RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 10, 7 October 1919, Page 8

RETURNED SOLDIERS

MEETING OFJHE WAIRARAPA

ASSOCIATION

REMITS FOR DOMINION CONFERENCE

By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent. Masterton, October G. A special general mooting of tho Wairarapa Returned Soldiers' Association was held in Masterton last evening, Mr. •!: A. Coivles presiding. About 0110 hundred.and fifty membero were present, and various questions wero discussed which intimately concerned tho future constitution and policy of tho association,

The Auckland Dispute, In reference to the Auckland association's attitude towards tho Mow Zealand Keturned Soldiers' Association Captain It. f. 11. Beotham characterised tho uasis of Gin dispute us "a pneii of nonsense." Ho detailed the history of the dispute and Colonel Mitchell's trip to Auckland, when ho had failed to bring about a settlement oivmgvto the .-refusal of tlw northern 'body to render to tlw Doiniuion headquarters an account. of the money spent. Tlio speaker then moved: "Tlmt this, association approves of tho Dominion headquarters' action with regard to tho dispute with tho. Auckland association, and approves of the efforts towards a friendly 'settlement."

' In reply to a question Captain Beetliam said that the cause of the trouble wati really in reference to the rendering of accounts for money spent, and was not political.' Tho motion was stconded by Mr. J. M'lCenzie.

'l'lio chairman also' spoke in support of Captain Beotham's remarks. • Mr. H. H. .Daniel asked if it was a fact that ths Auckland association was using the Dominion funds for 'political purposes. v Tlie chairman replied that this was not 6b. The motion was carried unanimously. The Dominion Conference,. 1

Captain R. F, R. Beetliam was unanimously elected a delegate to the special conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association to be hold on October 17.

The following remits, proposed by Mr. H. E. Hart, were passed: "That the delegate be. instructed to oppose the IVlosgiel resolution, advocating a referendum on any . question regarding any change in the .constitution of an association"; "that the delegate oppose a Paimerston North resolution that the constitution of the •N.Z.R.S.A. should be altered to enable political action to-be taken."

A remit, from Hawcra respecting life membership was left to ■ tlio disc-ration of the delegate. ,

A remit from Palmerston North, "That no. Civil Servant bo eligible to sit 011 tho Dominion Executive," was not upheld. In conneotion with tho above remit there was considerable discussion as, to 'the standing of several members of the executive.. A resolution was passed expressing strong regret that tho remit had been passed by the Palmerston North association.

ntion. i Tho delegate was instructed' to' support a remit from' Christchurch regarding death duties on estates of deceased soldiers valued at under ,£IOOO. Mr. A. P. Whatman strongly disapproved of. tho policy at present being pursued in regard to the settlement,of soldiers, on tho land. Mr. H. E. Hart said that the action of the Government regarding land settlement was "absolutely scandalous." On tho suggestion of the chairman a subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Hart and Mr. M'Laren was appointed to confer with( Mr. Whatman I'd framo a remit 011 tho lines , of tho r.emit. beforo tho Dominion Farmers' Union Conference. .' ■ / The following amendment was left to tho discretion •of tho committee: "That land tax bo estimated ou the owner's valuation of tho land and for months the Government to have an option, to purchase the land at 10 per cent, above that valuation." The delegate was instructed to urge the presentation of'an address to tho residents .of Kinama in appreciation of the kindness to Now Zealand soldiers. A Temit regarding an inquiry into the administration of war funds was left in tho hands of the delegate, as also were I several remits regarding repatriation.

The Gratuities, The gratuities' question was discussed in a manner entirely favourable to the offer of tho Government, no one in any' way suggesting that the amount was unsatisfactory. •' , Mr. Hebentnn said he thought that the gratuity -wins a gift pure and simple. It would bo liko refusing a .present from a friend for returned soldiers to turn down tho Government's offer. He .moved: "That this meeting deprecates the action of tho Wellington association in overstepping their constitution in regard to the gratuities question, and that Sir .Tames Allen bo complimented on tho amount of thought that lie lias put into the scheme, and that the action-of' the late conference in leaving tho matter in the hands of tho Government be approved and supported!"

. Mr. 11. H. Daniel seconded tho motion, and in doing so said that tbey wore in the position* of tho man who said "all contributions thankfully received." Howover. it was a gift, and though they might liko 'more, it was not their place to ask for an increase. _ The motion was carried unanimously.

Questions,.for Parliamentary Candidates, In regard to the framing of questions for candidates for Parliament, it was tho general opinion of the meeting that members should not touch on politics.

It was moved by Mr. J. B. Johns that 110 questions by the Returned Soldiers' Association bo put to candidates for Parliament."

This was seconded by Mr. G. Wagg. Mr. J. Miller moved an amendment: "That the sub-committee formulate questions to be submitted to candidates; these questions to be submitted to a general meeting of the Wairarapa associaion." The speaker considered that as it had been decided that it. was not against the constitution _of tho Dominion association to question Parliamentary candidates it would be a pity if returned soldiers generally did not take an opportunity of helping' to clear tbo political atmosphere. >

Tlio amendment was carried, and the original motion declared lost.

The meeting concluded with a vote o; thanks to the chairman.