R.S.A. CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1930, Page 1

R.S.A. CONFERENCE

DISABILITY QUESTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 24. The New Zealand Betrned Soldiers’ Association Conference was opened to-day by the Mayor, Mr Troup, 'and ‘Sir Andrew Bussell (President). Mr Troup congratulated the conference on keeping its flag flying, and mentioned some of the urgent needs for B.S.A. activity, such as the matter of unemployment. The matter of looking after the maimed, sick and disabled was no less important to-day than it possibly was at the conclusion of the war. Mr Troupe spoke of the Soldiers’ Memorial now in progress of erection in Wellington, arid expressed pleasure at seeing Mr Coates present, whose assent had made the site possible.

Sir A. Russel] also extended a welcome to Mr Coates. Replying, Mr Coates spoke of there being strenuous work ahead of the Association, and trusted it would gather strength. He dissociated the claims of the Association on the public and on the Government from politics, and particularly stressed the matter of attribulitv in regard to the d i sis ability off men who were on service. He said that now was the time for these men to receive necessary consideration.

In referring to the observance of

Anzac Day, the report of the R.S.A. Conference remarks, inter alia: “It is true, in New Zealand, as well as in other parks’of the world, that those who made promises during 1914-1919 are now weary to the point of annoyance of being shown that there are some things still to cany out. An/.ac Day is one reminder that causes such folk a little discomfort to them. It curtails receipts, hinders commerce and hanking, and cuts out . sport and entertainment.” The report asks if one can expect these people to reflect on tin* position of affairs had the sacrifices ' commenornted each Anzac Day ended with Britain and the Allies vanquished. Motion was carried after amendment

to the following effect; “The defence of the Empire being a matter transcending local conditions, partly politics and passing economic'phases, this conference urges the Government to delay the consideration of any change in the defence system, and opposes any drastic change in our expenditure

ip on defence.” Rears for the commercialisation of loppy Day at the cost of public favmr were by Mrs .), S. Skinner (Dune--1 i 11 .) While it is gratifying to see

be returns from Poppy Day, the comnercialisation of Poppy Day might he rarried too far,” said Mr Skinner. ‘There are some features about the ommercalisation of Poppy Day that ire not going to enhance the reputaion of the R.S.A. in New Zealand, t must not be organised on such a )asis that we will find the public turn-

ing round and saving it is a rommrrcal venture. There is. after aTT. something more in Poppy Day than sell ing poppies and collecting money. T would just like to sound this word of

warning.”