PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES CONFER

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2698, 18 February 1916, Page 7

PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES CONFER

ADDRESS BY HON. G. W. RUSSELL STATE RESPONSIBILITIES THE MISSION OF THE PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES . 1 A conference of delegates, of patriotic societies administering war relief funds ■was opened in tho Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall yesterday. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Bussell). by whom the conference had been convened, presided, and delivered an opening address. The folio tying delegates attended the conference: — Wellington Province.—Mr. J. P. Luke, the Mayor's Patriotic Society; Mr. W. Ferguson (chairman); Mr. I). MTjarcn, Wellington War llelief Association; and Mr. L._ 0. H. Tripp; Mrs. W. Nathan. Miss Nathan, and Mr. A. D. Crawford, Ked Cross Military Guild, Wellington; Mrs. A. Crawford and Mre. Dymock. Lady Liverpool Pnnd, Wellington; Mr. E. H. Crabb, Manawatn 'Patriotic Society; Mr, T. B. Williams, Wanganui Patriotic Com-

mittee; Mrs. B. H. 'Suisted, jfilitary Hospital Guild, Wanganui; Mr. Al.bert Pord. Waikanae and District Patriotic Society;Mr. B. E. Gardener, levin and District Patriotic Socety; Mr. E. B. Robertson. Akitio County Patriotic Funds; Mr. J. W. Card, Wairarapa Patriotic Society; Mr. A. 0. Considine, Martinborougb, Wairarapa Patriotic Socioty; Mr. J). Hobenfon, secretary Wairarapa Patriotic Society; Mr. Alf. Fraser, Foxton Patrio(ic Society; Mr. A. L, Arrowsraith, Mayor of Taihapo, Taihapo Patriotic Society; Mr. F. C. Wilson, Mayor of Marton, Raugitikei Patriotic Society; Mr. Jo seph Lewis, Wellington Patriotic Society; Air. James Bull, chairman, Huntervillo Patriotic Society; Mr. C. G. Lovien, Iviinholton I'etarned Soldiers' Fund; Mr. H. .T. Booth, Feilding .Citizens' and Far-

mere' Union Relief Committee; Major Tatum (Horowhenua), Manukau Patriotic Society; Kev. G. F. Fetrie, Otaki Patriotic Sociotv; Mr. M. A. Carr, Combined Sports' Tobacco Fund; Mr. G. I'l. Tolhurst, N.Z. War Contingent Association (I.ondon); Dr. Valintinc, Chief Health ODicer. ' . Canterbury Province.—Mr. H. Holland, Mayor of Chrisfchurch; Mr. Cyrn9 Williams, Mr. J. .T. Dougall, Canterbury Patriotic l*nnd;'Mr. C. W. Nicoll. Ashbnrton County War TCclijf Fund; Major Norton Francis. Waimate; .Mr. G. S. Crar, South Canterbury Patriotic War JJelief Society; Mr. W. M. Hamilton. South Canterbury Patriotic War Belief Society; Rev. J. B. Clarg, Woodend Patriotic Committee. Otago Province—Mr. Cbas. Speight, Hon. ,T. T. Paul, K-ev. F. G. Cummin?, Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association; Mt. Mark Colion, Dunedin "Evening Star" Funds.: Mr. .T. M. Forrester, North. Otaso Soldiers' Trustees, Oamani. Southland Province.—Mr. A. W. "Rodger, chairman. Southland Patriotic Committee; Mr. Chas. Campbell, secretary., Southland 'Patriotic Committee.

Taranaki Province—Mt. J. E. Wilson, chairman. Taranaki Provincial Patriotic Association.

Hawke's Bay Province.—Mr. F,. A. Ransom, Dafinevirke. and Mr. G. N. Pharazyn, Hawke's Bay :Central BxecnHve; Mr. C. H. Williams, Hastings .Patriotic Society; Mr. A. B. Knight, Dannevirke Patriotic Society; Mr. J. Harding. Woodrille Patriotic Committee. Marlborough Province—Mr. F. C. Fell, Marlborough Patriotic Fund; Mr. E. J. Harvey (treasurer), Marlborough Patriotic Fund.

Nelson C. : .T. Harlev, Nelson Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund; Mr. W. W. Snoderass (secretary). Nelson "ick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund; Mr. •T. Liddell-Harris, Takaka- Patriotic league; Mr. L. P. Eilev, Colling.wood District Patriotic Societies.

