R.S.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1921, Page 4

R.S.A.

[nv TELKU RAPID—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

R.S.A. CONFERENCE

DUNEDIN, June 13. The R.S.A. conference discussed on Saturday afternoon and evening the unemployment. They adopted a report of the Repatriation Committee, which urged the Government and local bodies to put in hand all possible works, and where urgent works are not proceeded with through lack of funds, the Committee feds an appeal by the Association for a contribution to a fund placed on deposit with local bodies would meet with a ready response. Tlic Committee also thought-the Government should he urged to give local bodies greater powers to spend money ami raise loans and that full current wages should he paid on all such works.

An amendment by the Rev W. Walker, seconded by General Russell, to delete the clause about full rates for relief works was lost on a vote. It was resolved to add to the clause a note that all proposed works should lie of nature to justify full wages. It was also resolved that the Conference calls upon returned soldiers to join hands in fighting trade depression by practical industry, thrift and goodwill and trusts the same spirit will permeate all classes of the community.

The conference also adopted a motion that during the present unemployment crisis the Repatriation Department consider all eases of sustenance and allowance on their merits, regardless of the date of the soldier’s discharge. The Committee affirmed a remit that the services of all who joined the Public Service in 1914 lie dispensed with before those returned soldiers who joined the service on then-return from the front.