RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1919, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

QUESTIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. At the Returned Soldiers' Conference this morning, it was decided to refer the question of the basis of representation 1 ' at the conference to the organisation committee. An Auckland remit, to admit any person who had worn the King's uniform during the war as a member of the association was rejected. A Wellington remit, that members of the Samoan Advance Party be eligible for membership was unanimously adopted. It was decided that the conference should give no decision regarding the eligibility of Red Cross, Y.M.C.A. and V.A.D. workers for membership. A discussion took place on the soldiers' journal "Quick March," and it was resolved to set up a committee to consider ways and means to improve the circulation, and report to conference. ■ ADMITTING SOUTH AFRICAN! VETERANS TO MEMBERSHIP, i Christchurch, Last Night. The proposal that any person who had worn the King's uniform during the present war, and had since been honorably discharged, should be eligible for election as associate members, without the right to vote, to the Returned Soldiers' Association, was submitted by the Auckland Association. It was contended that this would enable the associations to officially take up the cudgels on behalf of those men who had been discharged from camp. However, it was pointed out that the adoption of the remit would entitle the Boy Scouts and others to become associate members. The proposal was thrown out on the voice*.'. The proposal that veterans of other wars than the present one who could show a "clean" discharge could qualify for admission as members of the Returned Soldiers' Association was moved by Mr. MacAllum (Christchurch). Mr./ Andrews "(Auckland) said the associations would be proud to admit to their ranks old veterans, but would c.bject. to men who had served in otter wars, but who had successfully appealed against service in the present war. (Applause.) He moVed an amendment to this effect. Mr. Melling (Auckland) seconded the amendment. Ho knew of a South African veteran whoso service then was in the Remount Department, and who contended that this tervice excused him from service in this war.

Mr. Leadly (Christchurch) said the spirit of the amendment was wrong; the South African veterans carried the spirit of soldiers. • '

Mr. Melling pointed out that a eertain Labor leader, who had served in the. South African war, had Kince been imprisoned for twelve months for sedition. The motion would entitle this nun to join the association.

Mr. Leadly: We could use our discretion about admitting him, A member: You couldn't help admitting him; the rules would compel you to. The amendment was lost on the yoicesj and the original motion was also' lost by a large majority. Mr. Brown (Wanganui) moved: /'That a federation be formed with the South African Veterans' Association and other organisations of veterans to deal with any matters that may be of common concern." „

Mr. Malone (Napier) moved an amendment: "That the conference affirm the principal of admitting veterans of the South African and other warn, hot tiat consideration of the matter be deferred for twelve months."

Mr. Pridham (Wanganui) said the motion did not intend that veterans of other wars should be admitted -to membership of the association, bnt that the association should affiliate. The •mead* meat was carried by a large majority. MILITARY DESERTERS. Chrlstolmrch, Later., The following further resolutions weft carried: "That this association considers that nil conscientious objectors having received sentence should be made to serve the full term, and that the Government be urged to use every endeavor, by offer<ng rewards and by any other meant at their disposal, to bring to trial every man who failed to parade when called in the ballot." "That, as the returned men in the country districts find difficulty In obtaining 1914-15 riband and service chevrons, the Defence Department be requested to supply same."

"That it be a recommendation to the Government that/ for the purpose of inclusion under benefits conferred by the War Pensions and Repatriation Acts, returned soldiers who were domiciled in New Zealand prior to the war, and who served with a force other than the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, shall be eligible only on proof being shown that they enlisted before returning to New Zealand or that they enlisted in New Zealand prior to such service with another force."

That in the re-organisation of the Defence Department and staff active service men shall have preference," "That it be demanded of the Governjnent to declare Anzac Day a statutory holiday, and that the day be one of commemorntioi. for those who gave up their lives during the Great War." "That this association nsks that legislation be passed to give wider powers to disburse various funds now in the hands of patriotic bodies, so that they mav bo made available for the assistance of Ifit men as well „ s 9ick „nd wounded." two other remits torching on the same fubjeet. bul on more general lines, were carried.

the following remit was negatived: That the present system of giving the same privileges; to soldiers who were in camp at the time of the armistice m to those who left New Zealand be discon-