UNOCCUPIED HOMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26640, 10 December 1947, Page 4

UNOCCUPIED HOMES

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 7 STRONG EXCEPTION TAKEN Strong exception was taken by the. Dunedin Returned Services’ Association lagt night to a statement made by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, recently, concerning remarks reported to liave been made by members. on the, question of the legislation affecting the letting of unoccupied homes.' After a discussion in committee the executive made the following statement:— '"'“This executive is of the opinion that the Minister did not fully consider the report that appeared of the "meeting in question. No decision made by the executive for or against the legislation. - To quote the report: * It was decided to defer discussion on the matter until it was discovered whether the Otago delegates had supported the original recommendation to the Government at the annual Dominion conference.’ Certain individual members of the executive, expressed opinions, and surely they are entitled to do so, whether such statements are critical or otherwise.

“The particular members . of the executive who raised the question expressed surprise that this association, according to the Government’s claim, had concurred in what was stated to be New Zealand Returned Services’ Association policy, and sought clarification as to the action of their delegates at the annual conference. “The executive takes strong exception to the Minister’s attempt to impute party-political motives to it or to any of its members. Strong exception is also taken to the Minister’s outspoken and unfortunate comment that the executive has not the interests of servicemen at heart; and to the general tenor of his remarks as reported. At all times the executive has done its utmost to alleviate the housing position on behalf of each and every one of its members.”