West land Province.—Mr. J. Grrmmond, Westland Patriotic Fund (Mayor of Eosslj Mr. G. E. Perkins. Mayor, of Greymouth, Greymonth. Patriotic Society. The Minister of .Internal Affairs said, in the course of his address to the delegates:—

"The problem of dealing with the returned soldiers is a complex one, and becomes more and more difficult with the evolution of events, ft may be as well, m tho first place, to Indicate what the Government itself is doing. "(1) The pensions scheme established by New Zealand, as compared with that in any other country in the world, must be regarded as satisfactory. At the beginning the Pensions Board apparently held somewhat restricted, views as to its responsibility to the men, and showed a tendency to unduly conserve the financial interests of the State. This, however, has been altered. A wider yiew is being taken by the board, and I do not think any reasonable ground of complaint now erists. '

"(2) The Government have assumed entire responsibility for the return to health of the soldiers. They are paying to the hospital boards the entire cost of the treatment of .the men in hospital, and have also established at Kotorua, and are establishing at Hanmer, large convalescent camps for convalescent soldiers, the financial responsibility of which is entirely assumed by tho State.

(3) The Discharged Soldiers' Information Department has already been tho gleans of providing employment for a large number of men who have returned iroiu the frout. Tho Department is well officered, and with the assistance of the Patriotic Societies will Ixi the means of doing a large amount .of valuablo work for the benefit of the returned soldiers. ' '(4) Under the Laud Laws Amendment Act, passed last session, power was given to the Minister of Lands to exempt cither (vholly or in _ part from the payment of rent under his lease or license any soldier holding Crown Luhls, such exemption to operate until six months after hjs discharge. Power was also given under lvhich an agent duly authorised bv any soldier could apply for any land belonglEffto ike Cvoytji • open for solo or occupation, and applicants tinder this section £rveu an equal preference at tho ballot with applicants who arc landless P r , woo have twice unsuccessfully balloted tor sections. These provisions are being administered by the Bight Hon. Mr. Massey in the interests of the solvere, and some meii have already obtained sections under the provisions referred mnny '" oro will ■ Sl\ -? legislation later on. i (5) With ii view of further assistin" the soldiers tue Government arc establish" ing inquiry bureaux at every centre in tho Dominion, the intention beini; that an officer shall bp appointed whoso business it wilt be to receive all inquiries and complaints from returned soldicre. anil forward them direct to the Departments interested, in onWr that such complaiuls bo Promptly dealt

The Responsibility of the State, ■DeaJini; with the question of the responsibility of the State in. tho matter, jMt. Russell said, inter alia: "The State accepts entire responsibility Sor the soldier from his enlistment to his discharge as regards pay, clothing, hospital service, and all other necessaries. After his discharge it provides for him «. pension, within cerl.ain defined limits laid down by statute. It assists him to *mployment as far as possible; it proTide? pensions for his dependents, and (fives him special rights in connection with obtaining Crown land. It also gives nun, other things being eqnal, a preference for employment. Outside and bor"!.- th° matters mentioned the State's liability must bo regarded as ending with the soldier's discharge. Ho then reBTIm ] cs his civilian status, and in sickness or health alike has all tho usual privileges and rights which attach lo citizenship- If sickness comes upon liim as I? e rc ® n "' °£. the service he has gono through, he is, upon or after his discharge, entitled to demand a pension from the Government, or, if his case lias already been -considered by the Pensions Board, a reconsideration of it, in order r.hat the altered circumstances which have developed, possibly entitling him to a higher rate of pension, may be considered by the Board. Although the normal period in a pension for disablement may be claimed is six months after discharge, it is provided in Section 12 of Hie War Pensions Act, 1915, that " tho limit of time fixed by the N section shall not aaply in any case where the Board i

is satisfied that through inadvertence or nccidcnt or because disablement bad not beconio evident or for other sufficient cause, a claim lor a pension was not made within the proscribed time.

A Medical Board of Appeal. It is potable that in some cases *;oldiers have been discharged from the forces boforo their condition of health justly warranted such discharge. 1 fim j;/ posed to think that possibly a Board of Appeal may be desirable to review tho decision of tho military authorities m those eases.

"I make this statement with a full sense of responsibility as Minister of J. übhc Health, and 1 feel sure my colleague, tho Hon. the Minister of Defence would be the first to admit that ivhero a mistakb had been made by tho dischar"o of a soldier whoso condition of health really rendered further treatment in hospital or convalescent camp necessary it should be at ouce rectified, so that the soldier should not suffer. It would bo quite possible to establish such a Board of Appeal by utilising the services of the medical officens of the Public' Health Department, assisted by two civilian medical practitioners. I believo that were this proposal followed out it would give satisfaction alike to the soldiers, their rcla* tives, *ind the people of the Dominion. . "One further responsibility which the State lias accepted and discharge to the full is assistance by way of pension to dependents of the soldier*."

