PREFERENCE TO SOLDIERS

Taihape Daily Times, 10 January 1919, Page 7

PREFERENCE TO SOLDIERS

MELBOURNE, this day. Two Jiundired returned soldiers marched to Mr. Watt's office and urged the displacement of all eligibles in the public service and replacing them with returned soldiers. Mr Watt agreed that returned men should have preference. All temporary or exempt classes of the public service who were eligible and had been discharged., but eligible 'permanent officers could not be discharged till Parliament altered the Public Service Act, The deputation visited other Ministers the Chamber of Manufacturers and demanded preference for returned soldiers, declaring that unless the State Government and manufacturers fell into line the soldiers would be forced to declare them "Black'' >and even picket manufacturers' premises. In all cases promises were made to do all possible to assist returned men. The secretary of the Chamber of Manufacturers pointed out that manufacturers had declared for absolute preference for returned soldiers.