SECOND DIVISION.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7918, 14 August 1917, Page 1

SECOND DIVISION.

MR G. HUNTER INTERVIEWED.

BY WAIPUKTJRAU BRANCH.

(Own Correspondent)

Oil Saturday afternoon the executive of the local branch of the Second Division League waited on Mr Geo. Hunter, M.P., at the Council Chambers for the purpose of asking his support to the proposals of the Second Division League when they are dealt with in the House.

Mr Goodger, president of the Waipukurau branch; laid before Mr Hunter the objects of the League. He said the League would assist the Government in every way possible to bring the war to a victorious end. Second Division Reservists were quite prepared and anxious to go into the trenches as their turn came, but desired to know exactly the position their dependents would be in during their absence. /The Reservists were not asking for any more pay than the First Division Reservists were getting, but did ask for a separation allowance and a more satisfactory pension scale. Pensions should be by right and by schedule, so that soldiers would know that their dependents were not wanting. The League asked that the allowance be raised from Is to 6s per diem and that for children from 9d to Is 6d per day. The speaker said he had little doubt that when the Government fixed the present separation allowance over two years ago it did so with the idea of discouraging married men from enlisting. Conditions were more serious now, and the present pay was inadequate. There was wealth in the country, and those remaining at home would make no sacrifice in providing for the dependents of the men at the front. He understood the Cabinet was bringing down an amending bill shortly, and he felt sure Mr Hunter would see that the reservists got fair treatment. The country could well afford to deal liberally with its soldiers. They did not only ask for that, but what they wanted was a square deal.

In reply Mr Hunter said he was pleased to meet the deputation and have the position placed before him. He had not as yet had time to study all the requirements put forward by the League, but speaking generally his sympathy was with them. When the bill was introduced in the House he would endeavor to see that the requests of the League were given effect to. Before the bill was dealt with he would forward a copy to the executive so as to receive any. suggestions they wished to make. The present allowance was inadequate, and when opportunity arrived he would do his' best for the reservists. Sacrifice was good, but no sacrifice was so great as the sacrifice of lives, and the sacrifice of wealth would have to be more uniform than at present. He was pleased to hear the League was opposed to the conscription of youths of 19. He would sooner see the age extended by two years than reduced by one. He still had hopes that the war would be over before the Second Division men reached the firing line. Questioned as .to whether the reinforcement quota was a voluntary offer from the Imperial authorities or whether it was due to pressure being brought to bear by the New Zealand Government, Mr Hunter stated he understood it was a voluntary offer from the Imperial authorities. Personally he was opposed to any reduction except at the express wish of the Imperial authorities. Mr Goodger then thanked Mr Hunter for receiving the deputation and expressing his views on the matter.