RETURNED SOLDIERS OF FUTURE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 185, 2 May 1940, Page 11

RETURNED SOLDIERS OF FUTURE

R.S.A. Activities WORK OF GREAT WAR VETERANS The outbreak of war since the 1939 conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association and the association’s assumption of new duties to the younger generation of soldiers caused many references to be made to the interests of the men of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary .Force at tiie formal opening of this year’s conference of the association at the Exhibition yesterday. The conference was called several months earlier than usual so that the delegates might come to Wellington while the Exhibition was open. The conference was opened by tne Governor-General, Lord Galway, who said that experience returned soldiers had gained through the activities of their association was of great value to the National Patriotic Board and the members of the board were indebted to the association. The N.Z.R.S.A., could help the board in its work toward keeping the Dominion’s war machine running smoothly. The board had nothing to do with politics. It was completely independent, in its activities, but was working in sympathy and friendship with the Government. The board felt that the Dominion’s war effort should be made as practical as possible. The board would acquire a considerable amount of money, but he was sure the people of New Zealand would respond to all needs. The money raised would be used for war purposes only, andwvhen the war was over the money in hand would be used for those who had served their country.

His Excellency’s Work.

The president, Mr. Perry, M.L.C., thanking Lord Galway for opening the conference, said he bad spoken to the delegates as a soldier to former soldiers and they were'glad of that and delighted to know that His Excellency and Lady Galway would be in New Zealand till the beginning of next year. As charirman of the National Patriotic Board,'Lord Galway was doing a “great the work of disabled soldiers was dis(Applause.) The mayor, Mr .Hislop, welcomed the delegates to Wellington, and referred to the stall at the Exhibition, where the work of disabled soldeirs was displayed. Mr. L. A. Robb, president of the New South Wales branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia, replying to Mr. Perry’s welcome to him and the Federal secretary of the league, Mr. E. V. Raymont, said the Federal executive of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia had placed all of its resources at the service of those going to serve overseas. The league had established rest huts and other facilities for the soldiers and was “clearing the ground” so that they could re-enter civilian life after the war and carry on while the soldiers of the last war faded out of the picture. He did not doubt that the N.Z.R.S.A. would deal similarly with war problems. New Zealand and Australia had stood together in the past and would continue to do so in, the future. Executive’s Activities. A review of the additional activities created by the war and the offers of assistance the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association has made to the authorities, are features of the annual report of the association. The report was adopted without discussion. The report stated that the question of pensions for members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. had ben discussed with the Minister of Defence on January 24, and the executive hoped to be able to report definite progress on the points raised. The executive had recommended that all patriotic and war funds should be brought into one national fund, but when the legislation provided for provincial funds all branches had been asked to co-operate with the respective controlling committees. Application had been made on behalf of all'branches for the N.Z.R.S.A. to be appointed a collector of gifts and goods for soldiers. The majority of the patriotic councils had agreed and where other means were being adopted the branches had 'been instructed to cooperate. The executive had also raised the question of repatriation with the Government and had been assured that plans were being formulated. The N.Z.R.S.A. had expressed the opinion that compulsory national military service should be introduced, but as the Government was. enlisting tiie 2nd N.Z.E.F. by voluntary methods all branches had been urged to assist the recruiting campaign and an active part had been taken. It had been decided that the men on service should be eligible for membership of the association upon their return to New Zealand. Returned soldiers who were serving with the forces would be kept on the roll as financial members Without payment of subscriptions.