SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3123, 29 June 1917, Page 9

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE

FEATHERSTON BRANCH. The third meeting of the Fcathorston branch of the Second Division League was held on Monday, Mr. J. W Card presiding. The election of officers resuited:—President, Mr. J. W. Card; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. C Holms; committee, Messrs. E. E. Sinclair C. J. Carlyon, T. R. Sannders, G. H. Galyer, J. W. Holland, W. H. Bowles, and. 1 , . Smith. Mr. Holms was elected as tlie representative of tho branch at tho conference to be held in Wellington on July 18. Tho following remits were submitted and, after discussion, carried:—(l) "That the Government ba urged to follow tho lead given by the United States Government in the matter of conducting a vigor, ous campaign to ronnd up those who have failed to enrolin the Expeditionary Force Reserve, a?, despite tho fact that the requirement has been in operation for nearly two years, prosecutions havo only taken place in isolated instances." (2) "That the Government be urged to intern, all enemy aliens of military age, and thus allay any feeling of uneasiness as to the possibilities of the future oiring to soldiers going forth on active service and leaving dependants to be protected by the State, or, as an alternative, the home service men bo organised to meet this and other contingencies." (Soiuo difference of opinion was expressed as to tho latter part of tho remit, but Tit was de? oided to send the whole forward as a tonl tativo proposal.) (3) "That tho' Government be Tirged to grant more liberal pay to soldiers (say, 10s. por day as being tho equivalent of average civil earnings), increased separation allowances feay, .£1 10s. per week to a wife, with fts. extra if a chronic invalid; 10s. each child, with ss. extra,if a chronic invalid, and ss. extra if motherless), tho existing rates boing totally inadequate in tho present circumstances, i.e., over 25 per cent, increaso in tho cost of living, and the financial resources of the country justifying a greater measure of juetico; also-allow-ances to other bona-fide dependants of both married and single mon, thereby placing all soldiers on a more equitablo basis as to the valuo of their pay, and strengthening tho national morale by minimising tho cause for discontent anil appeals on the ground of nnduo hardship, pensions {or soldiers and dependants to bo correspondingly increased. All the foregoing provisions to be applicable from tho date of a soldier entering cam])." (4) "That the Government bo commended for standing firm against any vital departure from tho voluntary principle now beiiy? followiid in harmony with (lie ballot. (5) I hat the Government be urged to grant further concessions in regai'd to the postage on parcels for soldiers."