RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17689, 29 July 1919, Page 8

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

'Tho monthly mooting' of the Returned Soldiers' Association was held last night. Tho President (Dr Harrison) presided over a largo attendance of members. Before commencing the ordinary business the Chairman introduced Colonel T. W. M'Donaid, tho new commanding officer of lh'.> Otago military district, to those present as the friend of all soldiers.

Colonel M i Donald, in acknowledging thn welcome, said that ho had tho interests of the soldier at heart; and, though ho was tho officer commanding tho district, he wanted them to know that ho was a soldier, and his services were at the disposal of any man who required them. Returned men should go to him witli their gricvamrcs instead of writing to headquarters. He did not wish to bo looked upon only as tho officer commanding tiie district, but as ono of themselves. Ho suggested that a committee be constituted to refer grievances to him.

The Chairman said they were indebted to Colonel M'Donaid for his assurance of assistance, and called for three cheers for the now commander. This requsst was heartily responded to. The Cluiirman intimated that the secretary (Mr A. C. Laing) would act as tho delegate from the association at the meeting of the Dominion Executive to bs hold in Wellington in a few days. The committee's report for the month stated that the membership had been further strengthened by the election of 428 members and seven nurses. Seven members wore transferred inwards and 33 outwards. The Lands Committee had advocated tli3 establishment of State sawmills upon Crown timber lands, also the introduction of light railways in New Zealand. Investigations with regard to the housing: problem were being made, and it was hoped to have something tangible to lay before tho Government at an early date, which will to some extent alleviate the present scarcity of houses. During tho peace celebrations a strenuous appeal was made for funds for the memorial building-, but tho result, although very gratifying, was hardly as good as was anticipated The committee placed on record its great appreciation of the work done in collecting funds by tho Women's Patriotic Association, the Commercial Travellers' Association, and all other parties in connection with the campaign. The association thanked .the Women's Patriotic Association for a donation of £295 2s 3d to the funds. Tho position of members of the Motor Boa* Patrol had been considered, and a recommendation made to headquarters that they receive tho same privileges as members jof tho N.Z.E.F. Similar action had been taken with regard to nurses. A meeting of limbless men had been held and much business directed towards their woifaro waa transacted. A number of individual cages had been investigated aid righted. Tho question was asked whether anything had been done with regard to children's allowances.—The Secretary stated that Sir James Allen could promise nothing in the matter. Headquarters wi-re still making inquiries, but they could not expect anything- until the Cabinet met.

One speaker was emphatic that since tho armistice was signed Sir James Allen had treated the association like dirt. Tho Minister did not have the time to spare to a deputation whon Re was last in Dunedin, and it seemed that unless more pressure was brought to bear tho association would get little from him.

It was agreed that local memhers of Parliament, be requested to confer with the committee in connection with retrospective allowances for wives and children, or any other grievances. It was felt that with the co-operation of members of Parliament manv difficulties could be overcome. Outside bodies had benefited by the assistance of members of Parliament, and the association should take advantage of their assistance. Returned soldiers must impress upon the Government that they were .unanimous over the matter. Sir James Allen had simplv humbugged the association With regard to the work of the Crimes Commission a member said he would like to see all cases investigated by a private tribunal. In support of his suggestion ho gave an instance of what he considered a glaring miscarriage of justice by a military court in dealing with an alleged offender.— Another member said ho thought that justice had been done by military courts, and he had never found much wrong with the trials. General Richardson was chairman of the commission, and returned soldiers were satisfied that they would get justice.—{Hear, hear.) They should not approach the matter in. a general way. Individual special cases should be brought before the association and dealt with on their merits.—The matter was left to the committee.

One member suggested that the National Executive should take up tho matter of the set-back to house purchasing occasioned by delays in paying the allowance to soldiers. Transactions were approved here and in Wellington, but matters were held up for lengthy periods owing to the inability to produce the money Another speaker said he thought the explanation of the delay was due to the question of a discrepancy in valuations. The past and present valuations by tlte Government often necessitated the calling in of an outside valuer before satisfaction was ensured.

With/regard to tho granting- of scholarships to soldiers it was urged that those men who went away with the earlier reinforcements should not bo neglected to the benefit of those who loft with later drafts.