RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1920, Page 1

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 1. The Conference passed tho following remits:

“That a hill be introduced into Parliament next session providing that Anzac Day be a statutory holiday. “That in the opinion of the Association the present shortage of house property is due to the excessive prices thereof and the scarcity of building operations is largely the direct result of wholesale exploitation by the building, timber and most of the 'urge timber co-operations throughout New Zealand and that the Government Lc urged to stop such) exploitation and commandeer all available building material for the erection of homes.”

Mr J. D. Harper.on behalf of the Wellington Association moved: “’Jj> (fat this Association considers that nil efficient defence scheme is essential to New Zealand as a country in itself and as part of tlie Empire.” He said lie I'd not think that war was done with. The League of Nations had not achieved all that was expected of it and in the interests of the future of this country we should be prepared and ready to iefend it. At the same time it was the duty of the country to consider an efficient reconstruction -scheme which should bo possible with the experience gained. There was a League in the country now which had been formed for the purpose of urging an effective future defence. He did not know whether the Association was prepared to offer its assistance to tlic Defence League, tho constitution of which had been widely published. However lie threw this out as a suggestion.

Air M. McPherson seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

* It was decided to request the Government to donate to 'Returned Soldiers Associations instruments and equipment that previously belonged to the N.Z.E. T'\, while on active -service. “That this Conference is l of the opinion that the time has arrived when tho various Patriotic Societies shell 1 earmark portion of their funds for permanently totally and permanently initially disabled soldiers, and for en who are breaking down from time to time as the result of their military ,er-

“T’hat this Conference is of opinion that the. practice of paying cash grants to permanently disabled soldiers, according to the schedule of pensions, is inadvisable and urges that each case be treated on its merits having due I’gard to the economic loss of the sol dier.”