.The Responsibilities of Patriotic Societies. Mr. Russell said that one of the objects of the conference was to endeavour to define the responsibilities which the societies were willing to assume. He thought it wouJd-be admitted that the followin" might fairly bo regarded as legitimate ol£ jects of expenditure from the patriouc tunds:— L After enlistment, to assist the dependents of a soldier whera necessary, to as to mako certain his wife and children and others dependent upon him will liut suffer through his patriotism. It will be evident that beyond tho separation allowance tho Stato cannot dilfrrentiate in tho pay of Soldiers as between married and single men. 11. On his rettwii Dominion, to see that his comfort is reasonably provided for in all respects that are outside nud beyond the responsibility of the Stato.' ihis may bo done bv—

(1.) Providing a soldiers' Lome or hostel' in each district, where serviceable board and lodging may be obtained at cheap rates. Such homes should be iu reality, with newspapers, magazines, books, writing accommodation", etc. The homes sliculd not bo permanent places of residence, but similar to ibe Sailors' lUmes at our principal ports. Q'l i'lu to secure employment. ! W-Mo that end seeking the co-opera-tion of the Education and Technical uillego Boards (for purposes of training), and of local authorities, private employers, etc. (for employment). U.) Establishing or assisting soldiers to purchaso or rent poultry farms, small blocks of land for intensive culture, sniall fruit farms, and city and sul> . ' urban businesses as s-hops. (5.) Giving the soldier and his dependents such recreation by travel, excursion, etc., as may l>3 considered desirable, ill. bo far 1 have dealt with the soldier who is well or partially disabled. As regards tho sick and wounded, on their return, tho patriotic societies could— (1.) Assist by providing comforts outside tho responsibility of the Stato and ■which are not provided for the ordinary civilian in the hosp'tals". (2.) .Establish Visiting committees for all hospitals. (3.) .Assist relatives to visit sick and wounded soldiers ill hospital. (!.) Supplement pensions in necessitous cas ®® *°F tile benefit of both soldiers and their dependents. (5.) On return to health, either wholly 01 ' 111 part, bring tho soldier "under scheme suggested in Section 11.

An Absence of Unity. n" 1 heI P thinking," said Mr. Bussell, "that thero is at tho present time a want of full and complete organisation, nnitj-, and uniformity in connection with patriotic effort. In some portions ot the Dominion a high condition of excellence in the organisation and distribution of the patriotic funds has already been , reached. In others this state of excellence has not up to tho present obtained, whilst there are other por- <??? of the . Dominion where, on account ot the sparsity of the population, and the lact that wealth is not widely distributed, the possibility of supplementing the State pensions and grafts is limited. In them the patriotic funds are of necessity small. The West Coast of the South Island is an example. I understand that from those districts the enlistment of men has, in proportion to the population, been lar"er than in others in the Dominion. I propose to ask the War Funds Council to devote portion of its funds to the supplementation of patriotic efforts in that portion of the Dominion, and to establish Local Advisory Committees under the War Funds Act, in order that the soldiers from those districts (and from 'any other districts similarly situated) may be treated with the 6aiue generosity that -will be possible in districts where the wealth of the people enables much larger patriotic funds to be raised.

Exploitation of Funds. "Another important matter," said tho Minister, "which this conference is bound to consider is what steps are practicable to prevent exploitation of the funds by undeserving persons. The necessitv for this course' hits already been prove'd by cases which have couio before our LawCourts. The first aud most immediate requirement is that there should bo a system of intercommunication established 'between the different societies, so that there may be at least, a monthly (or possibly even a weekly) distribution to every ■patriotic society of the names of persons receiving benefits from the fund. The most satisfactory method of accomplishing this, it appears to me, would bo to establish a central offico in Wellington. To this office there should be forwarded at stated periods, either webkly or monthly, ft complete list of the State pensioners, and also of persons receiving benefits from the different patriotic societies. From this office there should he posted weekly to society, alterations and addition's to the list. By this means a satisfactory, check would be placed upon dishonest persons who endeavoured to exploit tho patriotic funds. The corollary of this is that there should be only one administrative body in each centre and district. .This matter, J. think, yon will fully recognise. for it must be evident that where more than one society exists for the administration of relief and assistance a premium is offered to dishonest persons to exploit the patriotism of the people."

