SOLDIERS' ALLOWANCES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 20, 18 October 1917, Page 6

SOLDIERS' ALLOWANCES

PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD. The executive of' the Second Division League' an emergency meeting yesterday afterfioon, when the decision of Parliament iu regard to separation allowances for the wives, children, and other dependants of soldiers was diecussed. 111'. E. A. Armstrong, president, was iu tho chair. The executive expressed their reat disappointment at the fail-g \ire of members of Parliament to induce the Government to reconsider the inadequate proposals brought down. Those present referred to the fact that the Second Division League had from the outset, on behalf of the married expressed their willingness-for service,, their support to the Military Service Act, and their desire to see New Zealand's part in the war carried on in a full and efficient manner. AU they asked was that the principle of equality of sacrifice should be applied to tho whole community to whatever extent was necessary in order to provide adequately for the wives, children, and other dependants of our soldiers. It w.as generally considered that the public of Wellington should he given an .opportunity of demonstrating at a public meeting whether the soldiers and their dependants should tear the whole brunt pf the sacrifices entailed by the war or whether those who remained behind were prepared to take their share of the burden and see justice done. It was resolved that the league convene a public meeting, to.be held in the King's Theatre at 8.15 on Sunday evening next, and that the Wellington members of Parliament be invited to address same, in addition to the speakers appointed by the league. Invitations have been-sent to • the following members: Hon. A. L. Herdman, Dr. A. K. Newman, Messrs. B. Fletcher, T. M. Wilford, E, A. Wright, and A. H. Hindmarsh.

Referring to statements made by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to the effect that the league "was not playing the gnnte," it was resolved, to reply to samo at the public meeting, and that in the meantime the Ministers be written to and asked to state in detail in what manner the Second Division League "had not played the game." It has been arranged that for the public meeting on Sunday the doors of the King's Theatre will be open at 7.30 p.m., and Tanner's Orchestra will play a selected programme of music between that time and the commencement of the meeting at 8.15 p.m.