THE SECOND DIVISION.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1917, Page 8

THE SECOND DIVISION.

FURTHER PROTESTS,

By Telegraph.—'Press Association. Masterton, Oct. 24. At a meeting of the Second Division League members last night the following resolutions were carried: That this meeting expresses keen disappointment at the inadequate provision made for the dependents of soldiers by the Government, whose action will condemn dependents of our fighting men to a period of hardship for which there is no necessity whatsoever when the present prosperity of the Dominion.is taken into consideration; that the meeting requests the Government to increase the separation allowances to soldiers' wives to 6s per day, and to children to Is 6d per day, thus enabling them to live decently without necessity of making application to the Financial Assistance Board or any other board that may be set up; that the meeting strongly resents the statemen of Mr. Massey that the Second Division Leagues are not playing the game, and wish to express displeasure at the Prime Minister for making such a. remark, which in our opinion is quite unwarranted and uncalled for; further, that we consider the action of the League's executive in placing their claims before individual members 01 Parliament far more legitimate than holding caucuses for the purpose ot bringing into line members of Parliament. • Napier, Oct. 24. , The Second Division League passed resolutions last night urging the Government to reconsider the allowances and pensions; protesting against Mr. Massey's statement that the league was not playing the game, and called on the Premier either to substantiate or withdraw the assertion. Sir Joseph Ward's statement that the Second Division would have to remain in the Dominion unless it abandoned the demands was also adversely criticised, and Mr Vigor Brown's suggested non-combatant tax approved. The meeting reiterated the resolution that the Second Division should go to the last man, and that the Main Body must be relieved at any cost.