“ EXTRAORDINARY POSITION.”

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1929, Page 4

“ EXTRAORDINARY POSITION.”

RELIEF FOR EX-SERVICE seamen.

"An extraordinary position exists in -\ow Zealand in connection with exNavy and mercantile marine men,” stated the annual report presented to the Dominion Conference'on Wednesday of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. "The New Zealand Sheepowners’ Acknowledgement of Debt to British Seamen Fund (of Flock House fame) lias definitely decided to provide relief only to those ex-service men who are suffering recognised war (Usabilities. This means, that although the ‘lit’ seamen (i.e., those who were not disabled on service during the Great War) were the means of enabling the fund to he created, by safe maintenance of the sea lines of communication, these men are not eligible to receive assistance from that source. “The majority of ex-service seamen applicants for assistance have long terms of service to their credit, and your Dominion executive considers the decision of the trustees to be unworthy of the sentiment which prompted the establishment of the fund under such a title. Your Dominion executive would suggest that unless the New Zealand Sheep-owners’ Fund can see its way clear to reconsider its decision, the N.Z.R.S.A. should discuss the advisability of writing the King George’s Fund for Sailors, explaining the position fully, and requesting an annual grant for administration in accordance with that fund’s objects.” The report was adopted.