THE WORK OF THE R.S.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 380, 14 June 1928, Page 8

THE WORK OF THE R.S.A.

QRAISE must be accorded the Returned Soldiers’ Association * first of all for its practical help to members. It rightly discourages appeals to the public, and acts in a self-reliant manner on behalf of men whom it expects to be self-reliant. Most of the efforts of the association are concentrated upon securing work for its unemployed. During the stress of the past year, when unemployment was the most difficult problem the country had to face, the association’s executive worked quietly and well without any appeal to sentiment, and found the substantial sum of £32,000 for the relief of unemployed returned men—and £27,000 of this money actually provided work for nearly 1,000 ex-servicemen throughout the Dominion for periods ranging from two to seven months. Apai-t from the fit men, the position of disabled men on war pensions— scant pensions in many cases —has seriously to be considered. The R.S.A. points out that the Government has absorbed as many as possible in “light” jobs, but there are many still to be provided for. And. unfortunately, the work offering by Government departments to these men is mostly of a casual nature. Sir Andrew Russell views the situation as serious. “One might he justified,” he says, “in reminding the public of the promises which were made several years ago, promises which have, perhaps, been very difficult to fulfil.” The fact remains that promises made should he fulfilled, however difficult, and Sir Andrew Russell’s tacit appeal should not he permitted to pass unnoticed.