RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1919, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONFERENCE.

OPENING PROCEEDINGS

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

The annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers Association opened to-day, Dr Thacker presiding. About sixty delegates were present, and they were welcomed by the Mayor. The President in his address, said the great question of 1919 was repatriation. Government had had three years experience and had done practically nothing. Ho hoped to see a single Minister responsible for repatriation co-ordinating the whole scheme in his own person. He eulogised the work done by patriotic bodies, which had been doing the Government’s work. The Government had recognised tk« Association as an official body, and he hoped to see the day when every single Land Board in New Zealand would have a member of the Association thereon. He urged the loyal support of local Associations and greater ' interest in matters affecting soldiers’ interests.

THE REPORT.

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day

The annual report contains a severe criticism of Government for its hasty legislation last session. The Executive says the report has consistently urged upon the Government and people generally the imperative need for providing, at the earliest possible date, machinery for repatriation. The Government created a Department of Repatriation with greater regard for political consideration than an efficient administration of repatriation. A policy had not been enunciated, because Government has none to put forward, and any constructive suggestions made have come chiefly from the Association and representatives of Repatriation Committees.

After dealing with the cost of living, particularly a's it affects soldiers, the report refers to his future. The radical remodelling of our social system, it says, is imperative, and for a long period to come. Industrial unrest is likely to be such as both to threaten the whole economic basis of society, and create uncomfortable conditions f«r those whose positions in social organisation arc not relatively well paid and secure. It was to be Regretted that Government had given no indication that it realised the position. The problem of repatriation would reach a critical stage in a few months, but so for as preparations by those responsible were concerned, the indications were that it would be sheer good luck if there was not serious trouble. With regard to land settlement, insufficient data was available to judge of snc#e»s, or otherwise of the scheme of settling soldiers.

Certain features of the administration of the Land Department, says the report, calls for severe comment. The demand for land by returned soldiers is no casual one to he satisfied through the ordinary channels of land exchange.