SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1918, Page 8

SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE.

, MEETING AT STRATFORD. (From Our Own Correspondent) Mr. J. W. M'Millan presided at tie meeting of the Second Division Leajru'e held at Stratford oil Friday evening, there being probably over 100 present. Captain J. B. fline, M ]', expressed his pleasure at being present. He paid it had, been hoped it would not be necessary to call up the Second Division, but was becoming more and more apparent that they must go, and iie did not doubt their loyalty. He then touched on the separation allowance, which was fixed at Is Cd per day for the first two years. He thought this insufficient, 'and the league should make this a strong plank in thoir platform, also that the increase should be retrospective- The Government had. however, treated the married men very fairly. If any further increase was necessary, it should go to the child, and not to the wife. He had no doubt the country could stand the cost. EvfJ individual going to the front could rtsiy on being treated fairly when he returned. Referring to the Financial Assistance Board, he said it would consider a man's position, but grants might be mil tod there were any amount of anomittted there were any amount of anomalies in the Defence Department. Pensions issued seemed to be satisfactory, and no one liad cause to complain in that direction. The speaker was accorded a very cordial reception, and he invited questions. Mr. G. Ford briefly moved—'That 3s per day is insufficient, and that thia league supports the claim of the federated leagues that the separation allowance for a.wife shall ibe fk per day. This was s.econded by Mr. J- H- Ford and carried.

Mr. W. Morrison expressed his belief that a man not ivble to earn the salary on his return from the front should nave the difference made up toy the Government.

Mr. R. Masters, referring to somi points in Captain Hine's remarks, stated that, the Second Division had asked for |an increased tyrant, but Sir .Tames Allen had stated this was impossible. The onus lay on -the Defence Minister and not the Second Division. He moved— Tha/t a widowed mother be (placed oi the same footing as a soldier's wife." Seconded by Mr. ,T. Edmonston and carried.

Re?ardine a nuerv on the matter, the Miivor tlin+ in the nsn rvf p wife nnd mother he did not thin'- the latter ivn"V] he ablo to claim anvthinpr. Mr. Masters touched on norments be-

mg stopped through bad conduct or breaches o! discipline by soldiers, and moved —"That allotment pay and allowances shall not be affected by the misconduct of the soldier." No wife or child should suffer tlirugh this circumstance.—Motion carried. The meeting approved that life insurance should 'be increased £.m . Thanks to Captain Hine and the choir"VSfi concluded the meeting.