R.S.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1922, Page 4

R.S.A.

DOMINION EXECUTIVE MEETING j WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. At a meeting of the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association Colonel T. IV. McDonald moved that, while satisfied with the principle of setting up local eotninissions to enquire into soldier settlers’ grievances and the price paid by tile Government for land, the Association should enter an emphatic protest agaiiist the placing of any interested person on any hoard. The motion referred particularly to the Poplar Grove estate, it being asserted that the payments required of the soldiers were out of proportion to those made by adjoining landowners.

Air Fair said it seemed incredible that the appointment should be adhered to while the facts were as stated. Air Long suppoited the motion. The appointee referred to should immediately telegraph his resignation to the Afinister. The Alinister, who had admitted the relationship of the appointee to the vendor, had no i ight to try to whitewash wrongful purchases of land. The whole thing was highly wrong and improper. After further discussion it was decided that the motion should be again considered to-morrow afternoon, after a deputation has had an opportunity of discussing the matter with the Government.

Air Johnson said he thought the meeting should make it clear that it did not wish to reflect iiprn the integrity of Mr Cnrruthers.

It was resolved to again bring before the iiotice of the Afinister the request that 25 per cent should he the maximum deduction made hv the Government from tho monthly milk cheques of soldier settlers engaged exclusively in dairy farming.

Satisfaction was expressed at the Afinister’s reply to irthcr remits. Tn respect to the recommendation that

the Government should develop Crown land capable of irrigation, tho Alinister stated that development of these lands was limited by finance, and could not be undertaken until the position imp loved. It was resolved to press the matter

again. Among other matters dealt with were relief for distressed returned soldiers, housing accommodation, repatriation benefits, and provision for employment on Government relief works. The opinion was expressed that, while appreciating the value of ti e provision already made for the encouragement of aviation, the Association should strongly urge the Government to give due consideration to the important place of aviation in the d - fence system of New Zcalond, and to make adequate provision for the fuH training of pilots, observers, and mechanics. Afention was made of economy being practised, and some speakers said there was no chance of a war for many years, but a motion on the lines indicated above was carried.

I Some disctision took place upon the financial disabilities of ex-soldier set . tiers, who had not yet sought assist- ; anec from the Government, but had j personally financed their purchase o! : land.

j Mr Western (Bay of Plenty) urge' under the notice of Air Massey without delay, as many such soldiers were seriously affected. It was suggested I that Air ATassey should lx> asked to arj range a loan, sav, of 1 j millions, to take over such bona fide and deserving cases. j The matter was referred to the ; Auckland Provisional Association for a report. It was decided to ask the Government to expedite the erection of houses at reasonable prices, and facilitate in even - way lcductions in the cost of rouses.