SECOND DIVISION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9794, 18 October 1917, Page 4

SECOND DIVISION

INADEQUATE ALLOWANCES. PUBLIC MEETING OF PROTEST TO BE HELD. The executive of the Second Division League held an emergency meeting yesterday afternoon when the decision of Parliament in regard to separation allowances for the wives, children, and other dependents of soldiers was discussed. Mr R. A. Armstrong, president, was in the chair. The executive expressed their great disappointment at the failure of members of Parliament to induce the Government to reconsider the inadequate proposals brought down. Those present referred to the fact that the members of tho Second Division League from the outset, on behalf of the married men, had expressed their willingness for service, their support to the Military Service Act, and their desire to see Now Zealand’s part in the war carried on in a full and efficient manner. All they asked was that the principle of equality of sacrifice should ho applied to tho whole community to whatever extent was necessary in order to provide adequately for the wives, children, and other dependents of soldiers. It was generally considered that tire public of VV’ellington should bo given an opportunity of demonstrating at a public meeting whether the soldiers and their dependents should bear the whole brunt of the sacrifices entailed by the war or whether those who remained behind were prepared to take their share of the burden and see justice done. It was resolved that the league convene a public meeting to be held in the King’s Theatre at 8.15 on Sunday evening next, and that the Wellington members of Parliament be invited to address same in addition to the speakers, appointed by the league. Referring to statements mad© by tho Prime Minister and the Minister ' for Finance to the effect that the league “w-as not playing the game,” it was resolved to reply to same at the public meeting and that in tho meantime the Ministers be written to and asked-to state in detail in what manner the Seoond Division League “had not played the game.” It has been arranged that for the public meeting on Sunday the doors of tho King's Theatre will be open at 7.3 C p.m., and Tanner’s Orchestra will play a selected programme of music between that time and the commencement of the mooting at 8.15 p.m. Invitations have been sent to the following membere; Messrs R. Fletcher, Hon. A. L. Hardman, A. H. Hindmarsh, Dr A. K. Newman, T. M. Wilted, and R. A. vVright.