POLITICAL ACTION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 7

POLITICAL ACTION

R.S.A. DECISION.

NON-PARTY POLITICS. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, October 21. The Returned Soldiers’ Conference discussed at length the Christchurch Association’s remit proposing the omission of the words “ non-political” from the headquarters constitution. The mover. Mr AV. E. Leadley, explained that the Christchurch Association was against tho party politics but considered that political action of some kind should be taken to secure the soldiers their rights, Air Inder (Auckland) moved the omission of the word “non.” By becoming political, he said, the returned soldiers could make demands which they were entitled to make. The association should prepare to put its own members into Parliament in future years. It should form its own party—a “New Zealand ” or “ National ” party. Air Smith (Gore) said that the entry into politics as a party would rend the association asunder. Instead, it should go “ baldheaded ” for the men in Parliament and compel them to bring down definite policies on such matters as land settlement, etc.

Air Perry (Wellington) opposed the association degenerating into supporting any political party. If it, did it would split into fragments, each sedtlon becoming like a voice in the wilderness, for they would not havo public support.

Mr Harper (Wellington) said he trusted _ public opinion to support the association's demands.

Mr Inders amendment was lost by 06 votes to 27. Finally Mr Leadley’s remit was carried, with the addition of an amendment moved by Mr Bell (Walroa), that the following words be added, ” and non-party politics, except by the submission of questions and the publication of answers thereto, seek to influence the views of its members regarding any candidate for public office, or any political or municipal party.” (The above is tho message as it was received. Doubtless the intention of 'the conference is to alter clause 2 of <&> constitution of tire association to read as follows:—‘‘The association shall he non-sectarian and non-party political, except that by the submission of questions to candidates, and the publication of answers thereto ; it may seek to influence the views of its members regarding any candidate for public office or for any poetical or municipal party.”)