THE Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1915. PATRIOTIC FUNDS CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1915, Page 4

THE Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1915. PATRIOTIC FUNDS CONFERENCE.

Tile Dominion conference oi' representatives of Patriotic Committees held at Wellington on' Friday., appears to have rushed through its work with the result that many important matters failed to receive due consideration, decisions being recorded before members had time to consider the full meaning of the resolutions. It is not surprising, therefore, to lind that at a subsequent meeting of delegates relative to war pensions considerable dissatisfaction was expressed at the way in which the business was conducted. The Stratford delegate (Mr. J. Masters'), did not mince matters, hut in 11 straightforward, direct way expressed the opinion that the manner in which the meeting was conducted ivas very cute, adding, it was clear to him that it was the intention of the Government to use the money subscribed for wounded soldiers for other purposes, and he urged that the societies should leuve no stone. Unturned to prevent this. Another delegate stated that the meeting had been rushed into agreeing witli a lot of resolutions without considering what they involved, while the Hon. J. T. ■Paul also emphasised the need for the Societies to be very vigilant on the matter. The Dominion conference at which these resolutions were passed ivas attended by several Ministers of the Crown, who, no doubt, influenced the delegates more or less on several

matter.-. .Mr. Russell made a point of stilting that the Government had no intention 01 "collaring" any part of the patriotic funds through the War Council, t'ne whole object of that body being, he said, to secure efficient and economic administration. Strictly speaking this statement may be accepted a* correct, but actually there is 110 appreciable diflerence between '•'collaring" and "diverting" the funds in question to such purposes a:< artificial limbs, .suitable clothing in hospitals, the provision of convalescent camps, all of which come within the duty of the Government. The main question—that of war pensions—created considerable discussion, in which it was apparent that the- War Pensions Act required amendment, and its interpretation by the Board should be not only more liberal but more just. , A glaring case of an application for a pension by two sisters whose two brothers (their principal source of support) had been killed at the front. They were without means, and no members 01" the family could help them, nor was their lwalth sufficiently good to enable them to earn their own living, and yet their application was turned down by the Board without inquiry of any sort. Mr. Nash, who brought this case to the notice of the Minister, stated that this sort of complaint was general, and Mr. ■Myers promised that inquiry should be made. We would suggest that local committees should make it a rule to bring every such case to the attention of the Minister with a view to his seeing tlmt the Board carries out its duties in thf most .-encrous and sympathetic manlier possible. There is no question that the Act of last session relative to pensions needs amending in several details. Neither our soldiers nor their dependents should be treated in a niggardly way in return for the great services our boys are rendering to the country and the. Empire. So long as abuses are prevented there should be a generous treatment of the wounded and the dependents of those who have laid down their lives for their King and country. The delegates rightly embodied their views on this matter in a resolution advocating that the Pensions Act should be more liberally interpreted by the Board, and should be amended by the alteration of Sub-Section of Section 15, so as to provide that the dependents of soldiers may get their pensions without their means being taken into consideration. On this resolution being submitted to Mr. Myers he admitted that Parliament was to blame for passing the Act in its preent form; also that it was quite clear that there was throughout the country a strong feeling, and rightly so, that those who unfortunately had to apply for a pension should be treated liberally. He thought it was quite evident as a result of experience that it would bo necessary for Cabinet to reconsider the position. 'T don't think for a moment," he said, "that it was ever contemplated that because anyone liad been thrifty his dependents should bo penalised. I may say that I have noticed that aspect of the business, and I am bringing it up before Cabinet at its next meeting. I think the mutter is so urgent that it should be considered forthwith." This announcement will be received with considerable satisfaction. At present, if a soldier insures his life and is killed, the pension payable to his dependents is reduced in proportion to the insurance money. In other words, the insurance benefits the War Pensions Fund and not the dependents. It is matter for regret that the Conference should have been'so hurried, but the delegates will now have some data to bring before their committees, and these should be impressed with the need for federation in order to secure the best results. Some progress has been made in this direction, the question of domicile having been settled, at an informal meeting, as being the domicile of the soldier at the time of enlisting, while the fairer way to divide up the Dominion was considered to be the adoption of Ihe four military districts. Difficulties am! problems are oouud to be numerous, and they will tax the capacity of the most enlightened members of everv committee in the Dominion.