RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1919, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Cbristchurch, Last Night. At th,e Returned Soldiers' Association Conference this afternoon remits dealing with tubercular and venereal cases were considered. In regard to the former, it way agreed that the Government was attempting to cope with the position, but the sanatoria accommodation was insufficient, and a resolution was passed protesting against the attitude of the residents of Devonport, which forced the authorities to close Narrow Neck Camp. The delay in getting men fitted with Artificial limbs wau discussed, and a remit was carried to the effect that an expert should be obtained and placed in charge of a central factory, and better allowances and accommodation be provided for limbless men when aivay from home for treatment. The committee's recommendations in regard to pay and gratuities were adopted, and it was agreed to advocate that the ration allowance of 2s lo undischarged soldiers who were out-patients at hospitals be increased immediately to 4s per day. The matter of demanding an extra shilling a day for members of the Tunelling Corps to bring their pay up to 6s a day (the British rate) was referred to the incoming executive.

In connection with allowances to widowed mothers, it was decided to approach the Government to have such put on a better footing. At to-night's sitting of the Returned Soldiers' Association Conference Mr. Batten moved, on Mr. Jacob's behalf, to rescind the motion carried at the afternoon sitting in favor of restrospective officers' pay. .

Mr. Elliott moved an amendment that retrospective pay be asked only for second-lieutenants.

The amendment was lost on voices, and the motion defeated by 28 to 26. A subsequent motion that no action should be taken in the matter for twelve months was carried.

It was unanimously agreed that headquarters should defray the expenses of secretaries at the secretaries' conference.

Mr. Harper, a mepber of the Pensions Board, addressed the conference on the pensions administration, and answered numerous questions, receiving a hearty vote of thanks.

On concluding, the legal committee submitted the following resolution: That a Bill be introduced in Parliament for the purpose of having April 25 made a close holiday, to be called "Anzac Day," in commemoration of those who have fallen in the Great War. The Bill shall also provide that on Anzac Day all places of business and amusement shall be closed, also all hotels.