RETURNED SOLDIERS AND POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 119, 6 February 1918, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS AND POLITICS

e SOLDIERS' PARTY IN PARLTA MENT. A new organisation, called the Soldiers' National Political Party, is being formed in Melbourne (states tho "Age"). In a manifesto to returned soldiers, nurses, members of the A.I.F. at home and abroad, and their dependants, it is stated that the object of the party is to unite in a body those who agree to support the principles and platform to sccurc for members by means of legislation and otherwise such conditions as will promote, advance, and protect their legitimate interests. One of tho aims of the party is to gain good standing for tho organisation by preventing the presentation of improper demands—by fully investigating all grievances and suggested proposals for improvement before making any recommendations to the proper authorities. Another is to establish a union of interests hv adopting a platform of general politics which will enable the party to affiliate with the National Federation. On behalf of the provisional committee, Messrs. F. AY. Clifft (president), G. J. Perry (vicepresident), M. P. Pimental (secretary), and F. B. Bunnett (treasurer) state it may be taken for granted that, owing to the groat sacrifices which soldiers have made, the public desire is entirely sympathetic to their just claims, but, lacking organisation, soldiers, in a political sense.' aro at present less able to advance their interests than any other section of the community. It is to remedy this defcct that the party fs beins constituted.