INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 5, 16 April 1920, Page 10

INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

(Sgd.) F. BURWELL,

A meeting of the executive was held recently. The secretary reported 24 new members. The Southland War Funds Association wrote stating that the issue of tobacco and cigarettes would be discontinued. The men had through, the N.Z.E.F. being rendered non-existent by the Delence Department automaticaliy become civilians. The executive considered that this was not justifiable grounds as the men were still in hospital and the need was the same. It was decided that the President and Secretary wait upon the committee., A formal not was received from the Town Council stating that the question of allowing concessions to returned soll diers who were limbless was being considered. Mr McLean reported on the Dominion Conference. The following letter presented at the meeting is published in full as showing the official attitude towards this matter : New Zealand Military Forces, Headquarters, Otago Military District, Dunedin, 26th March, 1920. Dear Sir,— Reference your momo, of the 18th February re the issue of clothing, and in continuation of this office memo. 11/3 of the 15th March, as pointed out in the latter, the matter was referred to Headquarters, Wellington, for a ruling. It was pointed out that the renovated clothing has been taken into stock and forms part of issues to territoi ials, etc., in the usual way. All clothing before renovation is thoroughly laundered and disinfected, and there should be no objec tion on the part of any individual to its issue, — Yours Faithfully, (Sgd.) T. W. McDONALD, Colonel, Commanding Otago Military District. Members generally were of opinion that although it had to be worn in the war zone there was no need for it now, and strong disapproval was evident that returned men in hospitals and under treatment was to he issued second-hand clothing. It was decided to present the official attitude to the Red Cross, asking their co-operation in the matter. _ The following letter from the Town Council is published for the information of all .concerned : — • Town Hall, Invercargill, N.Z., 25th March, 1920. RE FREE BURIAL OF SOLDIERS. Dear Sir,— I am desired to forward you a copy of a letter which was addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs dated 7th July, 1917:— "In reply to yours dated 18th June, 1917, I have pleasure to inform you that the question of oemetery , allotment and interment expenses to members of the £xpeditionary Forces who died prior to their discharge from such forces, has been considered by my. Council. The Council will be very pleased to comply with your wishes, viz. , 'that burial plots for such soldiers should he supplied free of eost,' and will later on, as you desire, permit the erection by the Government of suitable headstones. I might mention that the Council is considering a suggestion forwarded by His Worship the Mayor to grant the relatives of those who have been buried on the battlefield, the right to erect a memorial stone, if they so desire it, down one of the principal roads in the .cemetery, thus forming a Soldiers'. Avenue. His Worship consider s that if this idea was given effect to, it would, without douht, be largely availed of, and would. thus be a lasting memorial to those brave lads who laid down their lives .for King and Empire." I might add that the Soldiers' Avenue has heen since authorised, and that it is hoped your Association may find the foregoing information useful.— Yours Faithfully,

n ' - Town Clerk.