PENSIONS FOR EX-SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1921, Page 5

PENSIONS FOR EX-SOLDIERS.

IS ENOUGH BEING DONE? EXECUTIVE OF R.S.A. DISAGREE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A warm discussion took place at the meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, as a result of which Mr. 0. F. Andrews, one of the Auckland delegates, tendered his resignation, owing to what he termed a "breach of faith” on the part of the committee towards disabled soldiers. Mr. Andrews moved to the effect .that the executive was of the opinion that the pension should be proceeded with forthwith, as the association was in honor bound to safeguard the interests of disabled men. Mr. R. B. Bell (Wellington) moved as an amendment that the campaign should not be launched before two months before the opening of Parliament for ordinary business. Mr. F. G. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Andrews said they had failed in their duty to the disabled man. They had laid down a definite policy, and had not done all that cou'ld have been done to carry it into effect. He considered the executive had been weighed in the balance and found wanting by the disabled men. He prophesied that, if the amendment was carried meetings of the men would be held throughout the Dominion, and the men would appeal to tdie Government to carry out the campaign. The amendment was carried by eight votes to four, Messrs. Andrews and Long asking that their negative votes be recorded. Mr. Andrews then intimated his resignation, stating that it was his intention to get into communication with the disabled men and to organise for the drawing up of a petition to the Government. Mr. Smith remarked that he appreciated the candour of Messrs. Andrews and Long in the position they had taken up. He moved: “That as Messrs. Andrews and Long intend to announce publicly that the disabled men have nothing to hope, for from the action which the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association is taking to obtain an increase in the pensions, the executive regretfully indicates to Messrs. Andrews and Long bhat they should forthwith resign from the executive. Mr. Bell seconded. Mr. Harper stated that the reason the campaign had been held over was that the pensions subcommittee'was in doubt as to the interpretation of the conference remits to be laid before the Government. He said it w r as only now that they could confidently draw up a petition. Mr. Andrews maintained that the remit was drawn up at a previous conference, and had plainly stipulated an increase in the pension allowance of 75 per cent. A motion was passed urging Mr. Andrews to reconsider his decision. Mr. Long had retired in the course of the discussion, and did not again appear at that session.