SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 July 1917, Page 3

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

FINE MEETING AT STRATFORD. The climatic conditions were unfavorable for the meeting held at the Stratford Town Hall on Friday evening, but despite this the attendance was nearly 2(H).

The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) occupied the chair, and briefly stated the objects of the meeting. -Mr. P. Skoglund was the first speaker, and explained in general terms the aims and objects of the league. He read Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg rddress, and said that the great American's simple yet sublime words would convey to the minds of all the primary objects of the league. Lincoln's words were especially applicable at the present time. The British nation was "conceived in liberty,' and it was for that principle the nation was now fighting. Ib was tor them the living to be dedicated to the unfinished work which they who liad fought had thus 'far so nobly advanced, and from the honored dead they too>k increased devotion to (that cause, and they had resolved that those who hail died should not have died ill vain. Those were the sentiments of the league, and should remove any misconception in the minds of any as to the league's objects. Every member would bo a true and loyal subject of the King, prepared to do his duty when called upon. They were not satisfied that the Government were doing as much as -possible to inspire the great (bulk of reservists to do their duty. They were out to win the war, and the Government should see that when the Second Division contingent left these shores they should go as happily as the First Division. Under the present scale of separation allowances and pensions one could scarcely be content to leave his dear ones in a state of oenury. He described other matters which the league could take an interest in, and said it should be the duty of those members left (behind to see the dependents o'f those who had to go did not suffer. This was very important and should not he lost sight of. He also voiced the opinion that for the duration of the war the Government, should notionaliso the essential industries, and also make 'a 'big increase in the incometax. In conclusion ho impressed upon those present that the primary object was to see the war through, and that dependents of all soldiers should be adequately provided for.

Mr. R. Masters said ho wished it made clear that those desirous of joining the league were not in a spirit of carping criticism, nor bad they any wish to harass tile Government in anv way, j but rather to assist to bring the lamentable war to a successful termination from the Allies' point of view. While they felt keenly their duty to their country they also felt their duty 'to those dependent upon them when the time came up for them to answer tlieir country's call. The Ibasic principles of the league were: (1) To place incapacitated men as far as possible in a position the same as in pre-war times; (2) to .place dependents iif a position that they can live comfortably; (3) to assist those returning injured to improve their position, and not penalise them as at present. Regarding pensions, he contended that "as they stood at .present they were totally inadequate. Further, instead of there 'being a maximum pension. the Pensions Act should be more in keeping with the English Act. Mr. Masters here gave a brief explanation of the English Pensions Act, which is stated in "eight degrees, starting with a minimum pension of Jis Gd per week to one of 27s <Sd per week; but the chief point in this connection was that a minimum pension was preferable to a maximum one. A striking feature was a provision made that when a soldier's pension, children's allowances, and the amount he was earning were not equal to his pre-war earnings the Government could make a further allowance bringing it up to a maximum of £3 15s per week. Another point where the Enslisli Act was more generous than the" New Zealand Act was that it made provision at the rate of £il .per week, against 10s in the New Zealand Act, for an attendant for those totally disabled. He was strongly opposed to the .pension of a widow being reduced by the amount she might earn, and lie gave a glaring case of this having been done in Napier. He added that the injustice had been put right when representations had been made to the Ministry by a member of Parliament. It had been said that New Zealand could not stand the financial strain of increased pensions. Xew Zealand had never been so prosperous in its history, and its increased prosperity was due entirely to the fact that the British have had control of the seas. (Anplaivse.) Not one box of butter, crate of cheese, or pound of wool could have passed our coasts 'but for the fact that the British navy kept the seas open. Surely under such circumstances the people of this Dominion would be prepared to pay sufficient for those who were unfortunate enough to lose their breadwinners whilst fighting for their country, so that thev may at least live comfortably. Mr. Masters then quoted figures from savings bank returns to prove that the people were preparing for the future. The imports and exports of the country showed that the Domiflion was well able to .pay those who went to the front. Ho advocated the abolition of the excess profits tax, and in lieu thereof the substitution of a graduated income-tax. In conclusion, the growth of the league movement, he contended, indicated t'hat a real live interest was being taken throughout the Dominion. Any argument, he clearly desired it understood, made regarding pensions were meant to be applicable to the .First Division as well as the Second, and any alterations made in the pensions should be retrospective. (Applause.) He appended to every Second Division reservist who had the welfare of those depending on them at heart, to join, thus making the organisation of such a strength that Government would realise that ipublic. opinion was at the back of their reasonable requests. (Applause.) Mr. D. J. Malone confined his remarks chiefly to the financial side of the question. lie, like others, quite appreciated the sacrifices of the men who had gone ahead, and on returning had been treated as heroes, and so they 'Were; but, to his mind, the greater heroes were the women who had to stay behind and managed on the pittance doled out bj the Government. The payments made at present were totally inadequate, and a lead should be given the Government that a much more generous scale was required. To make the payments £3 3s per week was only a living wage in prewar times, and bringing this to £3 10s would allcuv little margin. All were.' actuated by tho common impulse to bring the war to a speedy termination, yet those who would in due course ibe called upon to go forth should do so with the knowledge that those being left behind were provided for. There

frero some timid people who said the country could not stand the increased expense, but this was absurd. The Dominion was a rich country and could meet the • increased pensions. The league should insist that the Government adequately provide for dependents. Tn his opinion nothing mattered at the present time except the winning of the war, and thajt if it cost everything we were possessed of, the sacrifice would bo small compared to the benefits of living under the good old Union Jack. (Applause.) Katurally, the dislocation of business would prove a very serious thing to many, but' the position had to ho faced and sacrifices made. Be thought, that if some of the business people took advantage of tho Medical Boards' periodical visits to have a medical examination they would find it good business. As things were % map named in the "ballot had about two msntlis' grace to arrange his business affairs. Now, businesses could neither be sold nor wound up in a few weeks,' and if a reservist was medically inspected os soon as .possible he would have the knowledge whether he possessed the qualifications necessary to go to the front or otherwise would prove valuable, and when his name was eventually called (by iballot,he would be ready to do whait) was required of 'him. (Applause.) This was another direction in which the league could render assistance. Reverting to the pensions, lie claimed that a man's first duty was to his wife and family. Then followed the laws of the land and these' had to be obeyed. He was sure all memlbers would be willing to go to do their utmost in the great struggle now being fought, but a man wenit away a 'better soldier with the knowledge thait his dependents were well provided for. Strong organisation was desirable to show Parliament tho necessity for increasing these payments, and the way to make the Government recognise the position was by united action. (Applause.) The Mayor invited Messrs T. C. List and J. Clarke, of New Plymouth, to address the meeting. Both availed themselves of the opportunity, and delivered speeches that were I closely followed, both speakers being roundly applauded. The Mayor then moved a hearty vote of thanks to the various speakers for the able manner in wihich they had placed the business of the league before the meeting, and trusted a strong branch would be formed in the district.

A 'branch of the league was then established, officers (being elected, as follows:—'President, his Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan); hon. secretary, Mr. S. Ward; hon. treasurer, Mr. P. Bkoglund; committee, Messrs D. J. Malone,» J. Thomas, R. Harkness, A. Coleman, T. Richardson, E. Masters, J. Lyons, C. E. James, J. ! B. Richards, F. J. McDonald. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, an executive of five were elected as follows: Messrs R. Masters, A. Coleman, D. J. Malone, J. B. Richards, and .T. Therkleson. Messrs Masters, Malone, and Coleman were elected to represent the league at the Wellington conference on July 18.