S.A. WAR VETERANS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 43, 20 February 1930, Page 18

S.A. WAR VETERANS

WELLINGTON EXECUTIVE

"We were among the first to greet the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) when His Excellency arrived in the Dominion," said Major P. de B. Brandon, president of the Wellington branch of the South African War Veterans' Association, at the last meeting of the executive committee, "and we were among the last to bid him farewell. There was a thoroughly representative parade of memoers, and this gives further evidence of tho increasing interest manifested by the veterans of the South African War in the activities of tho association." . There was a large attendance of the committee, those present being Messrs. J, I. Goldsmith (secretary), Captain J. J. Clark (treasurer), H. Murdoch, W. T. C. Wortley, W. Aldersbn, J. France, B. C. Cull, Captain Bishop; and J. A. Shaud. It was stated that the representatives of the association on ; the War. Memorial Carillon Association were Major Brandon and Mr. Goldsmith, and that they had done valuable work in connection with the activities of that association. The South African Association's memorial bell was considered to be an illustration of the. practical work being done. • Grateful recognition was made of the receipt of a cheque for £45 7s lid, from the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, as the result of the last Rose Day appeal, and it was decided to place the services of the South African Veterans Association at the disposal of the Wellington R.S.A. on Poppy Day, which will be held on Thursday, 24th April. ; The financial position of the association was reported to be in' every way satisfactory, the credit balance being £185 Is 9d. It was stated that never before in the history of the association had the outlook been so promising., From all parts of the Dominion came reports of increased interest in the work of the association, and new branches were being formed in several districts! The Hutt Valley branch, which is now affiliated, showed a good membership, and already gave promise of having a very useful career, ' It was decided "to have the annual "smoke social" of the Wellington Association at an early date, as the last function was one of the moßt successful yet held. In •other districts in the Wellington province similar gatherings had been held, and whenever possible representatives of the Dominion and the. Wellington associations were present to convey their'felicitations to their comrades.

It was decided to revise the rules of the association, and for this purpose a subcommittee, consisting of Major Brandon, Captain Clark, and Mr. Goldsmith (secretary) was appointed to report to a future meeting. ;. ■ One month's leave of absence was granted the secretary, who is about to leave on a hbliday trip to Sydney, and it was decided to convey through Mr. Goldsmith the good wishes, of the Wellington Association to .the Soutk African War Veterans' Associations of New South Wales. Mr^ Goldsmith was also authorised to conBult with the executive of the N.S.W. Association in the matter of arranging some basis for reciprocity between the Dominion and the Stats regarding pensions. '