RETURNED SOLDIERS' CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1919, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS' CONFERENCE.

POLITICAL ACTION DISCUSSED

[per press association.—copyright.]

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The question of political action was discussed at the New Zealand Returned Soldiers Conference to-day. Before the discussion opened, tho President sugestod that every delegates vote be recorded and moved that for the purposes of this discussion on proposed political action of tho Association, tho words “political action” shall mean action which is concerned with tho elect; ion of candidates for Parliament. This was carried. Mr Andrews,- (Auckland), moved that the article dealing with the scope of the Association be altered by the deletion of the word “non,” that occurs in front of'the word “political.” After stating that lie had been opposed to political action when he joined the Association, he said the failure of Government to realise its responsibilities had changed his views. Ho gave a lengthy account of the attempts of the Association to secure Government’s assistance. He supported political action, but not Party action. In seconding the motion, Mr. McGill (Wanganui), said the only power they ; could have was political power. ;

ill- Cowles, (Wairarapa) moved an amendment, that non-party be substituted in the motion for political. Mr Andrews agreed to accept this. Mr Watts, (Waimate) suggested that no amendment of the motion should be admitted, but the President said if the Conference accepted or refused the principle of political action as indicat. ed in the motion, it was competent to decide whether the action should be party, political action,, or non-party. Mr Hastings, (Temuka) said the measure should be deferred until they got the pulse beat of the whole Dominion. Mr. Willis, (Hawera), said the Association should endeavour to cleanse politics. Mr Long, (Auckland) said the only means of reform was by political act-

ion. Mr Malone (Napier), was opposed to the action proposed. Mr Reeves, (Hastings) urged that great caution be taken before using the light of political action. Mr Cowles, (Masterton), supported political action so far as it affected soldiers.

Mr Harper (Wellington), said many people had assisted the Association because it was non-political, and members would be false to their trust if they departed from the institution. Mr Walker (Christchurch), said the Association was non-political and nonsectarian, and departure from these would result in loss of public support. Messrs Pollock, (Auckland), Brown and Pridham (Wanganui), and Watts and Buxford, supported the proposal. Mr Best, (Dannevirke), Rev. Reid, (Blenheim), and McManus, .(Dunedin) were opposed to political action. \ Mr Jacobs, (Palmerston North) said if a political body was formed, it would result in a split in the Association.