NEW R.S.A. MEMBERS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 186, 3 May 1940, Page 10

NEW R.S.A. MEMBERS

Meh Of Second N.Z.E.F. REPATRIATION PROBLEMS The principle of admitting members of the .Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force to the Returned Soldiers’ Association was approved yesterday by the association’s annual conference. A Wellington remit that the time was opportune for the Dominion executhe to consider the question of the eligibility of the new soldiers for membership upon their return to New Zealand, and to consider what right (bey should have to the funds of the N.Z.R.S.A., the funds of affiliated associations or Great War patriotic funds, was adopted. Slaying be wished to hear the subject discussed, the president, Mr. Perry, M.L.C., said all delegates would feel very strongly that the new soldiers should join (be association. They would be full of youth, vigour, and enthusiasm, and might need a little guidance. The days when meetings of the present returned soldiers were stormy could be remembered. It was important to remember also that the funds subscribed during the Great War were for the men of that war, and funds now being subscribed were for the men of this war, and it might be necessary to earmark those funds. Several speakers said that they expected no difficulty in keeping tlie funds separate. A prediction that delegates at the next, annual conference would be representing returned soldiers of the present war, or the conference would be attended by them, was made by a speaker in a later debate.

Younger Brothers.

The conference adopted a remit recommending to associations that each of its members adopt a soldier going overseas as a “younger brother,” by writing to him and forwarding parcels. The repatriation of members of tlie Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force was discussed by delegates and it was agreed that the Government should be asked to allow the returned soldiers to assist in the repatriation work.

The following remit was adopted:— “That urgent representations be made to the Prime Minister to include representatives of the N.Z.R.S.A. on all committees and boards that may lie set up to deal with the question of repatriation of members of the Second N.Z.E.F. That in making such representations the opportunity be taken to stress the following points as being essential in the framing of any legislation or regulations covering the matter: — (1) Free educational and vocational training. (2) A comprehensive scheme of land settlement. (3) Preference to ex-soldiers in employment, particularly those who are'partly’ disabled, who for reasons beyond their control are unable to resume their prewar occupations. And that an effort be made to have a deputation wait on the Prime Minister from this conference, to place these representations before him, and to urge that such representation be provided for in any legislation or regulations before they are finalized.”