2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9788, 11 October 1917, Page 2

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

COST OF SEPARATION ALLOWANCES. A public mooting under the axispices of the Wellington Second Division League was held in Moores Hall, Johnsonville, last evening. There was a largo attendance of reservists and with the league, about 100 ladies and gentlemen being present. Mr F. Moore was elected to the chair, and said that, on behalf of the residents ■of Johnsonville, hie welcomed the representatives of the league, and appreciated the opportunity given for getting in touch with the movement. Mir R-. A; Armstrong, president of the league, addressed the meeting, emphasising aim need for local committees to be sot up in order that those requiring advice and assistance as to how to secure their full rights under the War Pensions Act and the Financial Assistance Regulations might bo brought into touch with tho central executive of the league. The position now was that under the now bill a widow wit-bout obiluTeu could only claim 30s pel’ week by right, but there was a provision under section 10 whereby application could be made for a further amount not exceeding 15s per week in order to bring her nearer to her pre-war standard or comfort. It Was very unlikely that any widow of a New Zealand soldier could not justly claim this extra amount, and it would be for the local committees to see that in every case coming within their knowledge such application was duly made, and every effort made to. secure the concession. Parliament, in a few days’ time, would be considering the regulations governing separation allowances, and as the Minis’.cr for Defence had now stated that it would be March next before tho first of the Second Division would be called into camp, the figure* already published by the league showing the total cost of separation allowances to September 30th, 1918, would be substantially reduced accordinglyBriefly 'pat, the total cost for the year ending September 30th next on the Government’s scale of wife 3s p®* day, each child Is per day, and widowed mother 10s 6d per week, would be £820,259. At the rates proposed by the\league, namely, wife 6s pci’ day each child Is 6d per day, and widowed mother (if wholly dependent) equal to wife, the cost would be £1,482,842. It would be remembered that, according to the Defence Minister's statement, tho estimated liability was £2,037,691. On that there was plenty to spare over and above the league’s proposals. Mr C. H. Chapman, hen. secretary, urged the duty of those who remained behind to join the league and watch over the interests of those who left New Zealand to fight the Empire's battles.' All the sacrifice must not fall upon the fighting men. Mr W. H. Laurence said it was the bounden duty of all members of the community-to preserve the rights and interest® of the soldiers. He moved; “That this meeting of residents of Johnsonville, having considered the proposals of the Second , Division League regarding separation allowances to the wives, children, and ether dependents of soldiers, is of the opinion that the request made for 6s per day for tho wife and Is 6d per day for each . child is the least this country should provide for the maintenance of those whoso breadwinner is called Up for military service, and strongly urges the Government to give effect to the proposals of the league, and, further, confidently feels that the. Government need have no hesitation in asking the country to provide tho necessary finance.” The motion was seconded by Mr Smythe, and carried unanimously. On the motion of the Rev. F. Petrie and Mr H. Rigby, a Johnsonville branch of the Second Division League was formed, and a committee set up to act in conjunction with the national executive in watohmg over the interests of all soldiers and their dependents.

Tiro folio mug committee was elected:—Mr F. T. Moore (chairman), Mr W. Skinner (bon. secretary), Rev. P.’ Petrie, Messrs W. H. Laurence, R. H. Hustler, H. Greer, H. Bramley, A. G. Lindsay, H. Rigby, and. T. A. Bowler.