SOLDIERS' FINANCIAL AID

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 142, 5 March 1918, Page 6

SOLDIERS' FINANCIAL AID

Sir—As the Wellington Second Division League is involved, I will reply to the comments of "Reservist." Having numerous letters on my file requiring; attention, including several relating toclaims for financial assistance, I must needs be brief. Had my summary of the grounds for passing the resolution carried at the Eentherston meeting been published a v little more fully— few lines explanatory, of the case for granting all concessions by right would, have covered my argument—then perhaps your correspondent would have* been saved the trouble of rushing into print hot upon the trail of the "moneygrabbing" Second Divisionists! I said, that in view of pay, separation allowances (except in so far as the regulations, have been interpreted by the Minister to exclude home service meu), and pensions are granted by right without consideration as to a man's position in life, then considering all thet inconsistency and uncertainty attaching to the matter of financial assistance it should be granted without tha necessity for an inquisitorial inquiry as to income. The percentage of wealthy men who arc involved is so small that it would be better to adopt' this course than liave the expense and dissatisfaction incidental to the existing methods of procedure. Why should not the wealthy man who is making a big personal sacrifice have the benefit or assistance up to- £3, if on the other liand his confrere remains at home and reaps advantage from the other's at)* senco? There is 110 question of letting any cat out of its bag. Featherstort and Wellington - are separate entities, and except in the ease of the policy laid down hv the National Federation: of Second Division Leagues we havethe right of independent expression. I may mention that the Featherston resolution was very fully discussed, and far from talking the meeting into au acceptance of my views I was. very careful to point out the necessity for fully discussing the ideas put forward,' but'l have no doubt my. argument was as logical as usual! Although Second Division League matters keep me-fair-ly busily employed, apart from ni.V ordinary duties, I cannot lay claim to the honour of being Mr. Armstrong a riglit-hand man—the honour belongs to, Mr. C. H. Chapman, the league s energetic secretary. _ Needless to state perhaps one living in Featherston and. taking any interest whatsoever in the welfare of soldiers and their dependants cannot fail to he impressed with: the fact) that there are many wrongs to be righted. I would respectfully refer my correspondent to the Rev. Ik H. Catherwood and others who work among the wives and dependants or those going fortli to serve their and country. "Unfortunately leven the tardy justice done by Parliament does not always reach its objective—there ore Teguiations and other obstacles eu route.—l am, etc., & n _

Sec. Featherston Second Division! I League.

Sir—As a constant reader of yontf paper I have been noticing -several letters appearing for some time past in connection with the calling up ot the Second Division. I "»™ n * there is a National Federation of New Zealand Second Division Leagues. I am curious to know really what was the cause of the birth of such a league. Letters'which I have read in your papercertainly do not lead me to assumethat the league was formed for patriotic* PU Xch S 'has been written concerning provision to be made for the wives ol Second Division League men 1 , they are called upon to "do their bit" in this war. I know of several cases where married men volunteered and. left ftevr Zealand with, early reinforcement*. Thev did not stop to argue any points at ill, but trusted to the Government of New Zealand to play the game and see that their dependants, if needs, he, were suitably provided for, »»*■'*»» wives of these soldiers are proud or their husbands. If the Government does make special provision K &«° n * Division League men who W lw», these shores, the Government will cew .tainly have to make these improved conditions retrospective, for itjould never do for the wives or dependants of volunteers to be placed in an inferior -position.-! am, "^^q^