DISCUSSION BY DELEGATES STATE AND VOLUNTARY ACTION DEFINING THE TWO SPHERES Tho Minister of Internal Affairs said lio understood thorp was a fooling in the country Hint tho Government de<?ired (o dominate tho action of the 'Patriotic Societies. Hn wished emphatically to repudiate any such <lesiro. Tf the conference were to form the opinion thai; it should consist solely of delegates from tho Patriotic Societies, lie would be perfectly willing to withdraw. Mr. Cyrus Williams enid that at Christclnirch, and North Canterbury, eonio alarm was Long expressed at tho attitude of tho Government. Exception was taken to tho circulars which liirf been issued by the Department asking Cor certain information. The opinion was held that tho Minister had been rathe.r hastr in this matter, and thp idea that the Minister was seekinsr to interfere in the management of tho funds was creating a feeling of uneasiness, and would, he feared,, havo a detrimental effect, as was exemplified by the atecnce of any delegates from Auckland. He moved that the conference hold its deliberations in the proFence solely of representatives of tho j Patriotic Societies. I

Mr. M Laren propoped as an amendment that the Minister I*21*2 tlnnkod for his address, but that the conference be one of the delegates of the societies, who could confer with the Minister towards the close of the conference.

Tho matter was discussed at some length, and the opinion was expressed that the proposal made was not; only an ,&ct of discourtesy to tta Minister/ but

was a reflection on the delegates who had beeu sent there? to discharge a duly_. and who should bo credited with having the courago of their convictions.

-Mr. Jvtidscll doiiied that there was any ucsiro Qji the part of tho Government to interfere with the administration of the patriotic funds. 110 defended the dispatch of circulars; asking the societies tor certain information; They find placed Hie War Guilds Act on the .Statute and Jie had been made responsible to Parliament, and the tho soldiers. If ho lound that there were patriotic conirpittcos who were not administering the fluids in the interests of the soldiers, lie was determined to do his duty. Some days ago he came across an instance where'a Patriotic Society had ,£23,000 lying idle and not earning any interest. It was tho business of the Minister where cases of tins kind wore known to get the information necessary, in order that pressure might .bo brought to bear upon the societies who were holding large sums of ' money uninvested, lie knew tho feelIng underlying the attack, but he would not disclose it, as ho wished to avoid discord.

Another proposal was that tho Minister do asked to remain, but that the conference appoint its own chairman. Peplying to further remarks bv delegates, Mr. Kussell said that the Ciovernmont had no intention of bringing down nnj legislation ior the purpose of interfering with the management of the pat-'-•i. 0 V C i ' a w at present 011 the statute Book was quite sufficient for tho |)urpo*?s of the Government. The inforIllation which was obtained was laid bold ro [ arllament, and if the people of tho country were dissatisfied with the management of th«_ patriotic funds tlu-y would mako their views heard through their representatives in Parliament. I ho opinion of tho majorit-v of the delegates was that the Minister should be invited to remain and to preside, and finally a motion to this effect was carried. Various suggestions had been prepared by the Minister for eonsideraton by the conference, and it was proposed by the chairman that those be referred to committees for consideration and ieport. A counter-proposal thai a general discussion sliouM fir.-.t take place on each of the suggestions for- the guidance of the committee was agreed to.

A duty of the Government. Thn first suggestion which was considered was that the conference should dctiue the respective responsibilities of the State and tho patriotic societies with regard to 6oldiers either within or bevond i\'ew' Zealand. The chairman said that the idea of tho inclusion of the words "beyond Now Zealand" was tu enable them jio consider tho question of some | measure of relief among the New Zealand sick and wounded soldiers in KngUiud. Ths Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) moved: "That the provision of necessaries and comforts for the New Zealand soldiers in Great Britain and overseas should devolve on the Government of New Zealand." The Government should sliouldci\ this responsibility, and the patriotic societies could supplement the amounts if they cared to. n any soluiers either in New Zealand or the Old Country were in want oi either necessities or comforts, it was a disgraceful state of affairs. The responsibility of the Government should date from tho enlistment of the soldier to his discharge. Tho chairman, said the position of tho Government was clear. Tiio Government would provide all hospital attendance, find evorything necessary for the soldier, but tho Government would not pledge itself to supply comforts and luxuries. A proposal that tho societies should devote ten per cent, of their income for disbursement amun«* the wounded New Zealand soldiers in England was not seconded.

