matter, hut assure the Women’s National Reserve of its support. The following affiliations of new association* were approvedWaiuku, ” oodvillo and district, Wainawa, Te Awamutu. Whakatanc Counkjj W,tuhi, and Opotiki County, A protracted debate took place on Die question of the action taken by the Auckland Association in connection with political action, and finally the mK lno^lon was agreed to:— That the sub-committee, on receipt of the Auckland political platform (which is hereby requested), forward to each local association a verbatim report of ii fTiscnssion on political action at the Christchurch conference, and that local associations he asked to call by written notice a general meeting to discuss the matter. The Auckland Association is requested to forward to headquarters copies of every circular or communication forwarded’to the local associations.”

The president stated that MajorGeneral Russell had agreed to a request u 1/. • should, on the association’s behalf inspect the soldiers’ settlement in and around his district. The announcement was cordially received, and at the General’s suggestion an order of reference was prepared for ms guidance.

Following the request of the Minister of Defence when answering representatives of the executive on Saturday, a detailed list of the association's roquirements arising under the principle of retrospection was arranged and ordered to be forwarded to Sir James Allen.

It was resolved to ask the Government to make arrangements to exempt returned soldiers from fines in connection with stamp duty on land and arising out of delay for which the soldier is not responsible. A letter from the Hawera Association, suggesting that life members should be admitted on payment of a) subscription of £5 was referred to the next conference.

A discussion arose on the present action of the Defence Department in remitting fines imposed on soldiers on active service. Strong exception was taken by the executive to the extreme leniency displayed in remitting severe fines imposed as a result of imprisonment with hard Labour, thus condoning the offences and making the men eligible, for admission into the Returned Soldiers’ Association by virtue of the fact that such remissions cleared their characters. It was resolved that the Minister s attention be drawn to the fact that men are receiving large remissions of fines, and this association recommends that the regulations be tightened up considerably. , As. a result of representations made by Mr Pollock on behalf of the Auckland Association, it was decided that Messrs Pollock and Leadley and the general secretary should interview Dr Hay, Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals; with reference to the conditions prevailing in Avondale and Sunnyside Mental Hospitals. It was resolved that the Railway Department he asked to make immediate provision for the carriage of huildiuc material and stock to soldiers’ settle" monts.

It was decided that the executive, snbieot to the general manciples involved and to notifications to local associations of its views and the full reasons therefor, may modify the conelusions reached hv the conference, if in its opinion, such modifications are vitally, and immediately necessary in view of dew conditions having arisen.