THE SECOND DIVISION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17064, 17 August 1917, Page 6

THE SECOND DIVISION.

MEETING AT THE OPERA HOUSE,

A PROTEST RECORDED

A public meeting was held at the Opera House last night under the auspices of the Second Division League. Tho attendance was poor. Mr E. F. Liffiton, jun., presided, and expressed regret that there ivere not more present. This regret was also shared by Mr. T. B. Slipper, who said it was unfortunate there, had been a postponement of the meeting. There had been a proposal to lower the military age, but it did not emanate from the Second Division, \rho had unhesitatingly condemned it.

In order to clear the ground, as the speaker ptit it, he moved: " That this meeting of the Wanganui Second Division League emphatically protests against the intention of the Government to lower the military age of reservists.'' The resolution was seconded by Mr. C. H. Burnett and carried unanimously.

Proceeding, Mr Slipper explained the objects of the movement, and made full reference to the recent Second Division Conference at Wellington. The aims were strictly non-political, and tlie Second Division i-eservists' sole aim "was to provide for-their wives and children. Jhe majority of the members of Parliament were in cordial sympathy with the movement.

Mr C. H, Burnett explained the war pensions scheme proposed, and dealt with the remits passed at the Conference.

Mr Rogers deprecated the increasing cost of living, and said all the Second Division asked for was a fair thing for their wives and children.

Mr Ross, after urging the audience to enroll as members of' the Second Division, moved: "That this meeting of the Second Division League calls on the Government to legislate without further delay and make provision for the dependents of soldiers, and, further, make the necessary arrangements for the medical examination of Second Division reservists, so that they can take the necessary steps in regard to their business interests.''

The motion was carried unanimously.