SECOND DIVISION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 14, 11 October 1917, Page 7

SECOND DIVISION

LEAGUE BRANCH FORMED AT

JOHNSONVILLE

SEPARATION ALLOWANCES

A public meeting under tho auspices of tho Wellington Second Division League was held , in Moore's Hall, .lohnBonville, last evening. Mr. F. T. Moore was eleoted to tho chair, and presided Dyer an attendance of about 100 ladies and gentleraon. He welcomed the representatives of the league, and expressed gratification, of tho residents of Johnsonville on being brought directly in contact with tho Second Division League movement.

Mr. B. A. Armstrong, president of the league, addressed- tho meeting, emphasising the-.need for local committees to bo set-up in order that those requiring advice and assistance as to how to secure their full rights under the War Tensions Act and the financial assistance regulations might be brought into touch with the central executive of the league. The position now was,that under the new Bill a widow without children could ollt claim 80s. per week by right," but there was a provision under Section 10 whereby application could be made for a further amount not exceeding 15s. per week in order to bring her nearer to her prewar standard of comfort. It was very unlikely that any widow- of a New Zealand soldier could not justly claim this extra amount, and it would be for tho local committees to see that in every case coming within their knowledge such application was duly made and every effort made to secure the concession. Parlia' ment in a few days' time would be considering the regulations governing separation allowances, and as the Minister ot Defence had now stated that it would be March nest before the first of tho Second Division would be called into Ciimp the figures already published by the league showing tho total cost ot separation allowances to September 30, 1918, would be substantially reduced accordingly. Briefly put, tho total cost for the year ending September 30 next on tho Government's ecale of wife 3s. per day, each child Is. per day, and widowed mother 10s. Gd. per week would be ,£820,259. At the rates proposed by the league, viz., wifo 6s. per day, each child Is. 6d.' per day, and widowed mother (if wholly dependent) equal to wife, the cost would be £1,482,842. It would be remembered that according to the Defence Minister's statement the estimated liability was £2,037,691, almost twice as much as would be required to give the league all it asked for. Mr. C. H. Chapman endorsed the president's remarks, and emphasised the point that ae only one in five would be called upon to serve, it devolved upon the balance of reservists to organise for the purpose of safeguarding the interests of those who have to fight the, country's battle ?' ' •„ x,. l „ ' . Mr. W. H. Lawrence said that all must recognise it as a duty to conserve the rights and interests of soldiers. Ho moved: "That this meeting of residents of Johnsonville, having considered the proposals of the Second Division League regarding separation allowances to tho wives, children, and other dependants of soldiers, is of' the opinion that the request made for Gs. per day for the wife and Is. 6d. per day for each child is the least this country should provide for tho maintenance of those whose breadwinner is called tip for military service, ; and strongly urges the Government to give effect to the proposals of the league, and further confidently feels that tho Government need have no hesitation in asking the country to provide the necessary finance." Mr. Sniytho seconded the , motion, which, on being put to tho meeting,, was carried unanimously. On the motion of tho Rev. -V. H. Petrie, and Mr. H.Bigby, a branch of the Second Division League was formed, and a committee set up to act in-conjunction with the National"Executive in watching over the interests of all soldiers and their dependants." The following committee was then elected:—Mr. F. T. Moore (chairman), Mr. W. Skinner (hon. secretary), Eov. F. H-. Petrie, Messrs. W. H. Lawrence, E: H. Hustler, H. Green, H. Bramley, A. G." Lindsay, H. Eigby, and T. A. Bowler. Vote 3 of thanks to the speakers and the chairman and the singing of the National Anthem concluded the meeting.