CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2071, 23 December 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —In reply lo Mr Maekic’s letter, he says I do not know what took place at that meeting of returned soldiers. Well, I not only went by the published report, but also by the statements made to me by some who were there. I am quite aware’the meeting was called for returned soldiers, and also aware (hat it should have been called for local men only, as the subject under discussion was a local affair of interest to the local public, who subscribed, and of those for whose benefit it was subscribed. The amendment, moved by the Chairman is useless, as it is out of order by the Chairman moving it, as Ins duties are to preside over the meeting, his privilege being to vote only in ease of equal voting for and against. Eurther, lie was not a local man as far as the meeting was concerned. Where the mistake was made in connection with the amend,ment was thal the Society could please itself whether it called a public meeting or not before it pul (he p. oposal into operation —i.e., lying the fund'- up for half a century. In my mind, the proposal that was put before the meeting hy Mr I’odmpre was the most practical of the two, with much in its favour. I thank Mr Mackie for correcting me in my statement that the Chairman was a member of the Society, but nevertheless 1 happened to be at the meeting of the Society when he wa.s elected to the Society to represent the returned soldiers, as also was Mr Tunnieliffe. As to acting for the Society at the meeting, I will correct Mr Mackie, for if he read my letter right he would have read that what 1 said was that it looks to me like the work of the Society. Now, J do not include all ol the Society, but when 1 read a report ol a meeting, I always read the lines, and also between flic lines. 1 think (be above disposes of Mr Mackie s letter. Now, Sir, should Ibe Society decide to call a meeting for the public lo discuss any proposaMo dispose of the lands, 1 would iif : - to hear a statement from (hem a.to how they disposed ol funds in Cm past, Unis—lo whom were grandmade; the amounts of the grants; and the necessity of each recipient. And, further, the reason that the mufti allowance was given lo some and not lo others, as I believe is (be ease. .In conclusion, 1 think the lead given by other Societies could be followed, und the funds disposed of before other powers dispose of them, for, should the Government once get control of the .funds, they will be lied up with md tape and formalities, and put to no use but providing clerical jobs, and tat “screws." —I am, etc.. E. (1. MARTIN. .