DISSATISFIED SOLDIERS.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 May 1919, Page 4

DISSATISFIED SOLDIERS.

SLOW-MOVING GOVERNMENT.

SERIOUS TROUBLE AHEAD

CHRISTCHURCH, May 2b". X

The annual report presented at the conference of the New Zealand delegates of the returned Soldiers' Association contains severe criticism of the Government for its hasty legislation last session. The executive says the report, has consistently urged upon the Government and people generally the imperative need for providing, at the earliest possible date machinery for repatriation. The Government created a Department of Reatpriation with greater regard for political considerations than efficient administration. A repatriation policy has not been enunciated because the Government has none to put forward,, and any construction suggestions made have come chiefly from the association and representatives of repatriation committees. After dealing with the cost of living, particularly as it affects tho soldier, the report refers to his future. A radical remodelling of our social system, it says, it imperative, and for a long period to come industrial unrest is likely to be such as both to threaten the whole economic basis of society and create uncomfortable conditions among those whose position in social Organuism are not relatively well and secure. It was to be .regretted that the Government had given no indication that it realised the position. The problem of repatriation would reach a critical stage in a few months, but so far as preparations by those responsible were concerned, indictions wero that it would be sheer good luck if there was not serious trouble with regard to land settlement. Insufficient data was available to iudge of the success or otherwise of the scheme of settling soddiers. Certain features of the administration of the Lands Department, says the report, call for severe comment. The demand for land for returned soldiers is no casual ono to be satisfied through the ordinary channels of land exchange.

' The annual Conference of the New Zealand Eeturned Soldiers' Association, opened to-day. About sixty delegates were present, and wej'e welcomed by the Mayor.

The president (D,v. Boxer), in his address:, said the great question of tb£ year was repatriation. The Governnienr had had three years' experience, and hoped to see a single Minister responsible for repatriation, co-ordinatinc the, whole scheme in his own persoYjf? He eulogised the work done by patriotic bodies, which had /been doing the Government's work. The Government' had recognised the Association as an official body, and he hoped to see theday -when every land board in New Zealand would have members of the Association thereon.| He urged loyal support of the local associations, and greater interest in matters affecting soldiers' interests.