RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1919, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE ANNUAL CONEEEESrOE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchureh, May 26. The annual conference of the N.Z. Returned Soldiers' Association opened today, Dr. Boxer presiding. About 60 delegates were present and were welcomed by the mayor. The president, in his address, said the great question of 1919 was repatriation. The Government had had three years' experience and had done practically nothing. He hoped to see a single Minister responsible for repatriation, co-ordi-nating the whole scheme in his own person. He eulogised the work done by patriotic bodies, which had been doing the Government's work. Then the Government had recognised the association as an official body and he hoped to see the day when every single Land Board in New Zealand would have a member of the association on it. He urged loyal support of the local associations, and greater interest in matters affecting soldiers' interests.

The annual report 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 for Repatriation, with greater regard for political considerations than efficient administration. The repatriation policy had not been enunciated because the Government has none to put forward and any constructive suggestions made have come chiefly from the association and representatives of repatriation committees.

After dealing with the cost of living, particularly as it affected the soldier, the report refers to the future radical remodelling of our social system which, it says, is imperative as for a long period td come industrial unrest is likely to be such as both to threaten the whole economic basis of society and to create uncomfortable conditions for those whose positions in the social organism are not relatively well paid and secure. It was to be resetted 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 the indications were that it would bo sheer good luck if there was not serious trouble. With regard to land settlement insufficient data were available to judge of the suoeess or otherwise of the scheme of settling soldiers. Certain features of the administration of the Land Department, says the report, call for severe comment. The demand for land by returned soldiers is no casual one to be satisfied through the ordinary channels of land exchange.

SHARP CRITICISM 0? THE GOVERNMENT. Christchurch, Last Night. The motion for the adoption qf the annual report was discussed at great length. Mr. Batten (Wellington) said that land settlement was the basis of repatriation, and he hoped to tee a definite policy laid down. The association had come to a stage when it was recognised and respected. Mr. Andrewy (Auckland) said the report was disappointing. Respecting th,e retrospective allowances, the married men did not want a gift from the Government. They claimed justice, and they must get retrospective allowances. Soldiers at the front when they committed offences were willing to suffer themselves', but the Government of New Zealand punished the innocent women and children by cutting off the allowances.

Mr. McMamiß (Duuedin) said that, in the matter of land, there was urgent need for direct representation, for land had been purchased at factitious values, based on war profits. When the association entered a protest the Government trotted out a successful farmer, and he was always a land seller, and his land was likely to be thrown open. ■ Mr. Leadley (Christchurc'h) 1 said that if there had been one Minister in charge of repatriation the matter could have been dealt with much more expeditiously. Soldiers, he thought, should have much fuller representation on the Repatriation and. other Boards. No one could say that the "present Government had been the friend of the returned soldier.

Mr. Laycoek (Palmerston North) said he thought they ought to adc the press to be kind enough to let the returned soldiers alone on certain subjects. = Newspapers seemed to delight in giving publicity to returned soldiers' offences. If a man committed suicide why should it be mentioned that he was a returned soldier? He hoped the conference would make representations to the press in regard to the matter.

Mr. Jacobs (Palmerston Nortfi) siaifl that land should be taken compulsorily and valued. In this way only could the best land be obtained for the soldiers. New Zealand has been described as a bankrupt country, yet it could afford to offer the liquor trade £4,500,000, and could not give the soldier what he wanted.

The report and balance sheet were' then adopted. :.