The view was expressed that the word comforts" should be excised from Mr. Lukes motion, as otherwise it would leave nothing .for tho patriotic societies to do. Another speaker urged that the Government's responsibilities should not be held to cease with the discharge of tho soldier from the forces. It was to be assumed that the responsibilities of tho Government to the men extended untiP the men had recovered their former strength and activity. The chairman said that he was prepared to accept Mr. Luke's motion on t'he clear understanding that it did not contemplato any action by the Government in the direction of providing everything that might bo regarded as ministering to the comtort of the men. • M i r L .P ro P°sal was then adopted in the following form"That the provision of necessities and comforts for fhe soldiers in Great Britain and overseas should devolve on the Government of Aew Zealand, and be supplemented by the patriotic societies as they thought fit, i the responsibility of tho Government to date from the enlistment of tho soldier to nis discharge." Mr. Rodger argued that a deal* responsibility rested upon the Government, apart from private effort, to see to the soldier s return to civilian life. This should not involve a demand upon the. tunas oi the patriotic societies. The returned soldier (and . his dependents) should bo restored to the position as nearly as possible m which he was bcore he enlisted, and this duty shotiM be carried out by the Government , . A motion was submitted by Mr. Eodger in tnese terms and was agreed to.

Soldiers' Dependents. Mr. M'Larcn then moved"That tho resjKiiisibility of providing for the needs of the soldiers' dependents should rest upon the State, to be supplemented by the assistance of the patriotic societies in special cases." He said there was a strong public feeling in favour of this pnnciplo. The motion was agreed to. Mr. M'Laren pointed out that tho business of the conference could bo considered under five headings(l) Stato and voluntary action; (2) general relief; (3) investment; (4) institutions; (5) organisation. He moved:—"That a State and voluntary Action Committee be allpointed." Mr. Tripp seconded the motion, which was earned. Mr. Bodger asked what the attitude of the Government would bo towards the resolutions of tho conference. The chairman said they would have to be considered by Cabinet. A deputation could be appointed by tho conferencc to place the resolutions before the Prinio Minister.

It was decided to refer to a State and Voluntary Action Committee the defini. tion of the respective responsibilities of the State and the patriotic societies with regard to soldiers, either within or beyond New Zealand. ♦ Necessity of a Federation. ■ A general discussion took place on the question of a central organisation and the affiliation of the district societies. Mr. Craig moved: —"That this conference affirms the necessity of securing the federation of the patriotic and war relief associations, and that a committee bc> appointed to consider proposals for federation, to bo submitted to tho conference for adoption." Mr. M'Tjiiren seconded tho motion, which was adopted. Crmimittee.i wore then appointed to consider and to report next day on tho nucstions of State and voluntary action, "general relief, institutions, investments, and organisation.

Remittances to Soldiers, The Minister of Dcfcncc (the Hon. .T. Allen) attended the conference during the afternoon in order to reply to certain questions affecting remittances to soldiers which had been raised by delegates. The Minister pointed out that men in hospitals- or convalescent homes did not require considerable sums of money, and experience had taught therii it was only advisable to hand oyer money to the soidier patients in small sums "in order to provide them with tobacco, etc. Any money sent to the soldier was paid to him with his accumulated pay. Arrangements had been mado in London to se-

cure for the soldier hoard ami lodging at 3s. per day. This accommodation was under the management of New Zealanders in London. An unmarried man with' no dependents did not require assistance on leaving the hospital' as ho had his accumulated pay to collect.

Mr. Russell said the conference desired to know whether thoro would bo an.y difficulty in tho way of distributing money sent home to provide extra comforts for tho men in hospitals and convalescent homes, and to supply them with some spare cash.

The Minister replied that there would be grave difficulty, and beside?, he asked, was there any necessity for this in the case of men who were in hospitals and convalescent hom®J. The .position to-das.

with regard to tlio funds nt the disposal of the Defence Department was tliat they had distributed in England something like .E7OOO, contributed by the public of Now Zealand, and .sent to the Defence Department or the Secretary of Internal Affairs, for the provision of comforts for the sick and wounded, in addition to the ordinary requirements which the Government provided. They held » ray small balance now, and the Patriotic Societies might supplement this by ,£ISOO per month for the men in England, and per month for the men 1n Egypt, .Malta, and elsewhere. He paid a tribute to the relief work in Eomloiu aml the prominent part which had been taken in it by the ladies. They could rest assured. despite tho idle rumours in circulation, that the men in England were well looked after. He had certainly heard nothing to the contrary. 11l addition there wa« nothing more that could bo dono for the sick and wouHlcd in Egypt than they were doing. The Conference adjourned till 10 a.m. to-day.