REPATRIATION CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 146, 15 March 1919, Page 8

REPATRIATION CONFERENCE

C : THE PROCEEDINGS COMPLETED. Tho conference of chairmen of district repatriation boards and local committees at tho chief provincial centres, which was called to consider matters aliccting policy and procedure under tho new Act with a view to securing uniformity ot administration, concluded its sittings yesterday afternoon. The conference opened 011 Thursday afternoon and was attended by the following Ministers, officers, and delegates: Tho Hon. W. H. berries (chairman), the Hon. AY. D. h. Mac Donald and the Hon. J. A. Kalian, (members ot the Ministerial Board), Mr. J. D. fciiaj (secretary), Air. J. Samson (Director ot Repatriation*, and the following representatives of the district boards: YYellington, Messrs. T. S. Weston and C. YV. Batten; Auckland, Messrs. A. W. Gillies and 1. IT. Burbush;. Canterbury, Messrs. A. I'. Drayton and T. M. Charters; Otago, Messrs. Jas. Begg and H. D. lenncntj Hamilton, Mr. A. E. Manning; Gisborne, Mr. Skerratt; Napier, Mr. K G. Glarkson; M-asfceTton, Mr. J. M. Coradine; riow Plymouth, Lieutenant-Colonel "Weston; Wanganui, Mr, Hopo Gibbons; Palmerston North, Mr. J. M. Johnston; Nelson, Mr YV. W. Snodgrass; Blenheim,, Mr. W. J. Girling; Greymouth, Mr. G. E. Perkins; Hokitika, the Hon. J. Grimniond; Tiniaru, Mr. C. East; E. K. Ireland; Invercargill, Mr. M. Thompson. Tho following representatives of tho War Relief Association of New Zealand wore also in attendance: Messrs. L. 0. H. Tripp, 5. Hutcheson, 0. Leach, Y 7 . J. Earner (Auckland), and Smith (Christchurch). Mr. T). J. B. Seymour, general secretary of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, was also present during tho conference. An official report states that the proceedings were marked with the utmost good will and enthusiasm, and-afforded an opportunity for <111 exchange of views and experience.-! which will no doubt prove of the utmost value to the several boards and committees in carrying out their very important and responsible duties. .'At the conclusion of the business Mr. T. Shailer Weston, chairman of the YYellington District Repatriation Board, moved, anjl Mr. J. Begg, chairman of the Otago District Repatriation Board, seconded, a motion expressing the utmost confidence in the Ministerial Board of four as at present constituted and appreciation at the manner in which it was carrying out its functions. Appreciative reference was also- made to the Director of Repatriation and to (he head office for the energy and ability that were being displayed in tackling tho problem of repatriation. - The motion was carried with acclamation aiid the proceedings terminated with the National Anthem.